District of Taylor working on live streaming council meetings

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of Taylor is working on live streaming its meetings to improve the community’s participation in the decision-making processes made by council. 

The policy reviewed at Monday’s committee of the whole meeting would provide guidelines for live-streamed and video-recorded council meetings.

The committee first reviewed the proposal for livestreamed meetings in June 2023. Council first tried livestreaming their meeting on February 26th.

According to a report to council, Moira Green, the chief administrative officer, will be responsible for managing the features and guidelines of the policy. 

“We are excited to offer this service, and we are hopeful that citizens will not only watch the proceedings from their homes or offices but that they will come and join us in person in council chambers,” said Green.

During the meeting, council discussed how comments during the livestream would be addressed. The policy will not allow live comments during live-streamed meetings. 

Mayor Brent Tailefer said people should have an appropriate time to give comments instead of turning off the comments option.  

“We can’t close the comments because people are going to say you don’t want any feedback,” said Mayor Tailefer. 

Residents can comment on an agenda by email, call or in writing. Their comments will presented as part of an agenda item.  

Agenda items are posted the Friday before Monday meetings and can be found on the Taylor district website. 

The policy will be brought up again during March 11th’s regular agenda for resolution.

The full report can be viewed below: