When election results are announced tonight, candidates and the public won't be able to hear them live in the council chambers.

The RancheHouse headquarters of the town is off-limits to everyone but election and town officials due to COVID-19 health restrictions.

Instead, everyone, including the candidates, will be notified of the results.

It's a change of plan from last week when it was proposed a gathering would take place just outside chambers in the open foyer area.

That just wasn't possible with the current provincial restrictions in place related to indoor gatherings, explains Kristin Huybrecht, the town's manager of Intergovernmental Relations & Corporate Communications,

"This is reflective of the direction we have received from the province who has confirmed that this type of gathering does not fall within the exemptions granted to polling stations on election day," she explains.

While understanding the reason why, Mayor Genung is among those disappointed.

"I've been disappointed throughout COVID, just the way events have had to adapt and navigate through these restrictions has always been disappointing. It would be best to share this announcement with a group. The fact that has been taken away from us now is disappointing."

He says he will be gathering with some of the incumbents to hear the results. Others have their own plans.

Traditionally, candidates, supporters, and interested residents gathered in anticipation of hearing results firsthand in the council chambers.

Unlike poll-by-poll results provided for federal and provincial elections, the poll results of Cochrane elections are compiled and released at one time, explains returning officer Jaylene Knight. The results are normally announced an hour or hour and a half after polls close, barring any long lines that exist at 8 p.m.

Listen to 91.5 FM and watch Cochrane Now.com for the results tonight.