July 9 Office of the Mayor and Council Update
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Oakville Town Council calls for region-wide temporary mandatory mask by-law
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At the Special Council Meeting I called last night, Oakville Town Council unanimously passed a motion moved by Councillor Tom Adams and seconded by Councillor Cathy Duddeck, calling for Halton Region to enact a region-wide, temporary mandatory by-law requiring the use of face masks in indoor public spaces. Council also directed town staff to prepare a temporary by-law specifically for the Town of Oakville to implement if the Region fails to do so.
Our request is for a by-law that is
generally consistent with the Toronto by-law in order to ensure consistency across all Region of Halton municipalities and across the GTA.
We have seen many people wearing face coverings voluntarily, however, we are willing to support this action to provide an extra measure of protection in fighting this pandemic.
As I said at last night’s meeting:
We’re doing this to protect the future.
I believe that what we’re doing is prudent and for the benefit of a continued economic recovery of our community. As we look to the South and we see what happened when people became very incautious when they reopened and it’s not like they’re having a second wave, they’re having a second mountain. And we don’t want that.
Halton Region will consider a region-wide by-law on July 15 and on July 16, Oakville Town Council will hold another Special Council Meeting to either approve a proposed town by-law or determine if it’s redundant if Halton Region enacts one similar.
In the meantime, please continue to follow public health advice of washing and sanitizing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping a distance of two-metres and wearing a mask in public indoor spaces and outdoors when physical distancing can’t be maintained. I also encourage you to continue to follow my three Cs of COVID-caution: Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings. These are the ways we’ll keep our curve flat.
To see how far we’ve come in the pandemic and a look at where we are in recovery, please scroll to the end of this email for the updated timeline.
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Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- Canadian experts say not to get hung up on 'airborne' transmission term
- CHCH Morning Live weekly Oakvile update
- Town of Oakville announcements
- Oakville Council passes motion supporting mandatory region-wide mask by-law
- Lakeshore Road reconstruction update
- Provincial Government announcements
- Ontario extends Emergency Orders
- Ontario expanding access to the modern digital economy
- Ontario taking actions to address racism and inequality in schools
- Ontario seeking input on modernizing capital markets
- Ontario reveals new pictures of how COVID-19 has hit cities, regions
- Government of Canada announcements
- Canada supports inclusive growth through economic recovery
- Canada ill-prepared for second wave, report
- Edmonton hospital on full facility outbreak
- U.S. sets single-day record with 60,000 new COVID-19 cases
- U.S. unemployment rates continue to soar
- Pandemic reaching full speed in Africa
- In other COVID-related news
- Eliminating COVID-19 cases in Canada will exact too heavy a toll on society, health experts say
- Many seniors don’t own a smartphone. Experts say it might be a ‘gap’ in tracking apps
- Mandatory masks: ‘we support that initiative,’ says City of Kawartha Lakes mayor
- Close vote for Niagara regional councillors delays potential mask bylaw in region
- Hamilton's mandatory mask bylaw would take effect July 20 if council approves it
- I’m Trying To Help My Daughter Navigate COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories And It’s Exhausting
- Empty rows and musicians behind shields could be the future of live music
- Ford won't accept a bad deal, with Ottawa for financial aid, introduces omnibus COVID-19 recovery bill
- New syndrome in children thought to be linked to COVID-19 yields surprising test results
- Ontario government tells school boards to maximize time children are in the classroom
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Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by
+1
from 783 to
784
with
0
new confirmed cases in Oakville total remains at
259.
There are currently
0
COVID-19 patients being cared for at OTMH and 10 active cases in Oakville.
There was
+1
reported recovery in Oakville, from 272 to
273
and
+3
recoveries in Halton Region from 790 to
793
.
Oakville's community transmission rate has increased to 38 per cent since the last report as pictured below.
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Ontario reported 170 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, with 86 of those concentrated in Windsor Essex
, bringing the province’s total to 36,348.
As of today there are
106,434 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 8,737 deaths
.
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COVID-19 deaths per million
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Coronavirus: Canadian experts say not to get hung up on term ‘airborne’ transmission
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A group of 239 scientists and physicians urging the World Health Organization to recognize the potential for airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus have sparked debate over how COVID-19 is spreading.
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This morning on my weekly CHCH Morning Live update I discuss our new forthcoming mandatory mask bylaw, our revenue shortfall and sports fields.
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Town of Oakville announcements
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Oakville Council passes motion supporting mandatory region-wide mask by-law
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At a Special Council Meeting last night, Oakville Town Council unanimously passed a motion requesting Halton Region to enact a region-wide temporary mandatory by-law requiring the use of non-medical face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces. Council also directed town staff to prepare a temporary by-law for the Town of Oakville to implement if Halton Region fails to do so.
“There are a variety of views in our community on this matter. We have heard from a great many residents, businesses, and we thank you for your input. By following public health guidelines, Oakville and Halton residents have crushed the curve,” said Mayor Burton. ”We have seen many people wearing face coverings voluntarily, however, we are willing to support this action to provide an extra measure of protection in fighting this pandemic.”
Halton Region will consider a region
-
wide by-law for the mandatory use of masks on July 15. The following day, Town Council will hold a Special Council Meeting to approve a proposed town by-law or determine if it is made redundant by Halton Region enacting a similar by-law. Council’s motion reflects direction to implement a proposed town by-law within seven days after its passage.
The proposed town by-law, yet to be considered by Council, would be generally consistent with the City of Toronto Mandatory Mask or Face Covering By-law whereby individuals or organizations that are responsible for the operation of a facility, or businesses with enclosed (indoor) public-access spaces, be required to ensure no member of the public is permitted entry or remains on the premises unless wearing a mask or face covering.
Exceptions include, but are not limited to, persons under two years of age; individuals with underlying medical conditions inhibiting their ability to wear a mask or face covering; the temporary removal of a mask or face covering where necessary for the purpose of receiving services or while actively engaged in an athletic or fitness activity; and individuals who are unable to put on or remove a face mask without assistance. In addition, the by-law will include the provision that businesses not require employees or members of the public to provide proof of any of the exemptions set out in the by-law.
“I strongly encourage everyone to wear masks in public indoor settings and follow our public health guidelines. Facemasks are not a substitute for hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and practicing physical distancing. I encourage everyone to also follow my three Cs of COVID-caution: avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings,” added Mayor Burton.
Those wishing to submit feedback regarding the proposed town by-law can direct it, via email, to
townclerk@oakville.ca
, by noon, July 16, 2020.
For more information regarding non-medical masks, including how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask, visit the Halton Public Health
web site
and the Government of Ontario
website.
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Lakeshore Road reconstruction update
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What's happening now
Allan to Reynolds
- Placement of granular material for road base
- Sidewalk installation on south side
- Installation of granite pavers on north side ongoing
- Installation of granite paver base on south side
Reynolds to Trafalgar
- Preparation for curb installation Reynolds to Trafalgar
- Concrete road base removal
Trafalgar to Dunn
- Installation of new watermain and sanitary services
- Installation of catch basins and connection to storm sewer
Navy to Dunn
- Granite pavers, planter curbs and bollard installation
- Preparation for street furniture installation
- Navy intersection restoration
- George intersection deficiencies addressed
- New sidewalk on east side of George, north of Lakeshore
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What's been completed
Allan to Reynolds
- Sidewalk poured south-east corner of Reynolds
- Granite tree wells on north side
- Granite paver base installed
- South sidewalk removed
Reynolds to Trafalgar
- Backfilling of Silva cells complete
- Concrete road base being removed
- Installation of granular road base ongoing
- Granite curbs at Reynolds
Navy to Dunn
- Granite paver and planter curb installation ongoing
- George intersection bollards being installed
- Planting and replacement of street trees
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Provincial Government announcements
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Ontario extends Emergency Orders
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The Ontario government, in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended all emergency orders currently in force that were made under s.7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to July 22, 2020. The extension was made to ensure the province maintains the necessary flexibility to protect public health and safety as more businesses reopen and people go back to work.
The extension of the emergency orders will help protect vulnerable people, such as seniors, by allowing the redeployment of frontline staff in long-term care facilities, retirement homes and other congregate care settings, like women's shelters and residential services. In addition, the extension would allow public health units to redeploy or hire staff to support case management and contact tracing.
The government intends to extend emergency orders to align with the
Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
, if passed. This proposed legislation is part of the government's plan to cautiously reopen Ontario in a way that recognizes the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 even after the provincial declaration of emergency has ended. The bill, if passed, would allow Ontario to continue its path to recovery by easing restrictions where appropriate, while maintaining important select tools to address the ongoing threat of this deadly virus and protect Ontarians.
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The Ontario government is expanding access to reliable broadband and cellular service in underserved and unserved parts of the province. The application intake for the $150 million Improving Connectivity for Ontario program (ICON) opens today. This funding will help drive economic investment and job creation across the province, while allowing more people to work from home more efficiently, engage in online learning, and connect with family and friends.
"The outbreak of COVID-19 reinforced the need to improve access to reliable broadband and cellular service as more people work and learn from home in order to practice physical distancing," said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. "By making these investments we will help to ensure every region in the province can participate in the modern digital economy, and contribute to Ontario's economic recovery."
Any areas across Ontario that do not meet the national standards for broadband speeds would be eligible for provincial funding. Up to 12 per cent of households in the province - mostly in rural, remote or northern areas - don't have adequate broadband service, according to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.
Telecommunication service providers, municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profits are invited to
submit innovative proposals
and lend their investment, expertise and experience to improve connectivity in communities across Ontario. The preliminary application deadline for the first intake of the ICON program is August 21, 2020.
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The Ontario government announced bold new changes to the education system that will help break down barriers for Black, Indigenous and racialized students and provide all students with an equal opportunity to succeed. As part of this action, the province will move forward with ending Grade 9 streaming into applied and academic courses, proposing to eliminate discretionary suspensions for students, strengthening sanctions for teachers who engage in behaviour of a racist nature, and providing teachers with additional anti-racism and anti-discrimination training.
Through Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, the government is proposing to eliminate discretionary suspensions for students from kindergarten up to Grade 3, beginning September 2020. Serious offences will still be subject to mandatory suspensions. The latest suspension data from 2018-19 shows that over 65,000 elementary and secondary students in Ontario were suspended during that school year.
Starting in September 2021, the government will begin the process of ending Grade 9 streaming into applied and academic courses. Currently, students enrolled in applied-level courses have multiple negative outcomes and limited opportunities for post-secondary advancement.
As part of its plan to end early streaming, the government will introduce a new foundational Grade 9 math course for September 2021 and will work with school boards as they transition students into a de-streamed Grade 9 math program. The de-streaming of the Grade 9 math curriculum is the first step towards further de-streaming in other curriculum areas, which will better support all students in having every opportunity to pursue the pathway of their choice after their K-12 education.
To ensure students feel accepted in a discrimination-free classroom, the government will be strengthening sanctions for teachers who engage in behaviour of a racist nature. Over the last 23 years, the Ontario College of Teachers reports that there have been 32 instances of teacher discipline for racist or homophobic behavior or remarks.
The Ministry of Education has also proposed additional anti-racism and anti-discrimination training before the end of the calendar year. The government is currently consulting with teachers' federations, education workers' unions, and trustees' associations on the implementation of this critical initiative.
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"As we plan for Ontario's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, competitive capital markets can play an important role attracting global investment and creating good jobs here in our province," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Despite rapid changes in the global economy, the Ontario Securities Act has not been updated in over 15 years. More than ever, Ontario needs a modern capital markets system that attracts businesses and competes for investment and talent worldwide. I created the Taskforce with this goal in mind. I appreciate that they put forward an ambitious and creative set of initial recommendations for consultation."
Over the last few months, the Taskforce listened to over 110 stakeholders about the challenges they face, including financial institutions, small and large publicly-listed companies, independent investment dealers, industry associations, law firms and investor advocacy groups. The
Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce consultation report
outlines their findings and more than 47 policy proposals to modernize the province's capital markets.
"Industry members have been asking for a regulatory approach that supplements the policing function with a public policy imperative of capital markets growth to enable Ontario to compete globally. Responding to this feedback, we are now asking for input to help make sure our final recommendations to government support our mandate to make Ontario one of the most attractive capital markets in the world," said Walied Soliman, Chair of the Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce. "On behalf of the Taskforce, I'd like to thank the diverse group of over 100 business leaders, investors, associations, and investor advocacy groups for their thoughtful contributions and participation in this consequential work. I would also like to thank my Taskforce colleagues for their tireless efforts over the past six months."
The Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce will provide recommendations to the Minister of Finance on how to transform the regulatory landscape for capital markets. Following this consultation, a final report will be submitted to the Minister before the end of the year. The consultation will end on September 7, 2020.
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Ontario reveals new picture of how COVID-19 has hit cities, regions
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A new report from Public Health Ontario is breaking down the COVID-19 pandemic by region, and showing how different city’s and areas have done when it comes to curbing the spread of the dangerous virus.
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Government of Canada announcements
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Canada supports inclusive growth through economic recovery
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The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today participated in the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Clean Energy Transitions Summit, the first IEA ministerial-level meeting entirely dedicated to the clean energy future. Minister O’Regan joined leaders from governments and industries around the world to discuss actions for sustainable recovery and clean energy technology innovation.
Minister O’Regan led a ministerial session on inclusive growth, which focused on placing people and communities at the heart of economic recovery and the long-term transition to a clean energy future. In recognition of the unprecedented and extensive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted the importance of taking action to support workers and create the conditions for a more inclusive workforce.
Governments and industries alike have an opportunity to create more equitable and inclusive employment growth. Mobilizing the participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, youth, racialized groups and Indigenous peoples, will be vital to the post-COVID-19 recovery and long-term economic growth.
Minister O’Regan also announced that Canada is leading the development of a reporting framework under the Equal by 30 initiative that will enable signatories to track and report on the concrete actions they are taking to close the gender gap across the energy sector. Led by Natural Resources Canada, Equal by 30 is a global campaign under the international Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative, a joint effort by the Clean Energy Ministerial and the International Energy Agency to advance gender equality in the energy sector. To date, close to 150 organizations across the energy sector, including governments, companies and non-profit institutions, have taken the Equal by 30 pledge.
The government remains committed to building a clean energy future that will not only support our natural resource sectors through this tough economic time but also grow the economy and create good jobs.
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Canada ill-prepared for second wave, report
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A new report from a committee of senators says the country is ill-prepared to handle a second wave of COVID-19.
The Senate’s social affairs committee says the federal government needs to pay urgent attention to seniors in long-term care homes where outbreaks and deaths in the pandemic have been concentrated.
There are also concerns in the report about the vulnerability of low-income seniors should there be a second wave of the novel coronavirus later this year.
The document made public this morning is the committee’s first set of observations on the government’s response to the pandemic, with a final report expected later this year.
Senators on the committee say the national emergency stockpile of personal protective gear like masks, gowns and gloves, wasn’t managed well over the years, nor sufficiently stocked when the pandemic struck the country in March.
Committee members add concerns that military members could be deployed without sufficient personal protective equipment because of “inconsistencies from international procurement.”
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Edmonton’s Misericordia Hospital on ‘full facility outbreak’ due to COVID-19
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All services at the Misericordia Community Hospital in west Edmonton are temporarily closed to incoming patients as the hospital is now under a "full facility outbreak" due to COVID-19.
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U.S. sets single-day record with 60,000 new cases of COVID-19
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The United States faces a bleak summer with record-breaking coronavirus infections and many states forced to close parts of the economy again, leaving some workers without a paycheck.
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U.S. unemployment rates continue to soar
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More than
1.3 million Americans
applied for unemployment benefits last week, a historically high pace that shows that many employers are still laying people off in the face of a resurgent coronavirus.
The persistently elevated level of layoffs are occurring as a spike in virus cases has forced six states to reverse their move to reopen businesses. Those six — Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan and Texas — make up one-third of the U.S. economy. Fifteen other states have suspended their re-openings. Collectively, the pullback has stalled a tentative recovery in the job market and is likely triggering additional layoffs.
Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that the number of applications for unemployment aid fell from 1.4 million in the previous week. The figure has now topped 1 million for 16 straight weeks. Before the pandemic, the record high for weekly unemployment applications was fewer than 700,000.
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Pandemic reaching full speed in Africa
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The coronavirus pandemic in Africa
is reaching “full speed”
and it’s good to prepare for the worst-case scenario, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief said Thursday, after a South African official said a single province is preparing 1.5 million gravesites.
Just a day after confirmed virus cases across Africa surpassed the half-million milestone the total was over 522,000 and climbing, with more than 12,000 deaths. With testing levels low, the real numbers are unknown.
South Africa has the most confirmed cases with over 224,000, and for the first time Gauteng province — home to Johannesburg and the capital, Pretoria — has the country’s most cases with over 75,000, or 33 per cent.
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In other COVID-related news:
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Eliminating COVID-19 cases in Canada will exact too heavy a toll on society, health experts say
Some public health and infectious disease experts are pressing for governments in Canada to shift to minimizing, not eradicating, COVID-19 while allowing society to resume functioning.
Many seniors don’t own a smartphone. Experts say it might be a ‘gap’ in tracking apps
Since the method is reliant on owning a smartphone, it might miss the mark with some demographics, experts say.
Mandatory masks: ‘we support that initiative,’ says City of Kawartha Lakes mayor
Mayor Andy Letham said he had approached the Emergency Operations Centre about making mask-wearing mandatory when he learned of the health unit's plan.
Close vote for Niagara regional councillors delays potential mask bylaw in region
A special council meeting meant to fast-track a mandatory mask bylaw was deferred to another meeting later in July.
Hamilton's mandatory mask bylaw would take effect July 20 if council approves it
Hamilton's board of health is set to vote Friday to enact a new bylaw making it mandatory to wear masks or face coverings in enclosed public settings, as members of the public once again frequent businesses and other facilities as part of the COVID-19 reopening process.
I’m Trying To Help My Daughter Navigate COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories And It’s Exhaustin
g
We live in a bizarre time when falsehood peddlers of every stripe are pushing their truth-bending narratives on social platforms. Sadly, many young people are tuning in and getting pulled down dangerous rabbit holes. And my daughter is no exception.
Empty rows and musicians behind shields could be the future of live music
Live music is slowly returning to some parts of the country, but it looks nothing like it did before. Forget sold-out shows, cramming together at the stage, blasting speakers and crowd-surfing musicians.
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Ford says he won’t accept a ‘bad deal’ with Ottawa for financial aid, introduces omnibus COVID-19 recovery bill
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Ontario government tells school boards to
maximize
time children are in the classroom
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New syndrome in children thought to be linked to COVID-19 yields surprising test results
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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
.
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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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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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