The Town of Antigonish will be re-opening Town Hall to the public on June 1, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. with a few modifications to accommodate new public health protocols. To ensure the protection of staff and the public, the Town will be enforcing the following rules for anyone entering Town Hall:

• The public will enter and exit through the Main Door, which is the front right door under the Town Hall Sign.
• Anyone looking to speak with someone in Recreation should wait outside the entrance on College Street and phone 902-863-7612 or 902-318-4048 to be let in the building.
• Only three (3) people are permitted to wait in the lobby at one time.
• All appointments are required to be scheduled in advance. Phone and video meetings will be encouraged whenever possible.
• Any member of the public who has a meeting with the Mayor or staff person is required to check-in at the front counter.
• Any member of the public who is traveling beyond the front counter must wear a mask. Masks will be given at the front desk upon check-in.
• Packages and deliveries will be directed to phone 902-863-2351 and press 0 or phone 902-867-5575 to connect with a staff person to meet them at the side door.

Markers and signage have been installed at Town Hall to indicate social distancing measures, as well as directions for entry and exit of Town Hall. Plexiglass barriers have also been installed on the front counter and on the desks for staff as added protection. Increased cleaning measures have been initiated and mask use is encouraged for staff and the public when social distancing requirements cannot be met.

“Our goal is to do our best to protect staff and the public while regaining a sense of normalcy for the Town,” said Jeff Lawrence, CAO. “Both Town staff and Council thanks the residents of Antigonish for being so understanding during these challenging times presented by COVID-19. Everyone’s ability to adapt and willingness to support and care for their neighbours has shown has strong we are as a community.”

Town Hall was closed to the public in March as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic started to impact Nova Scotia. The Town ensured the continued delivery of essential services to residents and businesses amid the closure by making arrangements to have many staff work from home and by making adjustments to schedules and work environments to accommodate the new health and safety practices. The Town remains committed to being flexible with options for bill payments for those who are dealing with varying levels of financial stress as a result of COVID-19. If anyone has any questions regarding their account can call 902-863-2351 and press 0 to speak with a staff person or visit Town Hall on June 1 during regular business hours. In addition, the Town will resume regular parking enforcement, which includes the monitoring of paid parking lots and parking meters on June 8, 2020.

The Town is asking residents to please be respectful of others and act with care as Town Hall and the rest of the businesses in our community begin their respective re-opening process. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands often and keep your distance from those who are outside of your bubble.  

To download this media release, pdf click here. (137 KB)