At the Madawaska Valley Council meeting on the evening of March 17, in order to protect staff and residents, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Council unanimously agreed to direct staff to lock the doors of the municipal office. Yet, the municipality remains “open for business” during the course of this pandemic. Like other municipalities in the County of Renfrew, MV has determined that keeping a safe distance is the best course of action.
Why is the municipality taking this step?
Mayor Love and CAO Klatt advised Council that traffic into the office had increased. Mayor Love said, “I don’t think our community understands…. They are continuing to do what they’ve always done…. I would strongly urge Council to continue business in the office but close the doors. Take appointments for staff, but not take walk-in traffic…. Staff are all very determined to continue the business of this municipality … but not if we continue to allow the public to come in with just an open door policy where people are coming from further and further afield because we’re open and nobody else is.”
Council discussed that it is vital for public health and safety that all residents take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. Mayor Love said, “We want to get the message across very clearly: The office is closed but business is continuing.”
What does this mean to residents?
Township staff continue to provide municipal services to residents — just not in person. You may contact the municipal office by telephone or email during business hours. Contact details for all departments are available at www.madawaskavalley.ca If you wish to make a payment, please do so by mailing a cheque, paying at the bank, or putting a cheque (not cash) in the drop box outside the township office. A receipt will be posted to you.
Municipal staff will concentrate on essential services and they ask for your patience as in some cases this might not happen not quite as quickly as usual should they be working from home, required to self-isolate, caring for family members, etc. But equally a delay might happen because they were up all night or through the weekend providing essential services to our community.
Council requests all residents to pass this information along to any friends or family members, especially those without access to the internet.
For information about social distancing and minimizing the risk of infection, please click HERE to refer to Renfrew County and District Health Unit advice.
