Office of the Mayor and Council Update
|
|
Wednesday, June 24 COVID-19 emergency
|
|
Today, Premier Doug Ford has once again extended the State of Emergency until July 15. The motion passed the legislature this morning and Ford has said he’s hopeful this will be the last extension of the emergency declaration.
We still have not reached Stage 3. Some restrictions continue to be in force even if restaurants are opening patios, more Town services are returning, and our splash pads reopen this weekend. As we reopen, however, we must remember that the virus remains and COVID-19 is still a threat to health.
As I encourage you, when you feel comfortable to do so, to shop and visit local businesses, I also encourage you to maintain your health protocols when in public. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough or when you can’t keep your distance. Wash your hands well and often.
I’d also encourage you to avoid my three Cs of COVID-19
danger: closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings.
Throughout the pandemic we’ve been faced with a number of challenges independent of COVID-19. The most recent of which, here in Oakville, is the disturbing video in which a Halton police officer is shown getting aggressive with a civilian. The Halton police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident and the Chief of police has removed the other three officers shown in the video from active duty pending the result of his investigation. Read more about that in the Oakville Beaver’s story, linked below.
For a look at how far we’ve come in the last 100+ days and a look at where we are headed in recovery as we responsibly reopen, please scroll to the end of this email for the updated timeline.
|
|
Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- Rising rates of COVID in children, adolescents spark concerns about back to school plans
- Wide range of Oakville Matters discussed
- Town of Oakville announcements
- Cool off this summer at Oakville splash pads and pools
- Halton police launch criminal investigation into video of officer getting aggressive with civilian
- Provincial Government announcements
- Ontario extends Declaration of Emergency
- Ontario takes action to stop COVID-19 outbreaks in Windsor-Essex
- Windsor-Essex to enter Stage 2 tomorrow
- Ontario investing to help Franco-Ontarian communities grow and support recovery
- TIFF to run, modified, in 2020
- Government of Canada announcements
- New regulations to prevent harassment and violence in federal workplaces
- Investing in net-zero energy residential buildings across Canada
- Why some CERB recipients are getting smaller payments this month
- B.C. runs risk of rapid rebound in COVID-19 cases
- How Canada got into a pandemic economy and how it might get out
- South Korea and Taiwan show Canada how to avoid a second wave
- Coronavirus cases around the world
- 2020 New York City Marathon cancelled
- In other COVID-related news
- Kids will follow health measures better if they know why they should
- Some countries reconsider two-metre rule for distancing, but not here
- 'Ugly ticketing pandemic' during COVID-19 outbreak
- Tens of thousands of Canadians won't be born due to COVID-19
- EU may bar Americans as borders reopen citing COVID concerns
|
|
|
|
Did you receive this email from someone? Please consider signing up so you never miss an update.
|
|
|
|
Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by
+4
from 727 to
731
with
+1
new confirmed cases in Oakville, from 243 to
244.
There were
+2
reported recoveries in Oakville, from 247 to
249
and
+8
recoveries in Halton Region from 714 to
722
. That leaves 17 active cases in Oakville.
There are currently 2 COVID patients being treated at OTM, which includes transfers from facilities outside of Halton Region.
|
|
As of 12:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Canada had 102,179 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases. Provinces and territories listed 65,023 of the cases as recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC's reporting stood at 8,517.
|
|
COVID-19 deaths per million
|
|
 |
Rising rates of COVID-19 in children, adolescents spark concerns about back to school plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oakville Matters discussed
|
This week Councillor Jasvinder Sandhu joined me on Oakville Matters to discuss everything from splash pads to defunding the police.
Click to watch the full episode now.
|
|
|
|
Town of Oakville announcements
|
|
Cool off this summer at Oakville splash pads and pools
|
|
Residents will be able to enjoy cooling off at Town of Oakville splash pads and select town-operated pools this summer. All 19 splash pads will open this Friday, June 26. Lions, Wedgewood and Falgarwood outdoor pools, and Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre’s (QEPCCC) indoor pool will open Monday, July 13, 2020 for recreational swims and private lessons only.
The opening of splash pads and pools follows the announcement of Stage 2 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province.
“As a swimmer, I know how important our pools are to residents and we know the reopening of splash pads will put a smile on many young faces, too,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “We proactively consulted public health authorities about pools and splash pads and are opening these with the health and safety of the community in mind. I encourage residents to continue to follow all health protocols while using these amenities including follow physical distancing and proper hand washing. And, stay home if you are not well. Let’s continue to flatten the curve.”
Splash pads open Friday, June 26 at 10 a.m.
