Vol. 3 - Issue 26
November 20, 2020
  • Further COVID-related Restrictions Announced by the Province
  • Low Carbon Transition Strategy
  • Council Meeting on November 23
  • Mayor’s Message
  • Community Development Action Plan
  • National Housing Day
  • Glen Williams Areas of Policy
  • Ice/Floor User Group Rate Relief
  • Privately-Owned Tree Management Strategy Second Round Consultation
  • Digital Upgrades for Halton Hills Small Businesses
  • Regional Tourism Recovery Grants Available
  • New Exhibition in the Helson Gallery
  • Job Opportunities
  • Stay Current on Coronavirus
Further COVID-related Restrictions
Announced by the Province
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local medical officers of health, and other health experts, the province is moving certain public health unit regions to new levels in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, which includes moving Toronto and Peel into Lockdown.

The Region of Halton remains in the red control zone with restricted gatherings.

Additionally, $750 fines can be issued for COVID-related violations.

All restrictions come into effect on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
Low-Carbon Transition Strategy
The Low-Carbon Transition Strategy (LCTS) will establish the actions to achieve the net-zero carbon target set out in the Climate Change Emergency Declaration by the proposed date of 2030. The plan will address de-carbonizing every aspect of Town-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including homes, transportation, industry, agriculture and waste.

The Town's Low-Carbon Transition Strategy lays out a clear implementation plan and is developed collaboratively with representation from across Halton Hills community to achieve a rapid transition to a low-carbon community.


The Town will also hold a virtual public open house on December 1, 2020. The event will feature a brief presentation, Q&A session and breakout group discussion.

Attendees will learn more about timelines, resources and next steps as the Town works towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Halton Hills and become a net-zero community.
Town Council Meeting on November 23
The Town will hold a Council meeting on November 23 at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. In our efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to protect all individuals, public attendance at Council meetings will not be permitted at this time. 

Members of the public who would like to submit feedback, please email your comments to clerks@haltonhills.ca prior to the meeting. Comments submitted will be circulated to Council Members in advance of the meeting and will be part of the public record. 
Mayor's Message
Check out the latest Mayor's message on supporting local businesses in Halton Hills.
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Community Development Action Plan
Establishing the terms of reference for the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) ensures that staff will be deliberate in their efforts to engage and support the community. Staff will report back to Council on future updates of the CDAP and subsequent works requiring approvals. 

The opportunity to create and formalize a CDAP was identified in the top 10 recommendations of the Recreation and Parks Strategic Action Plan. Staff has proceeded with the development of this plan and incorporated additional opportunities that have been set out. 
National Housing Day
Our vulnerable populations have been hardest hit as we shelter in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. November 22, 2020 is National Housing Day and a chance to recognize the work done by housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing for all. 

Now more than ever, National Housing Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done.  
Glen Williams Areas of Policy
The Town wants to hear from residents if there are additional matters to the Glen Williams areas of policy that should be addressed. As well, the Town is interested to hear additional questions or comments to the review and update to any of the nine areas of policy.
Ice/Floor User Group Relief
The impact of COVID-19 has affected the ability of minor ice and floor user groups to financially support the hourly rate of Town facilities for their return to sport.

Staff is recommending that the Town reduce the registered ice and floor rental rate by 50 per cent for the 2020 - 21 season. This recommendation is based on ice and floor user groups' capacity to respond and adhere to Provincial guidelines and the Town's desire to support the continued viability of sports groups through community rebuilding efforts.

Assuming restrictions are lifted over the next year, rental fees will return to full rate as per the Town annual rate report.
Privately-Owned Tree Management Strategy Second Round Consultation
In February and March 2020, the community was asked to provide input on how privately-owned trees could be managed in Halton Hills. This feedback generated thirty-one ideas broadly categorized into education, incentive, and regulation management tools. In May 2020, Town Council participated in a workshop to review and filter down these ideas and chose the ones they thought would work best.

In a follow-up survey, residents are presented with different scenarios that describe potential ways the Town could manage privately-owned trees. When reading scenarios, residents are asked to think about how helpful each could be in protecting and enhancing trees on their property and other privately-owned trees in Halton Hills.
Digital Upgrades for Halton Hills Small Businesses
Digital Main Street support programs are available to Halton Hills small businesses until December 14. Schedule a meeting with local Digital Service Squad (DSS) member Sarah to understand how you can enhance your businesses' digital offerings. Sarah will advise on e-commerce software, website update tools, digital marketing and help businesses apply for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant through the Ontario BIA Association.

Grant application deadline is November 30. 
Regional Tourism Recovery Grants Available
In response to businesses' needs during COVID-19, the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association is launching four funding streams to support the tourism industry’s business recovery efforts.

Program topics include coverage for health and safety expenses, market readiness efforts and digital content creation. Intake period for all four grants runs from November 16 – 30, 2020.
New Exhibition in the Helson Gallery
The Helson Gallery opened a new exhibition on November 18. "Field Notes: Observations on Climate Change" examines the causes and impacts of global warming through the work of 12 artists in photography, painting, print-making and installation media.

Several local artists are featured; the show continues until February 28, 2021.
Job Opportunities
Stay Current on the Coronavirus
Information on Town operations, facility closures, mandatory masks and more can be found on the Town's COVID-19 web page.
For health-related information, visit Halton Region.
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