The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will be closing a number of community centres, swap sheds and volunteer fire halls to the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Robson Valley Recreation Centre, Robson Valley Community Centre and Canoe Valley Recreation Centre will all close effective on Friday, March 20.
"These closures will allow our staff to focus on deep cleaning of both facilities as well as some other maintenance work," a statement issued by the regional district on Thursday said. "The situation will be assessed in a few weeks to determine an appropriate time to reopen those facilities."
In addition, volunteer fire halls in the regional district have been closed for public gatherings. Fire departments will still respond to emergency calls.
The swap sheds at the Mackenzie, Valemount and McBridge transfer stations were closed on Thursday.
The Foothills landfill and regional transfer stations will remain open as normal, but residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary visits.
The regional district's main office in Prince George will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, however residents are encouraged to avoid coming into the office unless. People are encouraged to call 250-960-4400 or 1-800-667-1959, or go online to www.rdffg.bc.ca for more information.
To apply for a building permit or schedule a building inspection, call ahead to schedule a time. In the Robson Valley, appointments can be booked by calling 250-569-4211. Heating unit inspections on existing homes are suspended. Homeowners are asked to supply installation confirmation from a certified WETT installer.
Land use and zoning information is available by calling the office and speaking to a planner. Alternatively, the public can access an online mapping system on the regional district website.
Currently three public hearings have been postponed by the regional district and will be rescheduled, the regional district statement said.
The regional district board of directors' public meeting, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, was expected to continue with a reduced agenda. Committed meetings and other board sessions have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