All 19 splash pads will open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. While we encourage families to use these facilities, caregivers should ensure that proper physical distancing is taking place at splash pads.
Splash pads are unsupervised, and while they are inspected daily, staff will not be sanitizing all features or play areas. Residents are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands after use.
Signs will be posted at each of the
splash pad locations
indicating health measures and reminders. Playgrounds and outdoor gym equipment remain closed under provincial order.
Select pools open July 13; online bookings for all swims starts July 6
Capacity at Town of Oakville
outdoor/indoor pools
will be reduced to help ensure physical distancing guidelines are maintained in compliance with Halton Public Health Regulations, Lifesaving Society’s guidelines, and provincial guidelines.
Reduced-capacity length and leisure swims will be offered in shortened times to maximize access. Customers will be asked a verbal health questionnaire before entering the pool. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter.
In compliance with guidelines for opening aquatic facilities in this phase, change rooms and access to change areas will not be available. Swimmers must arrive already wearing their bathing attire and leave without changing at the facility (bring an extra towel for the walk or drive home). Swimmers are encouraged to shower at home in advance and showers will be accessible prior to entering the pool only. Washrooms will remain open. Equipment will not be available for use with the exception of lifejackets which will be disinfected between users. All swimmers will be asked to leave the facilities after their swimming time to allow for a thorough cleaning between swim times.
Physical distancing is still required. Individuals must maintain a distance of at least two metres apart while queuing to enter the pool, on the pool deck, and in the water; however, this does not apply to people who are living together in the same household.
Starting July 6, residents can pre-book their swim times online at
active.oakville.ca
, as in-person bookings are not allowed to manage capacity restrictions
.
Admission is $4 for seniors and youth, and $5 for adults and must be paid online prior to your scheduled swim. Cash will not be accepted on site. If you require support with alternate payment options, please call 905-815-2000.
As we are accepting online bookings only, activity passes and fitness memberships will not be accepted in July or August. Memberships have been cancelled or extended until full operations can safely resume. Complimentary passes, Valentine’s Day tickets, etc. are also not accepted at this time. Regular swim admission policies will apply. Pool rentals are also not permitted at this time.
Private Lessons and Leadership Training
Developed in consultation with the Lifesaving Society, and incorporating strict public health measures designed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, limited private swimming lessons will be offered.
All previous Leadership participants for our spring and summer sessions, will receive an email about available programming and how to register.
The Town of Oakville’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of the community and town staff. There is a comprehensive recovery process in place that aligns with the province’s gradual phased-in approach. As provincial guidelines are updated, the town will continue to look for opportunities to expand programming in a safe and responsible manner. Learn more about the town’s
COVID-19 Recovery Program Framework.
|
|
Halton police launch criminal investigation into video of officer in Oakville getting aggressive with civilian
|
|
Halton police have launched a criminal investigation into an incident in which a Halton police officer was
caught on video
shoving and pushing a civilian in Oakville.
|
|
Provincial Government announcements
|
|
Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to July 15
|
|
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government has extended the provincial Declaration of Emergency under s.7.0.7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to July 15, 2020. This extension, approved by the Ontario Legislature earlier today, provides Ontario with the additional time, flexibility, and the necessary tools to safely and gradually allow more places to reopen, while continuing to support frontline health care providers in the fight against COVID-19.
"As we gradually and safely reopen our economy, our frontline care providers can continue to rely on these emergency orders to better protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens and provide the flexibility to put resources where they're needed most," said Premier Doug Ford. "We are hopeful that another extension of the Declaration of Emergency will not be needed as we see improvements in the public health trends and as people and businesses continue to act responsibly and adapt to the new environment."
The provincial Declaration of Emergency enables the government to make, and as needed amend, emergency orders that protect the health and safety of all Ontarians. Emergency orders in force under the Declaration of Emergency include those allowing frontline care providers to redeploy staff to areas most in need, limiting long-term care and retirement home employees to working at one home, and enabling public health units to redeploy or hire staff to support the province's enhanced case management and contact tracing strategy. These measures continue to be needed to protect seniors and other vulnerable populations from the threat of COVID-19. The extension of the Declaration of Emergency will allow the province to make or amend emergency orders as needed as it continues to ease restrictions in support of its phased reopening.
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the government will continue to monitor public health trends related to COVID-19 and assess on an ongoing basis whether the provincial Declaration of Emergency needs to be extended further. The government will also continue to review emergency orders currently in place to determine when and if it is safe to amend or lift them as more places in the province are allowed to reopen in a safe and measured way.
