Ward 3 councillor Phil Allt is currently in Mexico and plans to self-quarantine upon his return to Guelph on Saturday.
That two week self-quarantine means Allt would be unable to attend the next meeting of Guelph City Council on March 30. That has him concerned that democracy is being "truncated."
He would like to see the council meeting delayed.
"Councillors are elected to represent their wards and a variety of perspectives. If I were to be absent for business or a holiday, that is one thing. This is an exceptional circumstance," Allt told GuelphToday via email.
"If the House of Commons can be prorogued, our city’s business can be put on hold without seriously consequence. In fact, I think anything that might be decided could be put to challenge by residents one or some were so inclined. "
Allt has no COVID-19 symptoms and is taking the precaution given where he is vacationing.
"I feel I must do what I consider to be the right thing," he said.
"The problem for me is this: there is a council meeting to which I feel I must attend. Regrettably I cannot and therefore electoral democracy will be somewhat truncated - perhaps by the absence of more than me."
The March meeting is expected to entertain two notices of motion looking to reopen discussion on two hot-topic decisions council recently made: keeping two fenced-in dog parks open and rejecting a large development on Whitelaw Road.
Allt forwarded an email he sent to the other members of council:
"Colleagues: as I am currently in Mexico and unable to return until Saturday - there is simply little detail and few flights until then - I will not be able to attend the end of the month meeting - should it occur. I will be self isolating as per the protocol recommended by the Government of Canada.
"Little could I have realized that this might occur. Here, in Cozumel, I am relatively safe and not likely to be carrier of COVID-19. Upon return to a Canadian airport, I become susceptible and a potential agent of the virus. I would not wish to put either staff, the pubic nor council in jeopardy should I be an unlikely carrier.
"Giving this long notice as it is a certainty I cannot attend being within the two week window for quarantine. Thanks to staff, medical staff, paramedics etc for all that is being done to keep people from harm’s way."
"I apologize to all for not being able to represent similar views and visions at Council. I must rely upon the wisdom of my Council colleagues in this challenging time. Please contact me privately if you wish to discuss this decision."
