July 31 Office of the Mayor and Council Update

Oakville celebrates Emancipation Day tomorrow

Tomorrow the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and Town of Oakville will celebrate Emancipation Day – the commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery Act. The act, which became law on August 1,1834, freed more than 800,000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire and 14 years ago, Veronica Tyrrell of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and I brought the annual picnic celebrating the day back to Oakville.

Since then we’ve joined with the community each August long weekend on the grounds of Erchless Estate for food and music celebrating culture and freedom. This year we’ll celebrate a little differently – starting by picking up pre-ordered lunches at Queen Elizabeth Park CCC and heading home to be entertained virtually and to watch the premiere of the CCAH’s documentary Legacy Voices. Whatever you’re doing this long weekend , please keep public health advice in mind. Stay home if you’re unwell, wash and sanitize your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes and keep a physical distance. Masks must be worn in all public indoor public spaces in Halton. My three Cs of COVID-caution can also help us continue to crush the curve. Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings.  Please scroll to the end of this email for the updated pandemic timeline.

Items in this update: COVID case counts WHO head says Canada has 'done well' at bringing COVID-19 under control Effects of coronavirus pandemic will be felt for decades: WHO Medical Officer of Health encourages non-medical mask wearing in all indoor public spaces Town of Oakville announcements South Shell Park reopens August 1 Parking downtown continues to be free on Saturdays and free first hour with HONK app Avoid overcrowding Bronte Beach and other waterfront parks Lakeshore Road reconstruction continues Cleanup at Coronation Park beach Region of Halton looking for feedback on Regional Official Plan Provincial Government announcements Ontario implementing additional measures at bars and restaurants to help limit the spread of COVID-19 Ontario safely and gradually reopens DriveTest centres Black people and other people of colour make up 83 per cent of Toronto's reported COVID cases How non-core classes will operate in Ontario schools Government of Canada announcements New mobile app to help notify Canadians of potential COVID-19 exposure now available Federal government to boost protections for temporary foreign workers, address outbreaks on farms Government announces new extension of rent relief for small businesses CERB recipients to be transferred to EI program soon Serology study gives officials first look at spread of COVID-19 through Albert'as population B.C. Teachers Federations asking for start of school to be pushed back to address plan concerns Economy grew 4.5 per cent in May Johnson puts lockdown-easing on hold as cases in Britain rise Hong Kong postpones elections by a year, citing spike in coronavirus cases In related news COVID-19: Doctors say wearing masks in crowded outdoor spaces helps prevent spread of coronavirus Growing coronavirus outbreaks lead some countries to reconsider tourism push Influenza rates at record low thanks to distancing during coronavirus, data suggests No kicking the button and no talking: Experts talk pandemic elevator etiquette New Normal: Elevators moving touchless, mobile and sideways Is it safe to swim? Hamilton cuts Lake Ontario beach water testing to once a month

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COVID case counts

Confirmed cases in Halton increased by 0 (with one negative result in Milton and one confirmed case in Burlington) total remains at 827 with 0 new confirmed cases in Oakville, total remains at 271 . There are currently 2 COVID-19 patients being cared for at OTMH and 10 active cases in Oakville. There were 0 reported recoveries in Oakville, total remains at 286 and +1 recoveries in Halton Region, from 861 to 862 .

In Ontario there are 134 news cases today, bringing the total to 39,209 , 35,074 of which are resolved. There have been 2,775 deaths in the province. Currently there are 78 COVID patients in Ontario hospitals, 29 of whom are in ICU with 15 of those on a ventilator. There are 115,799 confirmed cases in Canada as of today with 100,825 resolved and 8,929 deaths .

Visit https://art-bd.shinyapps.io/covid19canada/ for the U of T COVID-19 data aggregation map

COVID-19 deaths per million

WHO head says Canada has 'done well' at bringing COVID-19 under control The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted Canada on Monday as one of the countries that has done well in its handling of the pandemic by bringing its outbreak "under control.” Read the full story

Effects of coronavirus pandemic will be felt for decades: World Health Organization

"The pandemic is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come," Tedros told a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee, according to remarks released by the agency. Read the full story

Medical Officer of Health encourages non-medical mask wearing in all indoor public spaces

Toronto recently passed a bylaw requiring apartments and condos to create a policy to require masks in common areas of these buildings, such as lobbies, laundry rooms and elevators. From a public health perspective, Halton's medical officer of health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani continues to be supportive of approaches including policies that increase mask use in common indoor spaces where physical distancing is a challenge. Recognizing that apartment building common spaces are not necessarily public spaces, but can lead to individuals not in the same social circle potentially spending time together, she strongly encourages mask use in these settings.

Oakville and Halton

Town of Oakville announcements

South Shell Park reopens August 1 South Shell Park is set to reopen to the public this Saturday, August 1. Extensive construction work over the last four weeks included enhanced safety of the seawall, and restoration and expansion of the shoreline . The public can now enjoy a new lookout area and benches. There is now formal beach access, pathways and stairs. “Oakville’s open and green spaces and proximity to the lake are a big part of what makes our community so unique,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “These latest enhancements to South Shell Park reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in and creating a livable Oakville for all residents to enjoy.” These recent improvements are part of the third and final phase of the South Shell Waterfront Park Master Plan. Phase 1 and 2 work of the overall plan saw the development of paved trails, naturalization strategy, a washroom facility, covered shade structure, parking lot and playground. A naturalization and tree planting plan is also being implemented to replace trees that have been removed. The result will mean an increased canopy cover, added shade, and improved biodiversity and habitat for migratory birds. This work will be completed in the fall when cooler temperatures provide optimal growing conditions. Tree planting efforts will take 1-2 days to complete and will not require closure of the park. When visiting South Shell Park, residents are reminded to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by following these public health and safety guidelines: Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least a 2-metre distance from others outside your household or social circle. Stay home if you are feeling unwell. Wash or sanitize your hand frequently, especially after touching surfaces such as benches, tables, or playground structures. Avoid crowded places and wear a non-medical face mask or face covering when physical distancing is a challenge.  Visit oakville.ca for more information.

Parking downtown continues to be free on Saturdays and free first hour with HONK app

As the town moves into Phase 3 of the Province’s recovery plan, paid parking will resume in Downtown Oakville, Kerr Village and Bronte Village beginning Tuesday, August 4. With that, the town is implementing some added conveniences in the three shopping districts. To welcome residents back to our stores and restaurants and encourage contactless, cashless pay, the town is offering first-time users of the HONK mobile parking app up to $5 toward their parking, using the promo code OAK2020, through to the end of the year. In Downtown Oakville, the first hour of each visit is free when using the promo code DOWNTOWN on the HONK app., a measure approved as part of the mitigation strategy for the Lakeshore Road reconstruction project. Residents will also notice the town has established temporary free curb-side pick up spaces for quick stops in all three shopping areas. “We’re excited our shopping areas are open for business. Council and I thank you for continuing to crush the curve. With businesses reopening, and new patios being installed, paid parking will help ensure there is vehicle turnover and improve access to our beautiful shopping districts for all to enjoy. I encourage you to shop local, take advantage of our free parking promotions, and stay safe,” said Mayor Rob Burton. The town will also reinstate three-hour time limits for residential on-street parking beginning August 4. Residents who require more time to park on their street or who have overnight guests can request a temporary on-street parking permit at oakville.ca . Parking enforcement staff will be educating motorists of parking violations with a warning ticket in the first few days of implementation. The town temporarily suspended paid parking and time limits for residential on-street parking during the COVID-19 emergency. Now that Oakville has entered Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan, businesses and services have started to open, and traffic volumes and short-term parking needs have increased across the town. All pay-by-plate machines, meters, and municipal parking lots will be open and accept payment beginning Tuesday, with the exception of the Church Street Parkade in Downtown Oakville, which will be open to permit holders only until alternate payment methods can be implemented. Parking is free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays in all three business improvement areas. In Downtown Oakville, parking is also free on Saturdays for the remainder of the year, during the Lakeshore Road reconstruction project.  More information on parking can be found on oakville.ca . The Town of Oakville has a comprehensive COVID-19 recovery process in place that aligns with the Province’s gradual phased-in approach. For more information and to learn what’s open and closed in Stage 3, visit the town’s  COVID-19  page or follow us on  Twitter ,  Facebook  and  Instagram .

Avoid overcrowding Bronte Beach and other waterfront parks

As we head into the long weekend, please be mindful of overcrowding at Bronte Beach and other waterfront parks. If parking is full, it’s likely the beach and park are full too and you should consider going back another time. Park Ambassadors will be on hand to ensure physical distancing is maintained.

Lakeshore Road reconstruction continues

What's happening now Allan to Reynolds Installation of granite pavers on south side Preparing for asphalt (paving scheduled for early August) Reynolds to Trafalgar Preparation for sidewalk installation south side Trafalgar to Dunn Silva Cell excavation

What's been completed Allan to Reynolds Granite tree wells complete on south side Granite pavers being installed south side Concrete laybys installed Reynolds to Trafalgar Installation of granular road base Granite curb install on north side Sidewalk removal on north side Trafalgar to Dunn Catch basins installed on east side of Dunn intersection Sanitary and water services

Cleanup at Coronation Park beach

Recently, a member of Glow adventures (Great Lakes Open Water adventures) undertook an individual cleanup at Coronation Park beach. This individual collected a full garbage bag of plastic debris. The organization aims to prevent all plastic debris from entering bodies of water and this is a great initiative for which the town and Council are appreciative.  This year Coronation Park has seen an increase in the number of visitors. We have increased garbage control measures and had park ambassadors deployed to parks as well. Individuals are responsible for looking after their garbage and the Town of Oakville will continue to provide containers, signage and enforcement measures. It is appreciated that individuals whether at the beach, in park and trails assist with picking up the excess that isn't properly disposed of.

Region of Halton looking for feedback on Regional Official Plan

The Region is seeking community feedback by September 28, 2020, in two ways: Take the general questionnaire: Provide high-level feedback on theme areas relating to the Regional Official Plan. Complete the technical questionnaire: Provide detailed feedback on theme areas relating to the Regional Official Plan. The technical questionnaire contains questions on each of the five discussion papers. It is designed to enable participants to only answer those questions for which they have an interest. You can access the Regional Official Plan discussion papers and other related information on the Regional Official Plan Review at:   https://www.halton.ca/The-Region/Regional-Planning/Regional-Official-Plan-(ROP)/Halton-s-Regional-Official-Plan-Review-(ROPR)     LPS52-20 - Regional Official Plan Review - Natural Heritage Discussion Paper LPS53-20 - Regional Official Plan Review - Rural and Agricultural System Discussion Paper LPS54-20 - Regional Official Plan Review - Climate Change Discussion Paper LPS55-20 - Regional Official Plan Review - North Aldershot Planning Area Discussion Paper LPS56-20 - Regional Official Plan Review - Regional Urban Structure Discussion Paper

Ontario

Provincial Government announcements

Ontario implementing additional measures at bars and restaurants to help limit the spread of COVID-19

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, has amended orders O. Reg 364/20 : Rules for Areas in Stage 3 and O. Reg. 263/20 : Rules for Areas in Stage 2, under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, implementing additional measures for restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments, as the province carefully and gradually reopens. "Protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians has always been our top priority," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These additional measures will help reduce close contact between individuals in these settings, and support case and contact tracing, thereby limiting the spread of COVID-19." In order to keep patrons of restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments safe, the amended orders will implement the following measures:   All patrons will be required to be seated at all times, in both indoor and outdoor areas, with limited exceptions; and Bars and restaurants (and also tour boat operators) in Ontario will be required to keep client logs for a period of 30 days and to disclose the client logs to the medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request, which will support case and contact tracing. Complementary changes are being made in respect of existing provisions relating to tour operators and tour boat operators. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened. It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice as more businesses and services reopen in Stage 3. This includes practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Ontario safely and gradually reopens DriveTest centres

People will be able to access more drive testing services as the Ontario government moves DriveTest centres into the second phase of its reopening plan. Beginning on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 road testing for class G2 and all motorcycle licences will resume and the number of locations offering commercial driver road tests will expand. "As we continue to reopen our economy, resuming driver testing is another way our government is helping people get back to work," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "We are phasing-in these services to ensure important health and safety measures are in place at all DriveTest centres and our staff and customers are fully protected." Starting on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, the following services will be available at DriveTest centres: Class G2 road tests Class M2 and class M motorcycle road tests Commercial driver road tests availability will expand to 42 DriveTest locations across Ontario Part-time Travel Point locations will resume driver examination services as the shared facilities they are located in become available for the public's use. All driver licensing services offered as part of phase 1 of DriveTest's reopening, including knowledge tests and driver's licence exchanges and upgrades, will continue to be available on a first-come, first served basis. To reduce crowding and support physical distancing, most DriveTest centres will continue to serve these customers based on the date of the customer's birth. Customers who need road tests should visit DriveTest.ca to  schedule a test . People with birthdays between January to June will be allowed to visit a centre one week, and people with birthdays between July to December will have access to DriveTest services the following week.For information on which customers are being served this week, please visit  DriveTest.ca .  "We have temporarily extended the expiration date of all driver's licences, so we would ask that everyone hold off on visiting a DriveTest centre unless absolutely necessary," said Minister Mulroney. "For those going to a centre please exercise caution and follow all of the public health guidelines." To protect the safety of Ontarians DriveTest requires customers to wear face coverings inside centres and during road tests, sanitize their hands when they enter the building and undergo temperature checks before road tests. All DriveTest staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment when serving customers and driver examiners will also be equipped with face shields, sanitizer packages and seat covers when conducting road tests.

Black people and other people of colour make up 83 per cent of reported COVID-19 cases in Toronto

Black people and other people of colour make up 83 per cent of reported COVID-19 cases in Toronto, while only making up half of the city's population, data shows. Read the full story

Music, gym and COVID-19: How non-core classes will operate in Ontario schools

One education expert and former school teacher said those areas of instruction are very important to many students — and the issue presents a lot of questions. Read the full story

Canada

Government of Canada announcements

New mobile app to help notify Canadians of potential COVID-19 exposure now available

Over the past several months, Canadians have been following public health advice and doing their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now, as we take steps to ease restrictions and safely restart our economy, we need to continue to work together to contain the virus and keep Canadians safe and healthy. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, today announced that COVID Alert, a new national mobile app, is now available to Canadians for free download. The app, first developed in Ontario, helps notify users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Use of COVID Alert is voluntary, and serves as another tool to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Once the app is fully functioning in their province or territory, users who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a one-time key from their health authority that they can enter into the app. When the key is entered, COVID Alert will notify other users who may have come in close contact with that person for at least 15 minutes in the past 14 days, so they can contact their local public health authority for guidance. To safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of all Canadians, the app uses strong measures to protect any data it collects, and does not track a user's location or collect personally identifiable information. The Privacy Commissioners of Canada and Ontario were consulted on the development of COVID Alert, to ensure the highest level of privacy for Canadians using the app. The Government of Canada has been working in close partnership with the Province of Ontario to launch the COVID Alert app. Health authorities in Ontario will be the first to begin distributing one-time keys. The Government of Canada is also working with the other provinces and territories to bring their jurisdictions on board in the coming weeks and months. An expert Advisory Council will ensure the app meets the highest standards in public health outcomes, privacy, and technology. The members of the Council reflect Canada’s regional and cultural diversity, and cover a wide range of expertise, including health, privacy, data governance, science, and innovation. Their advice will inform the implementation and rollout phases of the app.  The new COVID Alert app is just one example of how the Government of Canada is working with the provinces, territories, and other partners to protect the health of all Canadians, and support efforts to restart the economy gradually and safely.

Government of Canada to boost protections for temporary foreign workers and address  COVID-19 outbreaks on farms

Since the very beginning of this pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a number of important steps to ensure the safe arrival of farm workers, who play a vital role in preserving Canada’s food security. To protect the health and safety of Canadian and migrant farm workers, the Government has been working with municipal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as farmers, workers and other employers who participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. Despite these efforts, there have been COVID-19 outbreaks on a number of Canadian farms that have significantly impacted the health and safety of workers. That is why the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced that the Government of Canada is taking additional action to reduce the incidence and impact of COVID-19 outbreaks on farms. With an investment of $58.6 million, the Government is strengthening the TFW Program and making further investments to safeguard the health and safety of Canadian and temporary foreign workers from COVID-19 by: Investing $7.4 million to increase supports to temporary foreign workers, including $6.0M for direct outreach to workers delivered through migrant worker support organizations; Strengthening the employer inspections regime, particularly on farms, and making improvements to how tips and allegations of employer non-compliance are addressed (such as by initiating an inspection) through an investment of $16.2 million; and Investing $35 million to improve health and safety on farms and in employee living quarters to prevent and respond to the spread of COVID-19. This will go toward direct infrastructure improvements to living quarters, temporary or emergency housing (on- or off-farm), as well as PPE, sanitary stations, and any other health and safety measures. Non-repayable contributions will be cost-shared 50:50 with the applicants. The Government will also work to develop mandatory requirements to improve employer-provided accommodations, focusing on ensuring better living conditions for workers. As a first step, the Government will consult with provinces and territories, employers, workers and foreign partner countries on a proposal for these mandatory requirements for the TFW Program in the months to come, and will work with those same partners to implement changes. Improvements to worker accommodations will also help reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 for foreign workers. To support the response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 cases amongst temporary foreign workers in Windsor-Essex County, the Government of Canada is also currently collaborating with the Canadian Red Cross and the Province of Ontario to set up temporary housing for those affected in order to support them to self-isolate, in accordance with public health guidance. This work is being advanced under the Government's previous commitment to provide up to $100 million to the Canadian Red Cross to support additional relief and recovery efforts this year related to COVID-19, floods and wildfires. This spring, the Government of Canada published guidance for employers on how to manage the arrival and quarantining of exempt travellers to Canada, including temporary foreign workers to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID-19. In addition, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and the Minister of Health issued a letter to employers of temporary foreign workers outlining the Government of Canada's expectations of employers. As well, the Government put in place amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to hold employers accountable and to keep workers safe. These changes require employers to pay workers during their initial quarantine and ensure workers are able to observe the two-week quarantine period. To help these efforts, the Government of Canada announced the $50 million Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program to help farmers and food processors pay for the costs related to safely accommodating workers for the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Today’s $35 million fund extends supports beyond the 14-day period. While provinces and territories are responsible for setting health care, employment standards and housing requirements in the agriculture sector post-quarantine in their respective jurisdictions, the Government of Canada is committed to further federal action to help to reduce the incidence and impact of on-farm outbreaks, and protecting those who are part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Government announces new extension of rent relief for small businesses

Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced that the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) will be extended by one month to help eligible small business pay rent for August. All provinces and territories continue to participate in this initiative, and collaborate with the federal government to provide rent supports to those small businesses most in need. Despite the gradual lifting of restrictions and re-opening of businesses across the country, many small businesses continue to require assistance with their fixed costs to support them as they adapt to a new reality. This extension will help provide Canadian small businesses most impacted by the shutdown with an extended bridge to recovery. Across the country, thousands of small businesses who were forced to close or were especially hard hit have been able to use CECRA to help cover rent and position themselves to stay open and grow their revenues as the economy reopens. The government encourages property owners to continue to make use of CECRA for eligible tenants, and to work to provide flexibility where possible to their tenants as they recover from the crisis. As of July 30, 2020, 63,000 small business tenants have been supported, representing over 616,000 employees, for a total of over $613 million in rent support. Additionally, CMHC is working with large property owners to help provide CECRA to more than 20,000 small businesses. Thousands of new applications continue to be regularly submitted, demonstrating a strong interest in CECRA from property owners and small business tenants and the importance of this one month extension as businesses get through this challenging period.  The government will continue to help ensure Canadians have what they need to pay their bills and keep their families safe and healthy during these challenging times.

CERB recipients will be transferred to EI program soon: PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the millions of people who are still claiming the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will soon be transitioned onto the federal Employment Insurance program. Read the full story

Serology study gives officials first look at spread of COVID-19 through Alberta's population

Early efforts to flatten the COVID-19 curve were successful, according to an analysis of serology tests that has given the province a baseline to better understand the spread of coronavirus through the population, Alberta's top doctor says. Read the full story

B.C. Teachers Federations asking for start of school year to be pushed back to address plan concerns

The B.C. Teachers Federation is asking the provincial government to push back the start of the school year in order to address numerous concerns and allow for proper training under the new schooling model. Read the full story

Economy grew 4.5 per cent in May after severe lockdowns: Statistics Canada

Statstics Canada says the economy grew by 4.5 per cent in May as businesses began to reopen after severe lockdowns of March and April. In a flash estimate for June, the agency says the economy continued to grow at an annualized rate of 5 per cent. Read the full story

International news

Johnson puts lockdown-easing on hold as coronavirus cases in Britain rise

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put some planned measures to ease the U.K.‘s lockdown on hold Friday, just hours before they were due to take effect, saying the number of new coronavirus cases in the country is on the rise for the first time since May. Read the full story

Hong Kong postpones elections by a year, citing spike in coronavirus cases

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Friday postponed a Sept. 6 election for seats in the city legislature for a year because of a spike in novel coronavirus cases. Read the full story

In other COVID-related news:

COVID-19: Doctors say wearing masks in crowded outdoor spaces helps prevent spread of coronavirus Doctors advise people running or cycling on busy pathways to wear masks while exercising. Read the full story Growing coronavirus outbreaks lead some countries to reconsider tourism push With international travel heavily restricted, progress in reviving tourism has been at best anemic and usually perilous. Read the full story Influenza rates at record low thanks to distancing during coronavirus, data suggests There's concern that the unprecedented drop in cases could have a negative impact on immunity levels in following seasons. Read the full story No kicking the button and no talking: Experts talk pandemic elevator etiquette CTVNews.ca asked three of Canada’s experts in etiquette about what has changed and what has stayed the same when it comes to navigating elevator rides. Read the full story New Normal: Elevators moving touchless, mobile and sideways Lonnie Mackenzie, owner of Abco Elevator in Regina, has posted a video that offers three tips for a germ-free elevator ride. Watch now Is it safe to swim? Hamilton cuts Lake Ontario beach water testing to once a month Hamilton is only testing Lake Ontario beaches for bacterial safety once a month this summer — less frequently than any other city on the Canadian side of the lake. Read the full story

Upcoming events:

Halton Environmental Network is launching Pop-up Clean-ups! The socially distanced clean-ups are a safe and fun way to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference in your community. Not only will you be cleaning up litter, but you’ll be tracking the waste you find. The collected data will empower our community to make informed decisions on how to protect our environment.   You can either lead a clean-up or take part in one! Students also have the opportunity to gain volunteer hours for school credit with each clean-up they do. If you are interested, please register   here .

Sign the CN intermodal e-Petition now

This e-Petition is a collaborative effort between Milton RAIL, Milton Says No and Halton Region, to serve as the response from Halton residents during this last, vital public consultation period in the environmental assessment process. The Review Panel Report states that the Project (CN intermodal terminal AKA Milton Logistics Hub) is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on human health caused by air quality. The Federal Government can still determine that the environmental effects to human health - 1,600 transport trucks on the roads every day plus the operation of a dangerous industrial facility - are justified. This would be set a devastating precedent for Canadian municipalities. This petition is meant to ensure the Federal Government understands that significant adverse effects to human health cannot be justified. Instructions: 1. Sign the petition There is no minimum age to sign Every signature, however, must have a unique email address (an email address may only be used once on the petition). 2. Watch for an email from the House of Commons! You must verify and confirm your signature, it will not count unless you complete this step. Sign the petition

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. Fareshare Food Bank Oakville: 905-847-3988 or email  [email protected] Kerr Street Mission: 905-845-7485 or donate online at kerrstreet.com The Salvation Army Oakville: Donate online https://salvationarmy.ca/

Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate under increased safety measures. More information

Testing in Oakville

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.

Coronavirus timeline