Delta will declare a state of emergency.
Following the provincial government and the City of Vancouver also declaring a state of emergency, Delta Mayor George Harvie in a news release said he requested Emergency Management B.C. to allow the city to declare a local state of emergency.
This move will enable the mayor to enact powers necessary to support the provincial health officer in her verbal order to limit public gatherings and practice social distancing.
Harvie stated he also requested that the provincial government provide local governments the authority to extend payment deadlines for the collection of fees and taxes without any penalty to residents and businesses.
The city also requested the province adjust requirements to qualify for the Property Tax Deferment Program to allow for broader participation and to consider any other measures that could alleviate the financial burden that many are facing during the coronavirus crises.
“These are challenging times for residents and businesses in our community. By declaring a Local State of Emergency, we will have additional abilities to protect the community. We also recognize the financial hardship being faced by our residents and businesses at this time and are asking our counterparts at the Provincial Government to provide some immediate relief,” Harvie said.
“I continue to work with all of Council and staff to protect this community from the impact of COVID-19 – taking these measures today will help us in our ongoing response to this public health crisis.”
The news release also notes people can visit the city’s website at delta.ca/coronavirus for updates about Delta’s response to COVID-19 as well as information on services that the city is continuing to provide.
