Port Hardy council will be discussing whether or not to live stream their public meetings in the near future.
During the question and answer period at the district’s last council meeting on Jan. 8, Chief Administrative Officer Allison McCarrick replied to the North Island Gazette’s question about live streaming future council meetings, stating that council will in fact be looking into the matter at a future date.
“Council is going to be having discussions about that going forward, so maybe we can answer that sometime in the future,” stated McCarrick, who then added that “As soon as a decision is made on that we will let you know.”
Coun. John Tidbury added that he personally has “no objections” to the live streaming of meetings. “You can take pictures, movies, anything you want of me.”
Port McNeill Mayor Gaby Wickstrom also confirmed that Port McNeill council will be looking into live streaming council meetings at some point in the future.
More and more local governments are now starting to embrace the digital age by choosing to live broadcast public council meetings, as it gives residents easy access to the council chamber without having to leave their own home, while also encouraging more and more people to be able to get involved in local politics.
Live streaming can be a very valuable tool for local governments by increasing engagement with residents.
Governments of all sizes from all over have taken to streaming meetings as an easy way of communicating with their community.
By using live streaming, governments will be able to demonstrate transparency and accountability while providing accurate information to residents in a reliable and prompt manner.