Select service centres closed temporarily due to unplanned employee shortage

Sophie Demers

 

From August 3 to 5 the Hull and Mason-Angers service centres closed temporarily, and the Aylmer service centre reduced their hours in the morning but will remain open in the afternoons. The offices will resume their regular schedule on the following Monday August 8.
Gatineau states that the closures are due to unplanned absences relating to illness and COVID combined with summer vacations. The short is not due to position vacancies.
According to the City of Gatineau, there are covid cases throughout the employees and departments just like there are among the public but so far there are very little impact to the services offered by the city and minimal impact to Gatineau residents.
The communications department is always advised when service schedules are altered in order to relay the information to the public. Apart from the service centre closures there was another closure of an auditorium theatre but it was soon reopened.
The city highlights that they have all the necessary personnel to operate their services but due to illness and vacation season it can be difficult to predict when staff shortages will occur. In order to plan ahead this year some services such as summer camps have hired extra employees in case of covid cases or unexpected staff shortages.
During the temporary closures of the service centres residents were advised to visit the Gatineau or Buckingham service centres if needed.
Residents are also reminded that many services are available online such as municipal tax consultation, payment of a statement of infringement, application for a planning permit, viewing the property valuation, and sale of eligible excess garbage bags.
Photo: Aylmer Service centre
Photo: Sophie Demers