As of June 24, 33 public health unit regions have entered Stage 2 of the
Framework for Reopening our Province
, allowing more businesses and services to open and getting more people back to work. The Windsor-Essex County public health unit region remains in Stage 1 and the situation in the region will continue to be assessed on an ongoing basis.
|
|
Ontario Takes Immediate Action to Stop COVID-19 Outbreaks in Windsor-Essex
|
|
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local public health officials, the Ontario government is implementing a three-point plan to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 on farms and throughout the community. Recent outbreaks, especially those in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, pose unique challenges that require a targeted response. By taking immediate action, health officials hope to stop the spread of the virus and move the region into Stage 2 as soon as it is safe to do so.
The three-point plan builds on the work already underway by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and enhances the coordinated efforts of the province, federal and local authorities. The plan's three points are as follows:
Ongoing and expanded on-site testing
Ontario is continuing to facilitate on-site testing at agri-food businesses and community assessment centres to make proactive testing more timely and accessible. About 350 asymptomatic workers have been tested at their work site since on-site testing launched this past weekend. Ontario is currently engaging employers to schedule more mobile testing on farms. Early identification of workers who are not showing symptoms, but who may be infected with COVID-19, will help reduce the potential spread of the virus in the workplace and the community.
Access to Employment Benefits and Supports
Temporary foreign workers are entitled to the same benefits and protections as any other worker in Ontario. That includes workers' compensation benefits, which are administered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). It also includes protections afforded by the Employment Standards Act. Under Ontario's new infectious disease emergency leave provisions, a worker's job is protected while they take unpaid leave due to COVID-19.
In certain cases, temporary foreign workers may also be eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). To access the federal benefit, workers must have earned $5,000 in the last 12 months or in the previous year.
New Public Health Guidance
The Chief Medical Officer of Health will issue new public health guidance allowing positive asymptomatic workers to continue working as long as they follow the public health measures in their workplace to minimize the risk of transmission to others. This guidance will provide clarity and assurance that local public health officials will assist with interpreting test results and developing a plan that, first and foremost, ensures essential workers in the sector are able to return to work safely and meet the business-critical operational needs on a case-by-case basis.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in all regions of the province to advise when public health restrictions can be gradually loosened or adjusted if necessary.
Although restrictions are being gradually relaxed in Stage 2, the government is strongly recommending that everyone in Ontario continue to follow public health advice, including physical distancing, wearing a face covering if physical distancing is a challenge, washing hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you think you have COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, get tested.
|
|
Windsor-Essex to enter Stage 2 tomorrow
|
|
Premier Doug Ford says Windsor-Essex will be allowed to move into Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan Thursday.
The only exceptions will be the communities of Leamington and Kingsville, which have seen COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant workers.
Ford says he has a three-point plan to address the situation on the farms, including testing of workers and allowing asymptomatic positive workers to continue on the job, with safety provisions in place.
Windsor’s mayor said this week that the high number of COVID-19 cases on farms in Essex County was holding back the entire region, and the local economy could not face another week of delay in reopening.
|
|
Ontario Investing to Help Franco-Ontarian Communities Grow and Support Recovery
|
|
As the province begins its economic recovery, the government is launching the 2020-21 edition of the Francophone Community Grants Program to support Ontario's francophone businesses and community organizations, as well as those that serve French-speaking Ontarians.
The Francophone Community Grants Program is a two-stream, application-based funding program. Funding provided under the Economic Development stream helps francophone entrepreneurs and businesses improve front-line services and better serve their French-speaking clients and partners. Under the Cultural and Community stream, the Program invests in local cultural and community initiatives, demonstrating the government's ongoing commitment to protecting and promoting the French language and culture.
The Program supports projects which strengthen the capacity of organizations to provide products and services in French, promote the recruitment and training of bilingual staff, or provide opportunities to celebrate and foster understanding of Ontario's Francophonie. This year, the Economic Development stream has been extended to include not-for-profit organizations, in addition to for-profit organizations.
|
|
Toronto International Film Festival to run, modified, in 2020
|
|
The Toronto International Film Festival will go ahead Sept. 10-19 but will be much smaller, with a lineup of 50 new feature films, five programs of short films, virtual red carpets, press conferences and industry talks as well as interactive talks.
|
|
Government of Canada announcements
|
|
New regulations to prevent harassment and violence in federal workplaces
|
|
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, is announcing an important step toward a strengthened federal framework that protects workers, while also supporting employers. The
Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations
(the Regulations) are now published in Part II of the
Canada Gazette
and will come into force, along with the legislation, on January 1, 2021.
