The City of Nelson is changing the way it does business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city will no longer have its doors open to the public, a city news release states. But there will still be staff in the office to provide services through alternative service delivery models.
The majority of transactions with the city, including all bill payments, can be done online at www.nelson.ca or by telephone at 250-352-5511.
For a complete list of services and departments, a telephone directory can be found at http://www.nelson.ca/Directory.aspx
Appointments can be set up with individual departments for those services that cannot be performed by phone or email.
In an effort to support those in self-isolation, council has extended the discount period for water, sewer and waste invoices to April 15, 2020.
The planning department will be accepting applications and communications by email at development@nelson.ca. Staff will accept scanned or photographed documents, but keep all original, signed documents to bring to the office once it re-opens. Credit card payments will be accepted over the phone.
The public is invited to set up an appointment for those planning department services that cannot be performed by phone or email.
Mayor John Dooley posted a video on the city’s Facebook page Thursday.
“I want to encourage people to make sure you are checking with your neighbours and with your friends,” he said.
“Taking care of our business community is really important right now. It’s a tough time to be a small business person in Nelson.”
Dooley urged people to shop at local businesses, if not in person then by phone or online, and to use local home delivery services.
bill.metcalfe@nelsonstar.com
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