Office of the Mayor and Council Update
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Friday, June 19 COVID-19 emergency
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Welcome back, Oakville.
We’ve missed dining on patios, our services and many other businesses that were closed or had to offer modified options for the last 100 days.
Today, I toured around town, visiting many local businesses that reopened or returned to more regular operations today.
We’ve come a long way in the last 100 days. I encourage you to read the message from HRPS Chief Tanner below.
It’s truthful, heartbreaking and encouraging all at the same time. It reminds us that though we might be bored of restrictions, the virus isn’t bored of infecting people. As you feel comfortable to visit local businesses and get out more, I urge you to please keep my three Cs of COVID-caution in mind as you do: avoid closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings.
As a reminder of how far we’ve come and where we are headed in our recovery, please see the updated timeline at the end of this email.
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Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- How do I stay safe as Ontario reopens?
- COVID-19 and transit
- Office of Mayor and Council supports local last nigh
- Town of Oakville announcements
- Modified summer camps announced
- Shop and dine in Oakville
- A message from Police Chief Tanner
- COVID Cleanup Project
- Notice of meeting
- Provincial Government announcements
- Ontario prepares for safe reopening of schools
- Ontario investing in Halton Healthcare services
- Ontario protecting farmers and food supply chain
- Ontario invests in public education
- COVID restrictions could continue after state of emergency ends
- Ontario overhauling COVID-19 data collection
- Federal Government announcements
- PM speaks with premiers
- Feds approve NHL cohort quarantine proposal
- B.C., Alberta and Quebec hit by excess deaths during pandemic, StatsCan
- BDC ready to roll with loans for mid-sized companies
- Virus already in Italy by December waste water study finds
- In other COVID-related news
- Long-term care homes up press on Premier
- Ford government planning to reduce holidays for retail workers
- Unprecedented rent drop in Toronto
- Camden's police chief scrapped the force and started over
- California orders people to wear masks in most indoor spaces
- Four takeaways from contact tracing apps in other countries
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Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by
6
new confirmed cases for a total of 716 cases in Halton
. In Oakville, there are 243 confirmed cases and 25 probable cases.
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As of today, Ontario has reported 34,802 cases and 2,606 deaths while Canada marks 100,220 cases and 8,300 deaths.
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COVID-19 deaths per million
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How do I stay safe as Ontario reopens?
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COVID-19 and transit: What we think we know may be wrong
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Office of the Mayor and Council supports local
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At 12:01 this morning, I along with Members of Council Sean O'Meara, Dave Gittings, Pavan Parmar and Beth Robertson, along with Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton president Andrew Tyrrell visited 7/Hexagon's patio for safe, physically-distanced drinks as Oakville and Halton Region officially entered Stage 2 of reopening.
My Economic Task Force, created at the beginning of the pandemic, has been advocating for a safe return to business with a focus on recovery for Oakville's businesses. I hope that, when you feel comfortable to do so, you too will visit your favourite restaurant, store or service to support local. Many of our businesses are ready and excited to welcome you back in a safe way.
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Town of Oakville announcements
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Town of Oakville to offer modified summer camp programs with limited spaces based on guidelines
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To support Oakville families, the Town of Oakville has released its CampOAK summer camp roster in alignment with new provincial and regional public health and safety guidelines. Offered to Oakville residents only,
online registration
will open Thursday, June 25 at 9 a.m. with camps scheduled to begin the week of July 13.
“Council and I recognize that summer camp programs are an important child care option for Oakville families,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Parents can be assured that safety and fun will be our top priorities this summer.”
The Town of Oakville will offer a modified camp experience for children aged 4 to 12 at six community centres: Glen Abbey, Iroquois Ridge, River Oaks, Sixteen Mile, Trafalgar Park and Queen Elizabeth Park.
This traditional-style day camp, developed in consultation with Halton Public Health, will incorporate strict public health measures designed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. This includes maximum group sizes of 10 people to allow for physical distancing, guided activity transitions, and enhanced cleaning and screening procedures. Off-ground trips and outside entertainment are not permitted under the safety guidelines.
Spaces will be very limited to comply with the safety guidelines and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camps will introduce new drop-off and pick-up procedures and each camp will have their own dedicated space.
Face coverings will be available to all staff in situations where physical distancing is not possible including First Aid, a child becoming ill or behavioural concerns. Special focus will be placed on health and safety, physical distancing, handwashing, and hygiene etiquette.
Please visit the
summer camps
web page for registration and program details.
All summer registered and drop-in programming for seniors, adults, youth, children, preschool, camps and aquatics remain cancelled. When permitted and safe to do so, additional indoor recreation activities will resume once all restrictions can be met.
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.
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Shop and dine in Oakville as more businesses reopen under Provincial Stage 2
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The much anticipated reopening of additional businesses in Oakville starts tomorrow as Halton Region officially enters Stage 2 of the province’s reopening framework. Local businesses have been busy implementing measures to welcome patrons back in a way that protects the health and safety of residents and staff.
“Through the Mayor’s Economic Task Force, we launched a patio program, implemented free parking in municipal lots and on-street parking in commercial districts, deferred property tax payments for local businesses, extended business licenses that required renewal and advocated on behalf of local businesses to support the economic recovery and town-wide reopening of commercial businesses in a practical and safe manner,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Like our businesses, the town has been actively preparing our commercial districts for the lifting of provincial restrictions. I encourage residents to support local businesses in a safe and responsible way.”
Reopening timelines coincide with the start of patio season, and with over 50 patio applications received through the town’s new
2020 Patio Program
, residents will have plenty of options to enjoy outdoor dining, safely.
Stage 2 also sees the long-awaited reopening of hair salons and barber shops, shopping malls and markets. Visit the province’s
Reopening Ontario web page
for a full listing of the businesses permitted to open under Stage 2.
While given the green light to reopen by the province, individual businesses listed under Stage 2 may have their own timelines, modified hours and guidelines, such as reservation-only for patios. Residents are encouraged to contact individual businesses for specific details.
Residents are also reminded to continue to follow proper health precautions, including the use of face coverings, hand sanitizer, and practicing physical distancing.
For more information on Mayor’s Economic Task Force and initiatives to support local business, visit
investoakville.ca
The Town of Oakville has a comprehensive recovery process in place that aligns with the Province’s gradual phased-in approach. Learn more about the town’s
COVID-19 Recovery Program Framework.
For more information on the town’s efforts to support the community in response to COVID-19, visit the
COVID-19
page or follow us on
Twitter
,
Facebook
and
Instagram
.
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A message from Chief Tanner
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One hundred days.
It has been one hundred days since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. When the pandemic was declared on March 11, there were only 117 cases across the nation, and just one death.
In those 14 weeks, your Pandemic Control Group was struck, the Pandemic Response Plan was activated, and a series of laser-focused activities were undertaken for one sole purpose – to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for our members.
We closed our facilities to the public, strategically re-deployed members, reduced the density of our numbers in the workplace through time off and alternate work arrangements, pivoted to virtual parades, consumed >5,200 N95 masks, nearly 22,000 SaniHands wipes, almost 15,000 gloves, over 300 L of Cida Rinse, distributed nearly 800 protective goggles, and burned through over 300 tubs of disinfectant wipes.
One hundred days later, the number of cases in Canada has just topped 100,000, and tragically, 8,300 people have lost their lives.
Together. Apart.
Social distance.
Physical distance.
Self-isolate.
Isolate.
Test. Trace.
Quarantine.
Stay the course.
Stay home.
Save lives.
Wash your hands.
Don’t touch your face.
Stay in your bubble.
Society is so incredibly tired of the restrictions that COVID-19 has imposed on us.
Make no mistake, however. COVID-19 does not care if you are bored.
Across the border, we witnessed the rush to bars, beaches and parks as lockdowns were lifted too early, and too quickly, and have since seen caseloads surge so swiftly there that they now mirror the rate of increase seen in Lombardy, Italy.
As restrictions are lifted in the GTA and businesses begin to re-open, remember that COVID-19 continues to spread and physical distancing, mask-wearing and handwashing are key to combatting transmission. Your collective and consistent actions, both in the workplace and outside the workplace, are what have kept the virus largely at bay within the Service. And those actions, as we progress through our workplace re-entry plan, are integral to the safety of our members, and by extension, the safety of your families.
These one hundred days have been like no others, and each of us carries the stress and uncertainty in different ways.
Let’s respect each other.
Be kind.
Be thoughtful.
Be considerate.
Stay patient.
Stay positive.
We will all get through this together.
Stephen J. Tanner
Chief of Police
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Since the end of April, the Oakville-based Covid Cleanup Project has collected 177 garbage bags in seven cities with more than 30 volunteers.
In an effort to expand the impact of the Covid Cleanup Project, a fundraiser for covid-19 relief efforts has been launched. The goal is to raise $5,000 before the end of the month and since launching last week, we are at $2,300.
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Provincial Government announcements
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Ontario prepares for the safe reopening of schools
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Today, the Ontario government released its safety plan for the resumption of class for the 2020-21 school year, outlining scenarios for how students, teachers and staff can safely return to classrooms in September. The plan also provides choice to parents, enhanced online learning, and additional funding. While the decision to return to the normal school day routine will continue to be based on medical advice, boards and schools are being asked to plan for alternative scenarios that may need to be implemented in September depending on the province's COVID-19 situation.
Ontario's plan to safely reopen schools will provide options for parents - to send their children in-class or to enter online learning - with health, safety and well-being at its core. Boards will be asked to plan for the following three scenarios to be implemented in September, depending on the public health situation at the time:
- Normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols - Students going to school every day, in classes that reflect standard class size regulations.
- Modified school day routine - Based on public health advice, an adapted delivery model has been designed to allow for physical distancing and cohorts of students. Under this model, school boards are asked to maintain a limit of 15 students in a typical classroom at one time and adopt timetabling that would allow for students to remain in contact only with their classmates and a single teacher for as much of the school day as possible. This model would require alternate day or alternate week delivery to a segment of the class at one time.
- At home learning - Should the school closure be extended, or some parents choose not to send their child back to school, school boards need to be prepared to offer remote education. Remote education should be delivered online to the greatest extent possible, including the establishment of minimum expectations for students to have direct contact with their teacher at the same time on a regular basis, also known as synchronous learning. Synchronous learning can be used as part of whole class instruction, in smaller groups of students, and/or in a one-on-one context.
The government is instructing school boards to be prepared with a plan, should it be required, that includes an adapted delivery model, which could include alternate day or alternate week attendance, staggered bell times and recess, and different transportation arrangements, among a variety of other considerations to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The government's safety plan for schools was created following extensive consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, health experts on the COVID-19 Command Table, medical experts at The Hospital for Sick Children, education sector partners, frontline workers, parents and students. While this plan reflects the best medical and scientific advice and recommendations available, parents who do not feel comfortable having their children physically return to school will have a choice to pursue online remote learning.
Key elements of the safety plan include:
- guidance for developing health and safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment;
- expectations of an in-class school environment;
- professional development training for teachers on the new protocols and directions;
- supports for students with special education needs;
- enhanced mental health and well-being supports;
- proposals on how educators and students can move fluidly between in-class and remote learning;
- guidelines to help schools and boards in their communications with students and parents;
- guidelines for student transportation systems;
- expectations for the delivery of curriculum and assessment across subjects and grades;
- guidance for working with First Nations students, parents and communities;
- regional options for reopening based on the advice of local public health authorities; and
- a checklist to help boards in their reopening planning.
Moreover, the government announced $4 million in net new funding for cleaning, cleaning protocols, and financial support to hire additional custodial staff in September to ensure schools are safe.
School boards have been asked to prepare their own safety plans for the upcoming school year and submit them to the ministry by August 4, 2020. The ministry will be providing all boards with an opportunity to share their draft plans and seek feedback from a formalized table of medical experts that the ministry will be convening.
School boards will also be required to communicate with parents and students prior to the start of the 2020-21 school year, outlining the safety plan, guidance on health and safety measures and protocols, and any other changes that will be implemented when schools open in September.
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Ontario Investing in Halton Healthcare Services
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Yesterday, Stephen Crawford, MPP for Oakville, Parm Gill, MPP for Milton, and Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Oakville North-Burlington, announced that the Provincial Government will provide over $5.2 million in operational funding to Halton Healthcare Services for 2020/21.
The frontline staff of Halton Healthcare and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital are at the heart of the community’s health care, by investing $5.2 million more in Halton Healthcare the Provincial Government is helping health workers do their jobs keeping residents safe and healthy.
The Provincial Government is also investing $341 million in hospitals to ensure their ongoing readiness to care for an increasing number of COVID-19 patients. This includes funding for up to 1,000 acute care beds, 500 critical care beds and assessment centres.
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Ontario protecting farmers and food supply chain
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Legislation to curb on-farm trespass, while preserving the right for lawful protests
The Ontario government is taking action to balance the safety and security of farmers, their families and the provincial food supply with protecting the right for people to participate in lawful protests on public property. Today, Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020, received Royal Assent. Once proclaimed into force, the Act will further protect against the health and safety risks of on-farm trespassing.
In recent years, farmers have faced increased levels of trespass and theft of livestock from their farms as well as mental heath stress due to these threats. Bill 156 will increase protections for those farmers while simultaneously protecting the right for people to participate in lawful protests on public property.
The Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020 helps deter trespassers by:
- Escalating fines of up to $15,000 for a first offence and $25,000 for subsequent offences, compared to a maximum of $10,000 under the Trespass to Property Act;
- Prescribing aggravating factors that would allow the court to consider factors that might justify an increased fine;
- Allowing the court to order restitution for damage in prescribed circumstances which could include damage to a farmer's livestock or from theft;
- Increasing protection for farmers against civil liability from people who were hurt while trespassing or contravening the act, provided the farmer did not directly cause the harm;
- Removing consent to enter a farm property when it was given under duress or false pretenses.
Prior to the bill's introduction, the Ontario government consulted with stakeholders across the province to ensure the right balance of protecting Ontario's farmers and the rights of people to participate in lawful protests. Over the coming months, the ministry will continue consulting with stakeholders to develop the regulations that must be put in place before the Act can be proclaimed into force.
Last year, the government passed the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, giving Ontario the strongest penalties in Canada for people who are convicted of animal abuse. The province now has the first fully provincial government-based animal welfare enforcement system in Canada.
If anybody in Ontario believes that an animal is being mistreated, they should call 1-833-9ANIMAL or 1-833-926-4625 and have a trained inspector investigate the allegation.
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Ontario Makes Historic Investment in Public Education
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Today, the Ontario government announced that it is investing $736 million more in public education for the 2020-21 school year, increasing the total to more than $25.5 billion. This funding, through the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) program, represents the largest investment in public education in Ontario's history. As a result, Ontario's average per-pupil funding amount has reached $12,525, which is an increase of $250 over the previous year.
All 72 district school boards in the province are projected to have increases to their GSN allocations for the upcoming school year, which includes record-high investments in special education, mental health and well-being, among many other key areas.
Under the GSN, the new $213 million student-centric Supports for Students Fund (SSF) will support:
- special education,
- mental health and well-being,
- language instruction,
- Indigenous education, and
- STEM programming.
The Supports for Students Fund can also be used for additional critical staffing needs during the return to school in September, including hiring custodians and education assistants for students who need support.
In addition to the GSN, Ontario is providing funding for the Priorities and Partnerships Fund (PPF), which enables school boards and third-parties to undertake important initiatives and provide critical resources for curricular, extra-curricular, and wrap-around supports. In the upcoming school year, the PPF is projected to be over $300 million, funding approximately 150 initiatives to support students.
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COVID-19 restrictions could continue after state of emergency ends, Doug Ford says
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After months of criticism, Ontario is overhauling COVID-19 data collection
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Federal Government announcements
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Prime Minister speaks with premiers on continued efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19
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Yesterday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland held their fourteenth weekly call with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers to discuss their shared response to the COVID-19 pandemic. First Ministers also discussed the need to take measures to fight racism and discrimination in order to build a stronger country.
First Ministers continued their discussion on measures being taken to safely restart the economy, including a contribution of $14 billion the Federal Government is putting toward a federal-provincial-territorial agreement to address critical needs across the country over the
next six to eight months.
- This will help Canada minimize the impact of future waves of COVID-19, including by significantly ramping up testing and contact tracing, securing a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment, and ensuring health care systems have the capacity to manage future outbreaks.
- These investments will also provide support for vulnerable populations, help ensure the safety of child care centres for both children and educators, support essential municipal services, and provide paid sick leave.
First Ministers discussed the unique challenges facing Canada’s northern communities. While territorial governments have successfully contained the spread of COVID-19, it was recognized that continued vigilance and supports are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus to remote and vulnerable communities.
First Ministers discussed the steps they are taking to reopen their economies. The Prime Minister highlighted the upcoming launch of a new nation-wide mobile app to provide notifications of exposure to COVID-19, which will help Canadians and public health officials identify and isolate the spread of the virus more quickly.
The Prime Minister also highlighted federal measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Canadians, including continued efforts to procure personal protective equipment, the extension of the closure of the Canada-U.S border, and the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for an additional eight weeks.
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Feds approve NHL cohort quarantine proposal
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The federal government has approved the NHL’s proposal of a cohort quarantine approach for players entering Canada, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Friday.
The cohort quarantine, which keeps players separate from the general public, would allow the NHL to bypass the traditional 14-day quarantine for anyone entering Canada.
That removes a potential hurdle to the candidacy of Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver as “hub” cities if the league is able to return to play later this summer.
Freeland said the cohort quarantine would involve regular screening. It would be crucial that the directives of medical officers are closely followed, she added.
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B.C., Alberta and Quebec hit by excess deaths during COVID-19, Statscan report says
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A deeper look at the number of Canadians dying from all causes during the
COVID-19 pandemic
shows British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec suffered more than 2,200 excess deaths when compared to five-year historical maximums, according to an updated Statistics Canada report released Friday.
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BDC ready to roll with loans for mid-sized companies hit hard by COVID-19
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Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $60 million from the federal government.
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Virus already in Italy by December, waste water study finds
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The coronavirus was already present in two large cities in northern Italy in December, over two months before the first case was detected, a national health institute study of waste water has found.
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In other COVID-related news:
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Long-term-care homes up pressure on Premier Doug Ford to help industry prepare for second wave of COVID-19
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Ford government planning to reduce holidays for front-line retail workers, union says
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Unprecedented rent drop in Toronto means it’s now cheaper to rent a condo than to own one
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As Camden’s police chief, I scrapped the force and started over. It worked.
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California orders people to wear masks in most indoor spaces
California on Thursday started requiring people throughout the state to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing isn't possible as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Four takeaways from contact tracing apps in other countries
While contact tracing apps have been rolled out elsewhere,not every country’s app has had a smooth roll out.
Here are four takeaways from other countries that have developed contact tracing applications.
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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.
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We're bringing the party to you, eh
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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!
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Sunset Cinema @ Home: June 19
Stay home, stay healthy, and support Oakville Hospital healthcare heroes! Join
the Oakville Hospital Foundation
for Sunset Cinema @ Home, the perfect summer movie night on Friday, June 19 at 7pm.
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The virtual edition of the Walk to End ALS event will take place June 21. ALS partner, Brain Canada, is offering a dollar for dollar match of up to $1 million to invest in promising ALS research.
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Oakville Public Library is now offering contactless holds pickups and the ability to return borrowed library materials at select locations. Details at opl.on.ca
Branches: Glen Abbey – Iroquois Ridge - Woodside
Library Take-out and materials return will be available from 11:30-7 on Tuesday and Thursday and 9:30-5 on Saturday.
The materials return process follows the same after-hours process as pre-COVID19.
Library Take-Out holds pick-up process:
Customers can place holds as usual from
www.opl.ca
, or
- a.by calling one of the open branches during open hours
i. GA -
(905) 815-2039)
ii. IR -
(905) 338-4247
iii. WS -
(905) 815-2036
Once their hold is available, customers will be contacted either by email or phone to select a pick-up slot. Each time slot is 30 minutes and has limited spots available.
On their selected date/time, customers can arrive at their indicated branch and pick-up their hold(s) from the vestibule.
Customers enjoy their new materials
Tuesdays & Thursdays • 10 am
Family Storytime on Instagram Live
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
Storytelling
and Thursday is
Photography
. Limited spaces.
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.
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Food Banks experiencing record demand
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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
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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.
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Downtown Oakville Instagram live series
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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
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Call the COVID-19 hotline
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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.
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