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Community ambassadors continuing to enforce distancing in Richmond
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 2:44 PDT, Thu May 21, 2020
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Since Easter weekend, “community ambassadors” have been monitoring behaviour around Richmond to inform people of guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially a pilot program using auxiliary staff lifeguards, the program has evolved and now includes about a dozen individuals, says city representative Clay Adams.
The ambassadors are monitoring parks, community facilities and public areas to identify situations of non-compliance.
After the Victoria Day long weekend, city representatives reported an improvement in group behaviours in Steveston and Garry Point Park. The busiest area last weekend was Minoru Park.
Three small teams of ambassadors roam around Richmond to enforce distancing rules each day. They aren’t issuing tickets, but aim instead to educate and inform.
“While some individuals have been disrespectful to the ambassadors, people are generally responsive to their requests and even ask questions about the city's plans for the ongoing restoration of services and amenities,” says Adams.