Bridgewater Town Council have been meeting virtually and broadcasting a livestream since March 22, after the province went into a State of Emergency. Photo: Facebook
Tonight will see the first in-person council meeting in Bridgewater in over four months and some new changes could improve the experience even once the pandemic is over.
Mayor David Mitchell says in what is to be a first for Bridgewater Town Council tonight’s meeting will see a contractor pitch their application approval virtually, “We strive for public engagement and I see this as a new opportunity to improve that even beyond the pandemic.”
Tonight’s meeting will also allow for members of the public to attend but there will be some new protocols in place. You must register ahead of time as council chambers have limited seating due to its the new setup that’s in accordance with physical distancing guidelines. Masks are required when you enter the building like in all other public spaces. Anyone who attends will also have to provide contact information so they can be reached by public health officials in the event of an outbreak.
In-person meetings are something the mayor has been calling for in recent weeks as he sees them as invaluable opportunity to engage in efficient discourse, “They are just a completely different kind of meeting, they allow for better debate, interaction and it also is easier for me to lead the meetings when I can actually see people in person.”
Overall the mayor thinks the online meetings have gone well now that they have ironed out some of the initial issues. He also proudly claimed that virtually no town business had to be sidelined as a result of the pandemic and it was “business as usual” throughout.
Tonight’s meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. and it will be available online via the town’s Facebook page.
