Almost two years to the day after closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Richmond City Hall is opening its doors to the public again on March 21.
This means Richmondites can come to city hall to pay their taxes, get a business licence or listen to a city council meeting.
“Recent changes to public health orders and easing of restrictions means we can now welcome people back to city hall to safely conduct necessary business," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie in a press release.
The city notes, however, proof of vaccination will be required for anyone entering the building and masks are mandatory. There will also be capacity limits and customer circulation routes.
All city employees who are currently working are vaccinated – city council passed a motion in October requiring all city hall employees, as well as council members, to be fully vaccinated.
Some employees who didn’t show their proof of vaccination were put on unpaid leave.
Richmond residents have been able to access many city services online while city hall has been shut, and the city noted in a press release Monday that online service will continue via the city’s website and the MyRichmond portal.
The public can also attend city council and its committee meetings – currently being held in council chambers instead of the Anderson Room on the second floor – as well as public hearings in person, but they will also continue to be streamed online.
The city, in its press release, encouraged the public to attend virtually “when possible.”
