TNRD – Regional board to discuss proposal to live stream its meetings

By MEL ROTHENBURGER
Director, Electoral Area P, TNRD

Regional district meetings could be live streamed in future if a proposal gains enough support from board members.

I submitted a notice of motion at Thursday’s (June 18, 2020) that the TNRD investigate costs and options for live streaming its regular board meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic the board has met via teleconference. While awkward, it provided a way of live streaming them ojn Facebook, which allowed more members of the public to sit in, virtually, than normally attend board meetings in person.

Very seldom does anyone from the public show up at a meeting in the boardroom, and most media don’t attend either, which means decisions are being made without public scrutiny. The TNRD does a good job of communicating via other means, but live streaming would be a good addition.

My motion will be discussed at the July meeting of the board and I’m hopeful it will get support. It’s as follows:

WHEREAS we, as a local government, have a responsibility to promote civic engagement, dissemination of accurate information, inclusivity, transparency and accountability, and

WHEREAS many residents aren’t able to physically attend TNRD board meetings, and

WHEREAS many local governments in B.C., across Canada and other jurisdictions around the world live stream their meetings to provide constituents access to their proceedings, and

WHEREAS recent live streaming of TNRD board meetings on Facebook due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements drew interest from the public that exceeded the usual physical attendance at our meetings,

NOW THEREFORE, the board directs staff to investigate the possible costs and options — including archiving, security and equipment — for live streaming TNRD board meetings either on Facebook or the TNRD website.