Keeping the city connected

In a bid to keep the community connected, active and entertained during the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Albany is taking its services online.

The #albanyinthistogether campaign and website was launched this week to act as a virtual hub to help local businesses and families stay connected through unprecedented times of social isolation.

The website includes tips and activities to stay active at home, boredom busters for families and simple ways to show support for local businesses operating through the pandemic.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said it was important to find innovative ways to stay connected and support each other during these challenging times.

“This campaign is a way for community to promote how small businesses are adapting so we can all continue to support them, and things we’re doing as individuals to stay physically and mentally well,” he said.

Teams from across the city will make contributions to the campaign, including workout videos created by staff at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, creative programs from the Vancouver Arts Centre and easy at-home craft activities from the Albany Daycare Centre.

Albany Public Library has also jumped on board and will now offer a delivery service for vulnerable community members, a simplified online membership feature and daily online story time programs for kids.

Library team leader Soraya Majidi said the library had reimagined many of its services.

“These are frightening times and I think the library not only provides a sense of normality and stability, but connection and items that people can use that will help them to maintain their mental health,” she said.

“The library is very much the heart of the community and the community knows that we are trying hard to provide services and a sense of comfort and stability at a time of great uncertainty.”