Photo: Wayne Moore file photo

For the foreseeable future, members of the public will not be permitted to attend city council meetings.

The restrictions were announced Friday afternoon due to new provincial health orders regarding gatherings and events.

The order states that all council meetings and public hearings can go ahead, but without public, or media in attendance.

In a news release Friday, the city says the regular Monday council meeting and Thursday's budget meeting will go ahead as scheduled.

However, the Tuesday evening public hearing and regular meeting have both been postponed until the new year.

Two potentially contentious items, the relocation of Costco and redevelopment of Leon Avenue were on the schedule for that evening.

"It’s anticipated that public hearings and Tuesday regular meetings will be held electronically, allowing the public and applicants to participate remotely rather than in-person," the city stated in a news release.

"Additional information will be released once dates and processes are confirmed."

The measures will remain in place until otherwise notified by the provincial health officer.

City council meetings can be viewed live on Castanet and through the city's website.