TNRD – Board votes to investigate costs of live streaming its meetings

TNRD board meetings may soon be live streamed if a study of costs and equipment is favourable.

My motion to investigate requirements for live streaming the meetings was passed by the board, almost unanimously, at Thursday’s (July 16, 2020) meeting of directors.

I had given notice at the June meeting of the following motion:

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.

I was pleased with the strong support for the initiative. Many city councils and regional district boards in  B.C. and across the country live stream their meetings to provide easy access by taxpayers unable to attend in person.

Among the B.C. cities live streaming meetings are Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, Surrey and Langley.  Regional districts include the Capital Regional District (Vancouver Island), Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Nanaimo and Comox Valley.

As the board is meeting at least temporarily in the Valley First Lounge of the Sandman Centre due to COVID-19, implications of live streaming will have to consider requirements for that location as well as the Civic Building boardroom.

— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P