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The City of Terrace is committed to ensuring citizens are kept informed of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking direction from the federal government, provincial government, Northern Health, and the BC Centre for Disease Control in order to do our part to help minimize the spread of this virus. This includes recommendations for physical distancing, a tactic to minimize close contact with others in the community by avoiding crowding and cancelling public gatherings, among other measures.
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City Facilities Status - Updated Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 9:15 am
If you have questions related to COVID-19 specifically, please email us at covid19@terrace.ca instead of contacting the departments listed below. Thank you!
| Facility | Status | How to stay in touch |
|---|---|---|
| City Hall | Open to the public. | Phone: 250-635-6311 Email: cityhall@terrace.ca In person: 8:30 am–4:30 pm If possible, please have only one member of your household enter City Hall to help maintain physical distancing. Anyone who has been outside of the country recently or who has COVID-19–related symptoms will not be permitted to enter. Plexiglas shields and floor markings have been installed to keep both staff and visitors safe while completing transactions. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door. |
| Fire Department Administration Office | Closed to the public with limited in-person access on request. | Phone: 250-638-4734 Email: firehall@terrace.ca In person: Please call or email first if possible; in-person meetings will be limited. |
| Sportsplex | Open for Public Skating, Fitness classes (free trial Sept 21-23; regular classes begin Oct 5), and more by reservation only. | Phone: 250-615-3000 Email: leisureservices@terrace.ca In person: Please call or email first. |
| Terrace & District Aquatic Centre | Swimming and gym use by reservation only. Please click here or contact us for details. | Phone: 250-615-3030 Email: leisureservices@terrace.ca In person: Please call or email first. |
| Public Works/Development Services | Open to the public. | Phone: 250-615-4000 Email: pw@terrace.ca or developmentservices@terrace.ca In person: 8:30 am–4:30 pm Anyone who has been outside of the country recently or who has COVID-19–related symptoms will not be permitted to enter. Plexiglas shields and floor markings have been installed to keep both staff and visitors safe while completing transactions. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door. The number of visitors inside the facilities at any one time will be limited. |
| Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT) | Unaffected. | Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies. |
Frequently Asked Questions – Updated Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 9:15 am
General Questions
Can I visit the City of Terrace offices in person?
In line with the guidelines for Phase 2 of the Province’s Restart BC plan and WorkSafeBC, the City of Terrace opened City Hall and the Public Works/Development Services building as of Monday, June 1. Please read our news release for details.
The Sportsplex and Terrace & District Aquatic Centre are open for swimming, skating, fitness classes, and gym use by reservation only.
In all offices, staff members are also available to assist you by phone and email. Please check https://www.terrace.ca/city-hall/department-contacts for a list of all contact information. If you’re not sure who to call, please call our main switchboard at 250-638-4700 and we will point you in the right direction.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Mayor and Council
Now that City Hall is open again, can I attend Council Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings?
City Hall is open to the public, and that means the public may attend our public meetings in person again.
OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:
Watch in Council Chambers
- Public attendance in Council Chambers will be limited to just two individuals due to the size of this room and our commitment to maintaining physical distancing.
- No open beverages will be permitted in Council Chambers at this time—closed water bottles and mugs are permitted.
- The Council Chambers are cleaned before and after a meeting and high touch surfaces such as the podium will be cleaned between speakers.
- As normal, you have the opportunity to speak directly to Council during a public hearing or during the Questions from the Media and Audience section at the end of a regular council meeting. Be prepared to switch out of the room with other members of the public who may wish to speak. (See below.)
Watch at City Hall via livestream (available during public hearings and regular council meetings)
- We are also opening up a room downstairs in City Hall where we will livestream the webcast for anyone interested in attending (room will be set up to maintain physical distancing). Anyone watching in this room may also participate by rotating with those members of the public viewing the meeting in Council Chambers when they have a comment to make, which is permitted either during a public input hearing or during the Questions from the Media and Audience section at the end of a regular council meeting. A staff member will be onsite to assist with this.
Watch via livestream (available for public hearings, committee of the whole meetings, and regular council meetings)
- Public meetings continue to be livestreamed through the City of Terrace Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CityofTerrace/) and webcasted on the City of Terrace website (https://www.terrace.ca/city-hall/council-webcasts).
Watch or read later
- Regular council meeting livestreams are also archived on our website. Find past meeting videos at https://www.terrace.ca/city-hall/council-webcasts.
