An issue with the online audio feed led to city council having to call off its planning meeting on Monday evening.
“Obviously, nobody planned this. … I’m very, very sorry” commented Mayor Cam Guthrie, noting this was the first major glitch in the system since council meetings went online in early 2020. “We have to do this right. … The public at home has to hear what’s going on.”
Meetings turned into a hybrid model in March, held in-person and broadcast virtually.
The meeting’s video feed seemed to be working, but there was no sound being broadcast, including to those councillors who attended virtually.
Only people in council chambers could hear what was said.
The meeting was to feature decisions regarding a proposal to develop part of the former Victoria Park West Golf Club property (12 Poole St.) and an environmental assessment required for the planned pedestrian bridge connecting Emma and Earl streets.
Public meetings for two Gordon Street development proposals were also to be held that night.
Guthrie said some matters are likely to be dealt with during a special council meeting later this week, while others could be pushed off by a couple weeks.
In person for the planned meeting were councillors Phil Allt, June Hofland, Rodrigo Goller, James Gordon, Dominique O’Rourke and Cathy Downer, along with Guthrie. Online attendees included councillors Leanne Caron, Mike Salisbury, Christine Billings, Dan Gibson and Bob Bell.
Coun. Mark MacKinnon was absent.
