B.C.’s Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson has granted permission to the city of Kamloops to postpone the April 4 Centre for the Arts referendum because of COVID-19.

It’s after Kamloops city staff requested the province to postpone the referendum as the province banned gatherings of more than 50 people to limit the spread of the virus.

The province says the move will ensure residents are not gathering in polling stations and will free up local government resources to focus on dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

“I know that local governments are working hard to keep their communities safe and protected during this pandemic,” Robinson said. “Our government is working closely with our partners to help marshal all resources to protect those most vulnerable and ‘flattening the curve’ of the spread of COVID-19.”

“After consulting with our public health officials and local governments, I have signed a ministerial order postponing by-elections and referendums in these communities so they can focus on protecting their residents.”

Along with the Kamloops referendum on April 4, by-elections in Victoria and Rossland were also deferred as well as an April 25 by-election in Lytton.

The province says decisions on rescheduling the referendum will be made by local governments in conjunction with public health officials and Elections BC.

KCA Society President Norm Daley previously told NL News that they accept the fact that the referendum date will most likely be pushed back because of COVID-19.

Kamloops Councillor Dale Bass too said it makes no sense to tell people to get out and vote in the referendum when people are being asked to stay home.