Office of the Mayor and Council Update
Tuesday, June 16 COVID-19 emergency
Each year, International Men’s Health Week is celebrated up to and including Father’s Day with today marking International Men’s Health Day. Today we acknowledge that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, men’s health remains an important issue and that raising awareness of signs, symptoms and prevalence of men’s health conditions helps reduce the social stigma and pressure to conform to traditional masculine ideals that prevents many men from seeking the treatment they need.

The experts tell us that during this time our mental health can be affected. The isolation takes its toll on us and that’s why so many people are experiencing ‘fatigue’ of the pandemic.

As we look ahead to Stage 2 reopening this week, I remind you that the virus has not gone, but rather that the ability of our healthcare system to deal with it has increased.
As such, I remind you to follow my 3 Cs of coronavirus caution: avoid crowds and confined spaces and don’t circulate too much. The virus needs new people to infect. When you’re in public, wear a mask as advised by all levels of public health authorities. Wash your hands and keep your distance.

The province remains under an emergency declaration, so if cases increase too much, they can pivot back to stages of closing.

Don’t forget how far we’ve come so far in this pandemic and that our recovery is already underway. Scroll to the end of this email for the updated timeline and reminder.
Items in this update:

  • COVID case counts
  • Cases among under-20 group increases
  • When to wear a non-medical mask
  • Talking Stage 2 reopening on CP24
  • We Love Oakville Fund
  • COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines for places of worship
  • Statutory Public Meeting Notice
  • How to report dry, dusty stone cutting
  • Provincial Government announcements
  • Ontario releases guide on how to develop a workplace safety plan
  • Charts show why GTA isn't ready to reopen yet
  • Federal Government announcements
  • Extension of CERB
  • Border closed another 30 days
  • No COVID cases linked to B.C. school reopening
  • Quebec students to return to school this fall
  • Doctors call for Alberta to make mask wearing mandatory
  • New Zealand reports new COVID cases after declaring country coronavirus-free
  • COVID-19 survivor receives $1 million hospital bill
  • China's new virus outbreak underscores continued threat
  • In other COVID-related news
  • No singing or dancing allowed on Ontario patios
  • Toronto estimates $14.5M cost to make city nursing homes safe in second wave
  • Low-cost drug reduces coronavirus deaths
  • Childcare in Hamilton will look different during COVID-19
  • Why B.C. and N.B. flattened the curve so quickly
  • Road trip pandemic precautions
  • Pandemic exposes precarious economic situation of many
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COVID case counts
Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by 3 from 708 to 711 with 0 new confirmed cases in Oakville, total remains at 239.

There were 0 reported recoveries in Oakville, total remains at 229 and 2 recoveries in Halton Region from 661 to 663 .
As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, the health units had reported a total of 34,270 confirmed and probable cases, including 2,579 deaths — up a total of 236 new cases since the same time Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the six new fatal cases reported in the last 24 hours is also in line with a downward trend.

In Canada, the number of confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases has surpassed 99,000, with 29,878 of them still active. 
Visit https://art-bd.shinyapps.io/covid19canada/ for the U of T COVID-19 data aggregation map
COVID-19 deaths per million
'Significant increase' in number of new COVID-19 cases among under-20s in Ontario, study finds
Researchers at the University of Guelph conducting a study looking at the COVID-19 caseload impact on the medical system in Canada have found numbers of new cases continue to climb among people under the age of 20 in Ontario.

When to wear a non-medical mask
Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is recommended when it may not be possible to physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings, such as:
  • Stores.
  • Shopping areas.
  • Public transportation.
Wearing a mask alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. Continue to wash your hands frequently and keep your distance from others.
Oakville and Halton
Talking Stage 2 reopening on CP24
Last night I discussed Oakville's Stage 2 reopening plan on CP24 and invited residents to join me downtown on Friday to enjoy our newly reopened patios and wider sidewalks.