- Find minutes from past meetings and agendas for future meetings at https://www.terrace.ca/city-hall/council-agendas-and-minutes.
Present to Council
- If you’re interested in being a delegation on a council agenda, please contact Ashley Poole at apoole@terrace.ca or 250-638-4724.
If attending a meeting in person, be sure to follow all guidelines in place at City Hall upon your arrival. Please do not consider attending a meeting in person if you are unwell.
We will continue to review our open meeting procedures to ensure best efforts are continuing to be met. If you have any concerns or suggestions regarding open meeting procedures, you are invited to contact Alisa Thompson at athompson@terrace.ca or 250-638-4721.
We look forward to having you join us—virtually or in person!
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Administration and Finance
When are property taxes due?
Property taxes were due July 2, as usual. However, the 10% penalty associated with non-payment has been deferred until October 1, 2020. Those who do not pay by 4:30 pm on September 30, 2020, will be charged a 10% penalty on any unpaid current taxes. Visit our Property Tax page for more information.
Will any due dates be extended for current water and sewer bills for businesses?
Due to the closure of municipal buildings, the 10% interest associated with unpaid 2019 4th quarter billings, due March 31, 2020, has been waived until end of day September 30, 2020.
Background: Businesses are billed for water and sewer on a quarterly basis. The October–December 2019 bill was issued at the end of January 2020. As per our bylaw, customers have 60 days to pay (by March 31, 2020), and if payment is not received by the due date, a 10% interest charge is applied.
The 10% interest charge was waived until end of day September 30, 2020, allowing for an additional three months to pay. City of Terrace Council recommended this bylaw amendment at the April 23, 2020, budget meeting. See more here.
Are refunds available for BC Transit passes purchased for March and April 2020?
BC Transit offered a pro-rated refund on March fare products of 42% of the face value based on 13 service days in which fares were not collected. In addition, the full month of April was available for refund. The City of Terrace accepted requests for refunds until August 31, 2020. Please visit City Hall in person or contact us by phone at 250-635-6311.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Economic Development and Business Support
What is the City doing to support local businesses?
To respond to local business needs and help businesses navigate through and make use of available opportunities, the City of Terrace established the Terrace & District Economic Response Team along with the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures 16/37, Kermodei Tourism, and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, with input from the Terrace Downtown Improvement Association. Learn more in the news release and also in our main business support section: https://www.terrace.ca/covid19/biz
Where can I find information about business support available at the federal, provincial, and community level?
Check our business support page for a great list of business supports: https://www.terrace.ca/covid19/biz
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Public Works/Development Services
Can I get extra garbage bag tags?
Yes—with the Public Works and City Hall buildings open to the public again as of June 1, you may pick up tags in person. As always, please consider our crews and keep any additional bags to 50 lbs at most. Crews will use gloves and practise physical distancing with the public when picking up curbside bags. Do NOT place any yard waste in these bags. Please DO ensure the bag tag is clearly visible on the bag—stapling it on is best. Bags placed in garbage cans or other containers will not be collected—just place them beside your city-provided garbage bin.
Find more details about our curbside pickup program at https://www.terrace.ca/city-services/garbage-recycling
Is my garbage, recycling, and organics pickup currently affected by the pandemic?
No; curbside pickup is continuing as normal.
Do Your Part Recycling is also open and ready for your recycling drop-offs. The depot is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Please note that only one person may be in the facility at a time, so you will need to wait outside until it’s your turn to enter. In addition, Do Your Part has informed us that the gates close half an hour before closing time to allow those waiting the time to get in. During the week, gates close at 4:30 pm and on Saturdays, gates close between 3:15 and 3:30 pm as they are usually the busiest days. Learn more on their website.
Find reminders on curbside recycling requirements here.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Leisure Services
Is the pool and gym open?
Yes. The Terrace & District Aquatic Centre is open for swim and gym visits by reservation only. Learn more here.
What in-person fitness classes are available?
Indoor fitness is back! To kick things off, we have a FREE trial run from September 21–23. We’ll then start up regular fitness classes beginning on October 5. Learn more here.
Is there a way to participate in fitness classes online?
Some of our instructors are posting videos online. Click here for our fitness videos page.
Are summer camps happening for kids?
Summer camps ran June 29 to August 27.
Can I use City sports courts?