The Regulations outline the essential elements of a workplace harassment and violence prevention policy, as well as the procedures that must be in place to respond to incidents of harassment and violence if they do occur. This includes:
- timeframes for resolution to better support the complainant and alleged individual;
- confidentiality of all parties involved, including witnesses, throughout the investigation;
- protection for employees victimized by a third party (for example, an employee harassed by a client);
- the qualifications of a competent person to investigate and provide recommendations;
- employer obligations to implement corrective measures in response to the investigation report of a competent person;
- clearly outlining the existing and new roles of the workplace committee; and
- support to be provided for employees who have experienced workplace harassment and violence.
These regulations will support federal employers in their efforts to ensure comprehensive policies and procedures that workers both expect and deserve are in place in advance of the coming into force date. The Government worked closely with Canadians and stakeholders—including employers and employees, unions, and health and safety representatives in federally regulated industries, as well as subject matter experts, advocacy groups and Indigenous partners—on the Regulations and will continue this important work as we move toward implementation.
|
|
Investing in Net-Zero Energy Residential Buildings Across Canada
|
|
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced an investment of over $2,445,000 toward the construction of energy-efficient residential buildings across Canada. The funding will support a project led by the
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
(CHBA) that will enable seven housing builders to construct net-zero energy and net-zero energy ready residential buildings in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Buildings and homes contribute approximately 17 percent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. Net-zero energy buildings are designed and constructed to produce at least as much energy as they consume on an annual basis.
The project is looking to demonstrate it is possible to construct net-zero energy ready housing with reduced cost and construction time, which will in turn inspire energy-efficient changes throughout Canada's construction industry. The investment is part of the government's commitment to fight climate change, advance our clean energy future, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Federal funding is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s
Green Infrastructure
program, which aims to accelerate the deployment and market entry of next-generation clean energy infrastructure in Canada.
By enhancing the pace and scale of clean technology, we significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
|
|
Why some CERB recipients are getting smaller payments this month
|
|
Some Canadians are getting unwelcome surprises this month: smaller Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) payments than they expected.
CBC News has heard from many people confused by correspondence from the government advising them that they will not be eligible for the full $2,000 in June.
|
|
B.C. runs risk of rapid rebound in COVID-19 cases if contacts exceed 65 per cent of normal, health officials say
|
|
The latest epidemiological modelling by B.C. health officials shows recent contact rates in the province are at 65 per cent of normal-hovering near the threshold for a potential rebound of new cases of COVID-19.
|
|
Timing is everything: how Canada got into a pandemic economy — and how it might get out
|
|
The pandemic is a real-time laboratory for testing the economic and political limits of government deficit spending in a crisis. One lesson learned so far is that the governments that stepped up quickly with big rescue packages have tended to be the ones keeping the damage done by job losses to a minimum.
|
|
South Korea and Taiwan show Canada how to avoid a second wave of COVID-19, experts tell MPs
|
|
Canada could avoid a second wave of the coronavirus if it learns the lessons of South Korea and Taiwan and attacks testing, tracing and treatment of COVID-19 cases and practices “dynamic distancing” from the get-go, MPs heard Tuesday.
That means as the economy reopens, communities must be ready to reimpose physical distancing and socially restrictive measures periodically with surges in disease activity in order to contain outbreaks and allow economic revitalization to continue, Asaph Young Chun, head of Korea’s Statistics Research Institute, told the Commons health committee.
Those “nonpharmaceutical” interventions are the best “exit strategy” from the COVID-19 lockdowns, he said.
Two American health experts said South Korea and Taiwan showed the path for other countries to follow, but they warned Canada against reopening too quickly even to its neighbours, the United States.
|
|
Coronavirus cases around the world
|
|
The U.S. on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University that was published Wednesday. There have been only two previous days that the U.S. has reported more cases: April 9 and April 24, when a record 36,400 cases were logged.
New cases in the U.S. have been surging for more than a week after trending down for more than six weeks. While early hot spots like New York and New Jersey have seen cases steadily decrease, the virus has been hitting the south and west. Several states on Tuesday set single-day records, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada and Texas.
Cases were also surging in other parts of the world. India reported a record daily increase of nearly 16,000 new cases. Mexico, where testing rates have been low, also set a record with more than 6,200 new cases.
But China appears to have tamed a new outbreak of the virus in Beijing, once again demonstrating its ability to quickly mobilize vast resources by testing nearly 2.5 million people in 11 days.
|
|
2020 New York City Marathon cancelled
|
|
The New York City Marathon, the world’s largest marathon and one of the city’s biggest annual spectacles, has been cancelled this year as concerns about the spread of the coronavirus continue to dash hopes of holding large-scale events, organizers announced Wednesday.
