Powell River mayor Dave Formosa continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely, attending online meetings with Vancouver Coastal Health, along with city councillor CaroleAnn Leishman, who is chair of the Powell River Regional Hospital District board.
At the April 23 city council meeting, Formosa said the meetings have been regular, but cut back from three per week to one.
He said he has also participated in regular meetings with provincial minister of municipal affairs and housing Selina Robinson. Formosa said he also receives updates from various ministers.
“That’s where you hear all the questions coming out with mayors looking for direction and help on some of the issues they are encountering; it’s been very, very helpful,” said Formosa. “Vancouver Coastal Health and our local government ministry have been phenomenal in this pandemic. They have really done a good job in leading and in helping us lead.”
Formosa said he has also been helping city chief administrative officer (CAO) Russell Brewer with issues around Powell River Public Library. Scaffolding is still up at the library for dealing with exterior rocks put on where there was some failure.
“That scaffolding has been there for a while and it’s been a bit of a challenge, but the CAO and myself have reached out and we’re now in negotiations to try and get that resolved at zero cost to the taxpayer,” said Formosa. “That’s the position we’re taking and so far, everyone is open-minded and is working together.”
Formosa said a number of business owners have called, asking him to look into the crystal ball and see what’s coming for local businesses that are struggling, shut down or operating partially during the pandemic.
“I just share with them basically what I know, which is what I know is law, and what I know are suggestions,” said Formosa. “They are wondering what I know from these ministry meetings and I’m telling them what I’m hearing.
“Fairly soon, we’re going to see things letting up. They will probably start with elective surgeries, and from there, you’ll start seeing some more relaxations, but the handwashing and social distancing will not go away. Large gatherings will not go away until there is a vaccine. The rest of it is up to your imagination.”
Formosa said things will open up but it will be a new normal that people need to be ready for, and to strategize for as businesspeople.
