Extra day off to celebrate Canada Day

Many, but not all municipal staff here will have the chance at an extra long weekend when Canada Day rolls around this year.

Councillors here have agreed to a recommendation that the administration centre be closed on July 1 and 2 “to observe Canada Day and provide staff with a four day weekend.”

However, the time off  will come either as a vacation day used, or a day in lieu for other work.

Clerk Marsha Paley’s report noted that although the administration office will be closed on the Friday, building department staff will conduct inspections - but on reduced hours.

Staff in the Public Works Department and Recreation will follow regular schedules.

Contract staff or students may be able to work an extra half hour per day to accrue sufficient time to cover the lost time - however that decision rests with the individual and the department head.

Mayor David Anderson said a similar approach was taken in 2008.

Councillor Tammy Reiner asked if other departments had the option taking the Monday off for a long weekend.

Paley’s answer to that question was no.

She said other staff would likely still be working regular summer hours.

Councillor Rick Hembly said it seems to make more sense to have the Thursday and Friday off, rather than a Thursday and Monday.

“As long as they use lieu, or vacation time, I don’t have a problem with it,” he said.

Council approved the recommendation to have the offices closed both days.