Despite briefly returning on May 4 with an online submission form, Question Period remains unavailable. (City of Nanaimo)

By Spencer Sterritt

city Hall

Question Period to remain on hold after online alternative removed

Jun 13, 2020 | 7:53 AM

NANAIMO — The formal Question Period at City of Nanaimo council meetings is expected to remain on hold for more than two months.

The ability to speak to City Council directly at meetings was removed on March 31 with a ministerial order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On May 4, an online submission form was made available to replace in-person Question Period. Seventeen questions were submitted, mostly focused on the pedestrian safety issue on the agenda.

The online submission form was pulled from the website shortly after.

More than one month later, it’s still not available.

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City staff said councillors wanted to discuss the large volume of questions received on May 4 but there wasn’t time at the June 8 meeting, so it’s delayed until July 13.

When reached for comment, many councillors expressed their desire to move away from Question Period as it currently runs.

“In my opinion, it is not worthwhile as it has been operating,” coun. Ian Thorpe said. “It has become a forum for a small group of regular Council watchers to give opinions, ask rhetorical questions or want immediate information from staff.”

Thorpe encouraged people to appear as a delegation discussing Council issues than to submit questions at the end.

“A discussion on the future of Question Period is in order and I don’t believe the public is missing out due to its suspension,” Thorpe said.

Many councillors, such as Erin Hemmens and Zeni Maartman, encouraged people with concerns to reach out to city council directly.

Coun. Ben Geselbracht said he saw only a handful of people use Question Period during his time at the table.

“Maybe because it is held so late at the end of a council meeting,” Geselbracht said. “Right now email is the best way to get good timely answers and we field countless each week. We will review the process as soon as possible.”

Question Period is expected to be discussed on July 13 alongside how the City handles the wide variety of correspondence it receives.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit