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Mayor Colin Basran addressed the media on Monday to outline the City of Kelowna’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City said the two dominant focus points of its approach are the public health risk and the economic fallout as a result of the coronavirus, that includes the cancellation of big name events such as the Memorial Cup was Kelowna was scheduled to host in May.
According to Basran, the economic approach to the pandemic is two-pronged, with an effort to "tighten the belt" as well as being a catalyst for economic recovery.
In an effort to tighten the belt, the City has laid off 64 part-time positions and is currently holding off hiring for 90 vacant positions.
Expansion plans at Kelowna International Airport have also been minimized and a hold on all non-essential travel and training for staff has been implemented.
Base budgets for things like professional consulting, materials and supplies, purchasing & contract services have also been reduced.
Basran also used the press conference to remind residents that municipal governments cannot run a deficit like the provincial government.
As a result, local governments must continue to provide essential services such as police, fire, water, roads and solid waste removal during the pandemic.
Few initial details were provided in terms of potenial economic catalysts, however, plans are in motion to coordinate both the public and the private Central Okanagan business community.
On the public health front, a provincial order has mandated that local bylaw officers will act as "educators" to anyone not complying with social distance orders from the province.
Basran closed the presser by encouraging locals to continue to "make noise" at 7 pm when local health care workers change shifts.
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