Dear Ward 1 Residents.
It is my sincere hope that everyone is keeping well and managing during these unprecedented times. It is hard to comprehend how much life has changed in such a short period of time.
In an attempt to ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, city operations have changed drastically. Staff and council have been working from home for the past 2 weeks and only meeting over a conference call. Information is changing/updating at a very rapid pace, and it is our hope to keep you notified through various means both online and in print.
There are many helpful apps that can be used on smartphones and ipads to help communicate with people during these times of isolation. We have used the app Zoom for various meetings and webinars. Whether using Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other methods, I highly encourage residents to both practice physical distancing but also maintain virtual contact with friends and loved ones.
Not only have I had to begin a new way of life working from home but also had to make the very difficult choice to close my personal business and lay off all employees. I have been learning about the government subsidies this week and plan to help as many small business owners as I can to navigate through the government applications once available In these perhaps difficult times, there are many helpful connections in our community that are there to help people get food or other assistance – whatever they may need. Please reach out to me if you need something and I will do my best to steer you in the right direction or make a connection with an organization that is there for you.
I highly encourage all residents to listen to the government’s request for social and physical distancing at this time so that we can all get through this pandemic together as quickly as possible.
Stay safe and thank you.
~A message from Kelvin Galbraith Ward 1 City and Regional Councilor~