We Love Oakville/Oakville Community Foundation Resiliency Fund
The Oakville residents’ associations, which make up We Love Oakville, are working to support the community during the COVID-19 emergency. In collaboration with the Oakville Community Foundation , a special We Love Oakville Fund has been set up as part of its Oakville Resiliency Fund.
 
If you are considering donating to the community at this time, the residents’ associations recommend the We Love Oakville Fund . 

One hundreed per cent of your gift will go to frontline charities and charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $20.00 and more.

The Oakville Community Foundation is a registered charity that was established 25 years ago to facilitate philanthropy from families, businesses, and residents towards charities operating in Oakville. In response to the Covid-19 emergency, it has created the Oakville Resiliency Fund .
COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Places of Worship
This document, available at Halton.ca, is to provide local public health guidance to faith-based organizations reopening in Halton. This document does not replace guidance from the Province, and is subject to the staged approach to reopening in the Framework for Reopening our Province.

Click the image to read
Statutory Public Meeting Notice
Proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment  271 Cornwall Road and 485 Trafalgar Road FCHT Holdings (Ontario) Corporation OPA.1612.14 and Z.1612.14, Ward 3

Monday, July 6, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Videoconference broadcast from the Council Chamber Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road youtube.com/TownofOakvilleTV

You are invited to attend and provide input at this videoconferencing meeting hosted by Planning and Development Council.

DUE TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY attendance at Town Hall is restricted and public meetings are being held by videoconference only. Instructions on how to view the meeting or participate by written submission, videoconference or telephone are provided below.

An application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law has been submitted to permit the development of two mixed use buildings (14 and 19 storeys) containing 292 residential units and 4,065 m² of commercial space. The Official Plan Amendment, if approved, would allow for a 14 and 19 storey building whereas 4-10 storeys is permitted. The Zoning By-law Amendment is proposed to implement the proposed development.
The subject land is located on the north-east corner of Cornwall Road and Trafalgar Road.

At this time there are no other applications, under the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended, pertaining to the subject lands.

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Town of Oakville to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to Council c/o the Town Clerk at the Town of Oakville, Clerk’s department, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 0H3 (Dropbox is located in front of Town Hall)or at [email protected] before the proposed official plan amendment is adopted, or the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to Council c/o the Town Clerk at the Town of Oakville, Clerk’s department, before the proposed official plan amendment is adopted or the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Town of Oakville on the proposed official plan amendment, or zoning by-law amendment, you must make a written request to the Town Clerk at the Town of Oakville, Clerk’s department, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 0H3 or at [email protected]
This meeting will be live streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/TownofOakvilleTV

Any submission to the Planning and Development Council, either in hard copy or in electronic format, must be forwarded to the Clerk's department for receipt no later than noon on Monday, July 6, 2020, to ensure its availability to the Members of Council at the meeting. Individuals making oral submissions at the public meeting are requested to contact the Clerk’s Department as early as possible prior to the meeting at [email protected] or 905-815-6015 to obtain instructions on how to participate.

All submissions should include the full name and address of the presenter.

A copy of the proposed official plan amendment and information and material about this matter, including preserving your appeal rights is available at https://www.oakville.ca/business/da-34287.html, or by contact Leigh Musson, Senior Planner, Planning Services department at 905-845-6601, ext. 3371 (TTY 905-338-4200) or at [email protected]

If you have any accessibility needs, please advise Leigh Musson one week before the meeting
How to report dry/dusty stone cutting
The Town counts on residents to let us know if builders are not complying with regulations such as dry and dusty stone cutting. If violations are observed, complaints can be made 24/7 by contacting the town at 905-845-6601 or the Halton Police non-emergency number 905-825-4777 and a town enforcement officer will be dispatched. Some concerns can also be registered through the town’s website www.oakville.ca and using the report a problem tool.
Ontario
Provincial Government announcements
Ontario releases guide on how to develop a workplace safety plan
New toolkit will help employers create safer working environments during COVID-19

The Ontario government is providing employers with a new general workplace guide, which will help them develop a safety plan to better protect workers, customers and clients. The new downloadable toolkit offers tips on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as more people get back on the job during Stage 2 of the reopening of the province.

