The Town of Battleford is making alterations to the town hall building and several public-facing facilities as a COVID-19 safety precaution, before reopening to the public. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)  

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

Town to make modifications as COVID-19 safety precaution before reopening

May 23, 2020 | 9:00 AM

The Town of Battleford is making modifications to some of its facilities the public will eventually access again in the re-opening process, for the safety of staff and residents alike.

Council approved authorizing administration to spend $12,000 to use for minor renovations at the town hall building, as well as to install barriers at the town’s parks and recreation building and at the campground as a COVID-19 precaution measure.

The offices for public works and utilities, the town plans to keep these buildings closed to the public for the time being until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed. It was mentioned during council’s meeting these facilities provide critical functions for the town’s operations, so it is in their best interest to ensure they remain closed to the public during the pandemic.

CAO John Enns-Wind said in his submitted report that similar to businesses in the community, the town needs to make some adjustments and be proactive to invest in the safety of its staff and the public.

The town will make several modifications to the town hall reception area in particular to improve safety.

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“This is an opportunity to simply address issues surrounding COVID-19 [and] also address ongoing issues related to the reception area and space,” Enns-Wind’s report stated.

With the improvements, the town will ensure there is adequate space for safe social-distancing at the town hall reception area. The public will no longer be permitted to enter the staff’s work area.

The modifications will also better ensure confidential information is not overheard by residents waiting near staff workstations, as another benefit of the re-design. As well, by expanding the office space, there will be room for the public safety officer to be stationed at the town hall in the future.

Council said everyone spent a great deal of time discussing the issue to make sure all the details were covered.

Coun. Susan McLean Tady thanked all the individuals involved for making the project come together “so we can get those doors open to the public as soon as possible.”

“It’s an unfortunate event but it’s something that has to be done,” she said.

Mayor Ames Leslie said the aim of the modifications is to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. At the same time the improvements will also resolve some other issues related to security and confidentiality.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW