Ward 2 COVID-19 Community Update
Lisa Kearns l Councillor l Burlington.ca/Ward2
June 3, 2020
Hello,

As the community works together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to deal with its effects, City Council and City staff are working hard to ensure everyone’s safety while maintaining essential services.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, we have extended our City closures until the end of June. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Please stay vigilant and continue to practice physical distancing.
Over the weekend, I took a tumble and am so thankful to have first-class hospital care right here in our community. I personally witnessed the incredible work of the ER staff and volunteers firsthand. Thank you to Joseph Brant Hospital for a safe and compassionate visit.

As always, I'm here for you. The best way to reach me is through e-mail at Lisa.Kearns@Burlington.ca .

Keep well, Lisa
COVID-19 Government Roles
COVID-19 Response - Federal
Whether an individual, family or business, support is available for those facing hardship as a result of COVID-19:
  • Canada Child Benefit increase
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit
  • Canada Emergency Student Benefit
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
  • Business Resilience Service Hotline
  • Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
  • Temporary wage top-up for low-income essential workers
  • Tax-filing deadline is June 1, deadline to pay amount owed extended to Sept. 1, 2020.
COVID-19 Response - Provincial
  • June 2 - State of Emergency extended to June 30
  • June 1 - Backcountry Camping available at Ontario Parks and on Crown Lands
  • May 30 - Electricity bills - Fixed COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents / kWh from June 1 to Oct. 31.
  • May 27 - State of Emergency extended to June 9
  • May 27 - Regulated health professions may re-open provided that services can safely resume in-person with appropriate hazard controls and sufficient PPE.
  • May 20 - Face masks recommended
  • May 19 – State of Emergency extended to May 29
  • May 19 - Schools closed for the rest of the school year
  • May 14 - First stage reopening announced - provided the general trend on health indicators continues to improve as part of the first stage of the reopening framework
  • May 11 - Retail stores with a street entrance can provide curbside pickup
  • May 9 – Hardware and safety supply stores able to open
  • May 8 – Garden centres and nurseries can open
COVID-19 Response - Halton Region
Current COVID-19 Cases in Halton Region
Daily case table updates include the number of lab-confirmed cases by age range and municipality to show a clear image of the current situation. This approach aligns with the information provided at ontario.ca/coronavirus .
Last update: Wednesday, June 3 at 8:45 a.m.
COVID-19 Response - City of Burlington
The City of Burlington continues to take appropriate action to prioritize the health and well-being of our community and staff.

Our overriding goal is to keep the public and staff safe and help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Residents who have COVID-19 symptoms can be assessed by a health care provider:

  • at an Assessment Centre (you must have an appointment). Residents of Burlington can call 905 632-3737, ext. 6550 to book an appointment at Joseph Brant Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Clinic.
  • by contacting their primary care provider.

You can also use the Ontario Government’s  COVID-19 online self-assessment tool  or contact Telehealth Ontario at 1 866 797-0000 to determine if you need to seek further care.

If you have COVID-19 related questions, email  accesshalton@halton.ca  or call 311.
For more COVID-19 information, please visit Halton Region Public Health at halton.ca /COVID19.
Where are we at?
  • May 29 - City Council approves Virtual Statutory Public Meetings
  • May 27 - Confirmation of telephone town hall meeting on June 4
  • May 27 - City redesigns its services to keep City staff and residents safe as the Province eases some COVID-19 restrictions
  • May 19 – Parking lots and leash-free dog areas reopened
  • May 19 – Following Provincial and Public Health Directives, City cancels summer recreation programs
  • May 15 – City provides update on Parks, marina and sports – gradual steps to phase in reopening of parks (casual activities)
  • May 11 – City partners with 19 municipal partners to launch GTA Economic Development Alliance in response to COVID-19 crisis.
  • May 4 – Team Burlington launches Burlington Economic Recovery Network
Telephone Town Hall - June 4
On Thursday, June 4, between 6 and 7:30 p.m., the City of Burlington will hold another telephone town hall event to share information and answer resident questions about what summer in the city will look like during the current COVID-19 situation. Visit Telephone Town Hall for more details.
Telephone Partners in Accessing Leisure Services
  • TelePals is a great way for off-line adults to stay connected and chat, learn and listen
  • It’s free and only a telephone is required
  • For more information, email adult@Burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738, ext. 4662
Spencer Smith Park
  • Parking lots are now open, with the exception of the west parking lot at Spencer Smith Park (ongoing construction) and the north parking lot at Beachway across from the hospital (reserved for hospital use).
  • Spencer Smith Park remains restricted for cycling, roller blading and skate boarding.
  • Lower promenade is closed since physical distancing of 2 metres cannot be met.
  • The small beach near the pier remains closed under provincial emergency order. Benches and the gazebo are now open for use.
  • Beachway Trail remains open to walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers.
  • Beach remains closed although plans currently underway to re-open.
  • Washroom facilities remain closed - plans underway for the phased-in re-opening of park washrooms and/or installation of temporary washroom facilities.
  • Temporary staff have been rehired and started back to work this week, allowing for park maintenance including regular schedule of garbage/litter pick up.
City Resources and Information
Visit the city's website for COVID-19 information including:
  • News and Notices
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Response Data Hub
  • Community Resources including Volunteering, Where to Donate, Get Support, Apply for Grants and Funding, Mental Health & Wellness and Community Resources Mapping
COVID-19 Response - Ward 2
  • Regular Ward 2 Community Update Newsletters
  • Canada Post delivered bulletin to Ward 2 Community with COVID-19 related information, resources
  • Ward 2 Virtual Community Update Meetings
  • Actively working with TEAM Burlington to support local businesses
  • Small Business Support Forum Panelist
  • Weekly Ward 2 Local Business Roundtable ‘From Opening to Recovery’
  • Initiated free downtown parking in March
  • Initiated on-street 20 minute curb-side parking pick-up to support pick-up of retail and restaurant orders
  • Member of the City’s Emergency Task Force
  • Co-organizer of COVID-19 Food Drive delivering two tonnes of food
  • Recently invited to join our Burlington Food Bank as a Board Member
COVID-19 Updates - Business Community
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Read more .
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Extended to August 29, 2020. If you are a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages. Read more .
Support for Industrial and Commercial Electricity
As at June 1, 2020 announcement of $8 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) to provide support to businesses struggling with bill payments as a result of the outbreak. Read more .
Facebook Canada - Small Business Grants
Facebook Canada has unveiled several new initiatives to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Small Business Grants Program includes nearly $3.5 million in grants, virtual training programs, and product features across Facebook’s family of apps to promote local businesses. Learn more .
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Relief Fund 
The Small Business Relief Fund will help 62 small Canadian businesses recover and support their resilience, for a total of $620,000 in funds. Learn more .
Business Resilience Service (BRS)
BRS is a hotline to help small businesses that have been facing unprecedented challenges during COVID-19. This free service provides Canadian business owners, including those who run charities and non-profits, with customized financial guidance – from navigating tax regulations and government supports, to planning their path to recovery and will immediately connect businesses with experienced accounting and tax professionals across the country from professional services firms.  Learn more or call 1 866-989-1080.
Additional Businesses Allowed to Reopen
On May 14, the Government of Ontario announced additional workplaces that can re-open, as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more .
Guidelines for Businesses to Open Safely
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace includes sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19. Learn more .
Ward 2 Local Business Roundtable
Our strong business presence across the ward has many owners and staff working and living within our neighbourhoods - keeping people invested in our community. This creates a great place to live and promotes culture and economic vibrancy.

Adding a truly local business voice to the valued stakeholders that have been working together on all of the challenges of the last few months, the Local Business Roundtable will proactively bring the lived experience to preparations for re-openings and the influx of summer tourism to Burlington.

I speak with many businesses on a regular basis, this is an opportunity to hear from those whom I haven't yet. Launching this action-forward roundtable also ensures that our local businesses have a personal direct line into local government.

We will have to make trade-offs and choices swiftly and collectively maximize opportunities ahead, let's do this, together.

Ward 2 Local Business Roundtables are held every Thursday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The next Ward 2 Local Business Roundtable is June 4 at 8 a.m. Topics include taxes, relief, parking, patios, flex streets, amenities, communication, plus more.

E-mai l Ward2@Burlington.ca for registration details to participate in an upcoming Roundtable suitable to your schedule.
Team Burlington
Team Burlington is constantly monitoring developments with COVID-19 and the impact locally. Team Burlington is a collaborative commitment to continuing to support Burlington Businesses through these difficult times. Learn more .

Support our Local Business Community
How can we support our local business community?

  • Shop local
  • Buy a gift card
  • Order online
  • Donate
  • Order takeout
  • Stay subscribed
  • Peer to peer support
  • Leave a review
  • Connect online
Visit Burlington Downtown to learn more about retail options for in-store, curbside pickup or delivery and to view a list of local downtown Burlington eaterie s currently offering delivery, pre-packaged meals and curbside pick-up.
BurlingtonProud
BurlingtonProud is focused on supporting our small local businesses. Visit BurlingtonProud where you can purchase merchandise and gift cards to directly support a small business of your choice.
Support our Food Bank and JBH
 In these times, we are fortunate Burlington is a city filled with resilient and caring people. I am inspired and deeply grateful for all essential service workers, health professionals and community leaders that are working around the clock - compassionately, competently and relentlessly. Keeping our community safe and reassured in these uncertain times is our top priority.

I find comfort in the perspective that no one is doing this perfectly, but we are all doing this together. Leaning into our community is providing that sense of connection we all value – we are seeing that in the messages of support and inspiration all around us. It is the generosity of caring for others by staying home and our genuine compassion that provide the best possible outcome for everyone.
As we continue to progress through the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations such as the Burlington Food Bank can still use our support. If of the means, I encourage you to donate to organizations that serve our community.
Learn more at Joseph Brant Hospital .
Support our Health and Essential Workers
Join us every Friday for the Friday Front Line Porch Clap
Each Friday at 7 p.m., residents are invited to stand on your porch, balcony or front step to clap for 2 minutes for all our healthcare and essential workers here in Burlington.
The first Friday of the month at 7 p.m., our first responders procession continues past Joseph Brant Hospital in support of health care workers.

Every night, the Pier will be turned blue and the Joseph Brant Hospital flag will be flown every day at City Hall until June 30.
In closing
 As we progress through June and the temperatures increase, I ask that you continue to check in on your friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable due to heat.

Managing summer heat can be challenging and with COVID-19, it is even more complex.
While I know it can get a little uncomfortable, please continue to wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible and ensure to be courteous when using our community's public spaces.

Stability is good right now - home is a good place for you right now and we are working to make staying at home easy for you.

Please forward this newsletter to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues. They can subscribe here to receive this e-mail directly in their in-box as well.

Keep well, stay calm, show kindness.

Lisa Kearns
Ward 2 Councillor
City of Burlington & Region of Halton
E-mail: Lisa.Kearns@burlington.ca or Ward2@burlington.ca

DIRECT CELL PHONE: 289-962-2679
Stop the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 Resource Links
Links & Resources:
Please check these frequently. Information is changing quickly so these trusted online sources are the best ways to get the most up-to-date information:


Mental Health Support:
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