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Cranbrook, BC (January 14, 2022) -- Service disruptions can be expected as the City of Cranbrook organization is experiencing significant staffing challenges due to COVID-19 illnesses.

“COVID illness in our staff team has reduced our operational capabilities. Thank you to our remaining staff for working extra hours and changing duties to meet service needs when key roles are vacated,” says Mark Fercho, CAO of the City of Cranbrook. “Residents should know that we have protocols to limit the impacts and spread of illness within our workforce to continue delivering essential services at reduced levels.”

Staff is working to ensure we can continue to provide access to classes and programming at the aquatic centre and arenas, sustaining regular operations as long as possible. However, with the ever-evolving COVID landscape it is not clear how long operations can continue at this current level. 

The same challenges are facing Public Works which has impacted our snow clearing operations. These challenges will continue to impact several important operations, like snow clearing especially if the weather turns wintery again. All available staff and equipment will work to ensure first priority routes remains accessible. 

City Hall and other administrative offices currently remain open for payments, licenses, and applications. Customers are strongly encouraged to continue to access City information and services by phone or by email wherever possible. 

“As an organization, we will make every effort we can to keep our facilities and offices open and accessible and our services operating during this time. We do ask for your understanding as we may need to change our operations and hours, reduce our operations or close facilities with short notice,” says Chris Zettel, Corporate Communications Office for the City of Cranbrook.

If you must visit to any City office facilities you must understand and obey the following guidelines:

•    If you have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended that you do not visit our municipal hall or facilities.
•    Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, which primarily displays as a persistent cough, will not be permitted on the premises. If you are sick, stay home.
•    If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or you live in a household where someone is showing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. 
•    Physical distancing is always required (minimum of two meters). Failure to observe physical distancing risks the closure of the facility, and as such, you will be asked to leave the premises. 
•    We ask that any financial transactions be conducted electronically and not in cash.