Calgary,
21
March
2020
|
10:11
America/Denver

City restricts access to Municipal Complex

News release March 20

RESTRICTING ACCESS TO CITY HALL

Mach 20 – As a result of the measures put in place to limit the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces, public access to The City of Calgary Municipal Complex is changing.

Effective Monday, March 23, The City will be restricting access to the Municipal Complex to citizens that require business services as well as employees. The City has taken this extraordinary measure to ensure a safe and secure workplace and to encourage physical distancing.

“At a time when we are asking Calgarians to keep their distance from one another, it stands to reason that we would not be creating scenarios in which people may congregate,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Tom Sampson.

This decision was not taken lightly and was done in collaboration with a number of teams across The City. The City will be engaging impacted community organizations, businesses, and support groups to address issues that this closure may have on vulnerable citizens who are currently accessing the Municipal Complex Atrium.

Employees with valid access cards will still be able to access the Municipal Complex but, as with many businesses in Calgary, many are working from home and those that are able are asked to do so. Citizens looking to gain access to the complex to access services or for City business, will be directed to one of two doors where City security staff will help direct them.

Services that will remain open during the restrictions are:

  • Planning and Development desk
  • Tax questions
  • Enmax desk
  • Cashier

“We would ask all Calgarians to seek alternatives to congregating in public, whether that’s for social or business reasons,” said Sampson. “I would also encourage all citizens who may feel that they are not 100 percent well or feel a cold coming on, to just stay home.”

Sampson said there are plenty of ways for Calgarians to enjoy our great city and also help local businesses.

“It’s a great weekend to go outside, support each other but don’t have huge gatherings,” said Sampson. “You can still support local businesses. Buy gift cards for later use or order take out. Every little thing we do gives those businesses hope.”

Some Canadian cities, including Edmonton, have entirely closed their city hall complexes. The City will continue to monitor the impact of this decision and will make adjustments as necessary.

The City will also wants to remind Calgarians that Plus-15 pedestrian walkways will continue to close from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

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