For the first time in nearly two years, Saint John Common Council will meet inside council chambers Monday night.
The last time councillors met in the space was December of 2018, before renovations sent them to the Ludlow Room in City Hall.
The October 26 meeting will also be the first time council has met in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“A lot of work has gone into it,” said city spokesperson Lisa Caissie. “The renovation to council chambers is part of the larger City Hall move.”
As part of the move, all City Hall offices were consolidated onto the first four floors of the uptown building.
Caissie says the primary cause for the move was to save money, and the city estimates the work will allow it to save $700,000 annually on its lease agreement.
The renovations include new technology and seating, cosmetic work to the space, and an overflow area. Much of the work was completed by the city’s carpentry shop.
Due to current provincial health guidelines, there will be a limit of 33 people in the council chambers at Monday’s meeting.
Meetings will still be live-streamed on YouTube through the city’s account while public attendance is limited.
Despite the limits imposed by the pandemic, Caissie says the city is feeling great about re-opening the chambers.
“We’re feeling great actually. We’re looking forward to welcoming members of council and guests into the newly-renovated space.”
The October 26 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The council agenda can be found here.
