Maple Ridge councillors are taking on more committee roles with the absence of Coun. Corisa Bell, who's been away from council because of illness for two months.
"We would like to inform the public that Coun. Bell is on leave due to illness," Mayor Nicole Read said Tuesday.
Bell's last regular council meeting was on Nov. 15.
"To support Coun. Bell until she's able to return, we are arranging for other councillors to attend committee and commission meetings, which she's not able to."
Coun. Kiersten Duncan, who's the alternate, will step up for Bell on the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council, which meets the first Monday of the month.
Coun. Craig Speirs will serve as the second alternate to Duncan so that he can attend meetings of the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board and the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society.
Coun. Bob Masse will be the second alternate for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council.
Bell is also on the Metro Vancouver performance and audit committee. However, the city isn't allowed to provide alternates on the Metro Vancouver committee so the city won't be represented, Read said.
Bell is also president of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
"I just like to wish our colleague a speedy return to council. We miss her," said Masse.
Chief administrator Ted Swabey said that it's not known when Bell will return.
"We'll hear from her when she's able to return."
Bell was not available for comment.