The  new guide  will help each employer create a safety plan that is right for their own unique workplace. It includes information on the use of face coverings, as well as applying controls in the workplace, from most important to least important. It also includes information on what personal protective equipment may be needed for workers.

The government's first general workplace guide is accompanied by a template that employers can fill in to develop their own unique COVID-19 safety plan. The materials will help employers:
  • Identify the risks for transmitting the virus through person-to-person contact and actions such as touching faces with hands that have been contaminated by contact with surfaces and objects;
  • Determine what controls are needed to help mitigate risk, such as engineering controls like the installation of plexiglass to separate workers from customers, administrative controls limiting the number of workers in a space at one time, and personal protective equipment including face and eye protection;
  • Create a workplace safety plan based on the identified risks and appropriate controls specific to the employer's workplace;
  • Implement the plan in the workplace, and review and update it as the situation evolves; and
  • Communicate the actions being taken to workers and othe r people entering the workplace.

The new guide is supported by 121 workplace resources available at  Ontario.ca/covidsafety  to help protect workers from the virus. They include safety guidelines and helpful posters with tips for 28 distinct sectors such as construction, food, agriculture, manufacturing and long-term care. These materials were developed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in consultation with provincial health and safety associations.
Why are some regions still locked down? These 4 charts show why the GTA isn’t ready to reopen yet
As areas across Ontario prepare to enter the second stage of reopening this Friday as new cases of COVID-19 drop, Toronto will not be joining them, with most new cases happening in the GTA

Click the image to read the full story and see the charts
Canada
Federal Government announcements
Prime Minister announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the government is extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by eight weeks, to ensure Canadians have the help they need as they transition back to work. This extension will make the benefit available to eligible workers for up to a total of 24 weeks.

The Government of Canada introduced the CERB to immediately help workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so they could continue to put food on the table and pay their bills during this challenging time. As we begin to restart the economy and get people back on the job, Canadians receiving the benefit should be actively seeking work opportunities or planning to return to work, provided they are able and it is reasonable to do so.

That is why the government will also make changes to the CERB attestation, which will encourage Canadians receiving the benefit to find employment and consult Job Bank, Canada’s national employment service that offers tools to help with job searches. Over the next few weeks, the government will monitor international best practices, the economy, and the progression of the virus and, if needed, make necessary changes to the program so more people can have the support they need. We will also look at ways to ensure all our supports, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Employment Insurance (EI), are working effectively to help Canadians get back on their feet.

The CERB is a taxable benefit of $2,000 over a four-week period for eligible workers who have stopped working or whose work hours have been reduced, due to COVID-19.
The CERB is available to workers who:
  • live in Canada and are at least 15 years old
  • have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19, or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their EI regular or fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020
  • had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019, or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
  • have not earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income per benefit period while collecting the CERB
  • have not quit their job voluntarily

Today’s announcement builds on a number of measures, including the proposed extension of the CEWS announced on May 15. The CEWS is being extended to August 29, 2020, to protect jobs, allow businesses to keep employees on the payroll, and re-hire workers who were previously laid off.

While parts of our economy safely begin to restart, many Canadians are still experiencing the effects of COVID-19. Both the CERB and the CEWS were introduced as part of our plan to rapidly support Canadians through this crisis. The government is committed to continuing to support Canadians across all sectors until they can consistently and safely return to work.
Canada- U.S. border to remain closed to non-essential travel until July 21
The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another 30 days to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus as confirmed cases in the United States continue to climb past the two million mark.

No COVID-19 cases linked to B.C.’s school system two weeks after opening
B.C.'s top doctor says there haven't been any cases of COVID-19 connected with schools.