The race, one of the most prestigious and lucrative events of its kind, would have celebrated its 50th anniversary in November. It is one of the highlights of fall in New York and on the endurance sports calendar, attracting more than 50,000 runners, 10,000 volunteers and roughly one million fans, who line nearly every accessible yard of the 42.1-km course through the five boroughs.
|
|
In other COVID-related news:
|
|
Kids will follow COVID-19 health measures better if they know why they should: researcher
Rutgers University researcher Vanessa LoBue says the key to getting children to follow habits like hand washing and social distancing is explaining why.
Some countries reconsider two-metre rule for physical distancing, but not here
Canadian health officials continue to recommend people stay two metres apart from others to curb COVID-19 as the economy reopens, while the distancing rule is changing in Britain.
|
|
|
Civil liberties watchdog warns of ‘ugly ticketing pandemic’ during COVID-19 outbreak
|
|
|
|
Tens of thousands of Canadians won’t be born due to COVID-19
|
|
|
|
EU may bar Americans as borders reopen citing COVID concerns
|
|
|
|
June is Pride Month, and OPL is teaming up with other Halton region libraries to virtually celebrate our 2SLGBTQ+ community!
Share with OPL your artwork, poems, stories or videos that showcase what Pride means to you on
Facebook
,
Twitter
or
Instagram
and tag
#OakvilleLibrary
and
#HaltonPrideExpo.
|
|
|
|
|
We're bringing the party to you, eh
|
The Town of Oakville is excited to bring you a full day of virtual entertainment and activities you can do from the comfort of your home on July 1, 2020.
We invite you to enjoy musical performances, Canada Day themed challenges, a town-wide singing of O Canada, virtual fireworks display, and more!
|
|
|
|
Visit opl.on.ca for details and registration of these virtual offerings
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 10 am
Family Storytime on Instagram Live
Get moving with stories, songs and fun during Family Storytime! Hosted virtually on Instagram Live. Follow
@oakvillelibrary on Instagram
.
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 2 pm
Kids Library Club
Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays as we explore fun activities in the fields of science, technology, art and more! Tuesday's session will be
Biodiversity
and Thursday is
Virtual Tourism
. Limited spaces.
Thursday, June 25
•
11 am
Let's Talk About Books, Movies & More: Audiobooks
This week, we'll discuss our favourite books, movies and more that relate to audiobooks. "Let's Talk About" are weekly, virtual sessions that explore different themes in arts, culture and literature.
Join us on
Zoom
(Meeting ID: 937 0382 6217) or call 1-647-558-0588.
Friday, June 26 • 10 am
Virtual Crafty Bees Meetup with The Hive
An informal, weekly craft meetup to share what you’re working on, and gather inspiration from fellow craft enthusiasts.
Join us on
Zoom
(Meeting ID: 936 5905 6875, Password: 756445) or call 1-647 374 4685.
Friday, June 26 • 1 pm
An Afternoon for Kid Book Lovers
Join our book loving librarians for an hour of book recommendations aimed at school-aged children. We will even have time for a few questions.
Fridays and Saturdays • 10 am
Family Storytime on YouTube
Follow
OPL on YouTube
and enjoy pre-recorded Family Storytime on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 am. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube page so you don't miss out!
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Staff Book Recommendations on YouTube
Listen to over 100 short book reviews from OPL staff, uploaded weekly on
YouTube
.
Daily
Virtual Tech Help
Book a virtual one-on-one session for basic technology assistance. Limited sessions.
|
|
Food Banks experiencing record demand
|
Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.
Kerr Street Mission:
905-845-7485 or donate online at kerrstreet.com
|
|
|
|
Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate under increased safety measures. I
f you know or are aware of someone who is struggling, call 211 and get help to navigate the network of health, community and social service programs. This service is offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has interpretation for over 150 languages. And, if you are able, please consider supporting the Meals on Wheels effort by making a donation.
|
|
Downtown Oakville Instagram live series
|
|
On Wednesday, May 6 Downtown Oakville will be launching a weekly Instagram Live Series hosted by different Downtown businesses. The live events will allow you to purchase products, participate in fitness classes, attend workshops, and more!
Follow @oakvilledowntown on Instagram to learn more and tune in.
Schedule
June 24 at 7 p.m. - Dr. Adrienne, Naturopathic Doctor
|
|
|
|
Call the COVID-19 hotline
|
For the duration of the pandemic, if a member of the public wishes to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders, they may contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722
It is critical that our residents use 911 for emergencies only.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
