West Van declares state of emergency

The District of West Vancouver has declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The declaration provides the district with additional emergency powers to enforce the Order of the Provincial Health Officer.

It will allow the district to enforce closures and cancel business licenses for businesses that are not following the direction of the Provincial Health Officer.

The Emergency Program Act provides that municipalities have the power to declare a State of Local Emergency where the district determines that an emergency exists in its community.

It also provides the powers to act and implement procedures that the district considers necessary to prevent, respond to, or alleviate the effects of an emergency.

“These are unprecedented and challenging times, and these powers give us the ability to further protect our residents and businesses,” says Mayor Mary-Ann Booth.

“We have a great community, and I can see that many of us are doing their part by staying home and practicing social distancing, and abiding by the directives of the Provincial Health Officer. Some are not. We are doing what we can, and we need these powers to ensure everyone practices social responsibility, even if we need to compel them.”

District of West Vancouver has closed the Seniors’ Activity Centre as well as all community centres and cultural facilities.

Municipal Hall has reduced its public walk-in hours from 10 am to 2 pm.

Staff will be available by phone and email during regular business hours, but response times will be longer than usual.

Residents are asked to use online services wherever possible, district said.