Tennis and pickleball courts are open with temporary Rules of Play, which are posted at each sports court, to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Courts will be open 8:30 am–7:30 pm daily
- Courts will be regularly monitored by City of Terrace parks staff
- Washrooms will not be opened on these sites
Please follow the guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, including maintaining physical distancing from those who do not live in your household, not sharing equipment, and not using these facilities if you’re sick or symptomatic. The City of Terrace is relying on the public to respect these temporary Rules of Play so we can continue to enjoy these activities.
Are playgrounds open?
The City of Terrace has reopened all municipal playgrounds, including George Little Park, Kin Park, and more. Please follow guidelines on signage onsite. Play areas will not be disinfected after use, so if you choose to visit, please help your little ones wash their hands. Kids using the playgrounds are not expected to maintain physical distancing, but we recommend caregivers follow the provincial guidelines of 2 metres or 6 feet from others, whether at playgrounds, sports courts, trails, or fields. As always, stay home if you are unwell, and if there are too many at play, please come back later.
Is the splash park open?
The splash park was open from June 10 to September 20. It will reopen in the spring, with an estimated opening of the May long weekend. This is subject to change.
What will happen to my existing membership or punch pass for the Sportsplex or Terrace & District Aquatic Centre?
As of April 29, we began refunding all pool and gym passes, fitness centre passes, and 10-punch passes that were still active at the time of the closure. All should be completed. If you have questions, please contact us at pr@terrace.ca or call the Sportsplex at 250-615-3000.
My child was registered for swimming lessons. Will they be automatically registered in the next session?
All swimming lessons that were scheduled to take place following the closure of the Terrace & District Aquatic Centre due to COVID-19 have been refunded. If you have questions, please contact us at pr@terrace.ca or call the Sportsplex at 250-615-3000.
I require cemetery services. Am I able to visit the office in person?
Cemetery services can be accessed via email and telephone (fax and scan). To schedule an in-person appointment, please call or email before you come to the Sportsplex. Only two people will be allowed in the office at a time, so please consider this when arranging your visit. Please follow the recommended protocols and do not come to the office if you are sick, if you have been around sick people, or have possibly been exposed to COVID-19. To access services or schedule an appointment, please call 250-615-3024 or email lbillson@terrace.ca. Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
Can I book a campsite at Ferry Island?
Smart, safe, and respectful travel is permitted in BC, so Ferry Island Campground is open for all Canadian residents. There are several other regulations you need to know about if you want to camp. View details here.
Camping on Ferry Island is available until September 27, 2020. Please visit the Ferry Island Campground page for reservation info and contact information for additional questions.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Other Community Topics
I have a health-related question. Can you help?
The City of Terrace is only able to answer questions regarding City operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Reliable information regarding recommendations and health tips can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website. Orders, notices, and guidance from the Province are available on their respective website, found here.
What do I do if I see a business that isn’t following the Provincial orders?
The Province enabled our compliance and enforcement officers to help with enforcement regarding public health orders. The City continues to support the Province in a coordinated approach in response to this pandemic, and we are putting our resources towards stemming the spread of COVID-19. This includes actively assisting with the public health Orders and what the Province expects of us.
If you see a business operating in a way that concerns you, we encourage you to speak to their management to understand how they are abiding by the orders and recommendations from the Provincial government. If after discussing with management, there is still a concern that the business is operating in contravention of a provincial order, please reach out to our Bylaw department by emailing bylaw@terrace.ca or by calling 250-615-4037.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
Resources
For the most up-to-date information, please use the following resources:
Government of BC:
- Restart Plan - Phase 3
- COVID-19 support app and self-assessment tool: bc.thrive.health or visit the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Orders, Notices, and Guidance
- Back to school information
- HealthLinkBC: Latest public health alerts
- Physical distancing guidance
BC Centre for Disease Control:
- Information on the virus, community resources, and more
- Latest case counts, government statements, and more
- COVID Dashboard, cases in BC, and cases by local health area
- Learn:
Northern Health:
Government of Canada:
First Nations Health Authority:
Provincial Organizations:
- WorksafeBC: Information for workers and employers
- PreparedBC: How Can I Personally Prepare for COVID-19?
To speak to someone:
- Northern Health’s COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line: 1-844-645-7811
- Novel coronavirus information: 1-833-784-4397
- Health information: 8-1-1
Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.