Quebec students will be heading back to school this fall
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge has unveiled his plan to reopen schools, which has been rubber stamped by public health due to decline of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.

Doctors call for Alberta to make wearing a mask mandatory in public
There are more calls this week for mandatory masking as Alberta continues to move through its relaunch. A group of doctors has written an open letter to the government of Alberta asking that people be required to wear masks in all indoor spaces outside the home, in crowds, and on public transit.

International news
New Zealand reports 2 new COVID-19 cases, days after declaring itself free of the coronavirus
New Zealand said on Tuesday that it has two new cases of the coronavirus, both related to recent travel from the U.K., ending a 24-day streak of no new infections in the country.

COVID-19 survivor receives US$1.1M hospital bill
A 70-year-old American man who nearly died of COVID-19 has been billed a heart-stopping US$1.1 million for his hospital expenses,  the Seattle Times reported  this past weekend.

China's new virus outbreak underscores continued threat 
China's capital was bracing Monday for a resurgence of the coronavirus after more than 100 new cases were reported in recent days in a city that hadn't seen a case of local transmission in more than a month.

In other COVID-related news:
No singing or dancing allowed as Ontario restaurant patios reopen
The guidance prepared for restaurants and bars states that both singing and dancing are banned in the outdoor seating areas where customers are currently allowed to gather in limited numbers.
City estimates $14.5M price tag to make city nursing homes safe against a second wave of COVID-19
Low-cost drug reduces coronavirus deaths, scientists say
Childcare in Hamilton will look different during COVID-19
Premier Doug Ford has announced child-care centres in Ontario can open as early as Friday, but there's still no set date for when that will happen at the 234 child care locations in Hamilton.

Geography, leadership and sheer luck: Why B.C. and N.B. flattened the curve so quickly
As more restrictions are loosened in provinces across the country, Canadians are beginning to feel some respite from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet while some of the worst-hit provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, continue efforts to flatten the curve, others seem to have emerged on the other side of the outbreak faster and better equipped to handle the second wave many experts expect to hit in the fall.

Planning a road trip? Here are the pandemic precautions you should take
With restrictions still in place  on international travel , many Canadians may be considering a road trip this summer for a much-needed break from isolation at home.
But experts say a road trip during a pandemic requires careful planning and special considerations.
The pandemic has exposed the precarious economic situation of many Canadian families

So much of the effort to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 has been to protect some of those most at risk – people with underlying conditions.
So it is appropriate that this unprecedented effort – shutting down whole swaths of the economy to combat the virus – has exposed other “underlying conditions” that threaten the long-term social and economic health of our country.
Over the past two months, as workplaces closed and millions of Canadians were furloughed or lost their jobs entirely, the precarious economic situation of most Canadian families has come into vivid and troubling relief.
Click to read the full story 
Upcoming events:
Celebrate Pride
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!
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.

Walk to end ALS
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.

What's on at the OPL
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
 
Monday, June 15 • 12 pm
Let's Talk About Books, Movies & More: Local Authors
This week, we'll discuss our favourite books, movies and more that relate to local authors. "Let's Talk About" are weekly, virtual sessions that explore different themes in arts, culture and literature.
Join us on Zoom (Meeting ID: 974 0002 2387) or call 1-647-558-0588.
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 Storytelling and Thursday is Photography . Limited spaces.

Thursday, June 18 • 11 am
Let's Talk About Books, Movies & More: Guilty Pleasures
This week, we'll discuss our favourite books, movies and more that relate to guilty pleasures . "Let's Talk About" are weekly, virtual sessions that explore different themes in arts, culture and literature.
Join us on Zoom (Meeting ID: 986 6422 2815) or call 1-647-558-0588.

Friday, June 19 • 10 am
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. 

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.

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. 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 17 at 2 p.m. - Must Boutique 
June 24 at 7 p.m. - Dr. Adrienne, Naturopathic Doctor 
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