CRESTON, B.C., June 1, 2020 –Town Council adopted the Town Hall Re-Opening policy on May 26, 2020, in accordance with the Provincial Medical Health Officer’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan Order and WorkSafe BC requirements. This Policy outlines the enhanced measures the Town of Creston will take to mitigate potential hazards related to COVID-19 transmission and maintain a safe workplace. Effective June 1, Town Hall is physically open to the public.
“The month of June is traditionally our busiest time at Town Hall, primarily due to residents coming in to pay property taxes. We want to assure our citizens that their health and safety, as well as that of our Town staff, is our highest priority”, said Mayor Ron Toyota. “The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to make some changes to ensure that we can provide in-person assistance, while ensuring that all Provincial and Federal orders and recommendations are able to be followed”.
Many safety protocols have been implemented, including but not limited to: clearly marked entrance and exit locations, allowing only one customer in the building at a time, markers indicating proper spacing for physical distancing, providing hand sanitizer for customer use, and the installation of plexiglass at the customer service counters. To accommodate enhanced cleaning measures and set up, the hours that Town Hall is physically open will be 9 am – 12 pm, and 1 pm – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. As needed, there may also be a Town staff member set up at street level on 10th Ave. N. to assist customers between those hours. Town of Creston Council and staff ask that you stay home if you are feeling any cold or flu like symptoms.
“We can certainly appreciate that there are a lot of questions around the payment methods for property taxes and especially around how to claim the Home Owner’s Grant. We encourage you to connect with us however you are the most comfortable”, said Steffan Klassen, Director of Finance and Corporate Services. “Above all, we want our citizens to know that we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us by calling our office 250-428-2214 or sending an email to info@creston.ca. We also have a comprehensive listing of payment methods and instructions on how to view your tax account online on our website – www.creston.ca.”
Town Hall has been physically closed to the public since March 17, 2020.
-30-
For more information, contact: