To the editor,
On behalf of the Regional District of Nanaimo board, I would like to thank area residents for your co-operation and understanding during this time of provincial emergency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all and changed our world. But in these challenging times I am heartened by the many acts of kindness I am seeing in our region. All around us, people are finding ways to pull together to support one another and find new ways to connect.
At the RDN we have faced many challenges, but our staff have responded magnificently. We have made adjustments so we can continue to provide excellent service to our residents. This includes moving many services online and holding board meetings virtually. We are working closely with our municipal partners and provincial agencies to ensure we are complying with and supporting all senior government directives.
I want to assure you that essential services are being maintained. This includes water, waste services, garbage collection and fire services. RDN transit continues to operate with some changes so that we can abide by physical distancing requirements. Planning, building, bylaw, and finance requests are being processed and our recreation staff are re-designing programming so we can offer engaging activities online. Our doors may be closed, but we are open for business. Please continue to engage with the RDN and visit our website for valuable information. We are still here to serve you.
It is crucial that we continue to follow the advice of the provincial health officer: wash your hands often, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain physical distancing as much as possible. This also applies when outdoors. While playgrounds and recreational facilities are closed, our beautiful parks and trails remain open. Please be careful to maintain distance by stepping aside if someone is coming down the trail, sneeze and cough into your elbow, and throw any used wipes or tissues into the garbage.
These are difficult times, but we will pull through by working together. On behalf of the RDN board, I want to express thanks to our health-care workers, all front-line service providers in the community, and to our dedicated RDN staff who keep our services running. We can all be proud of our region’s response to this emergency situation. Please continue to take the necessary steps to protect your health and well-being, and that of your family, friends, and neighbours.
Be kind and take care. I wish you all well.
Ian Thorpe, chairman, Regional District of Nanaimo
READ ALSO: Regional District of Nanaimo wants to self-isolate during COVID-19 pandemic
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.