Office of the Mayor and Council Update
Monday June 1 COVID-19 emergency
As important as it is to condemn violence and racism, it is even more important to increase our efforts to live with each other in mutual respect and cooperation. As an organization, the Town of Oakville will continue to champion inclusion through increased opportunities and meaningful engagement to support a workplace and community where all are respected and welcome as outlined in the town’s inclusion statement.

Our need for tolerance and mutual respect extends into the start of Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, and National AccessAbility week, which celebrates the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities. to recognize the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

And of course all this comes during the COVID-19 pandemic when we’ve been on lockdown for some 11 weeks and are likely feeling the weight of the situation on our shoulders.

To see how far we’ve come in the pandemic, and for a look at our recovery, please scroll to the end of this email for the updated timeline.
Items in this update:


  • Support to help communities create jobs, restart the economy
  • COVID case counts
  • COVID-19 deaths per million
  • Tory calls on employers to embrace work from home until September
  • Modelling shows what could happen if physical distancing lifted too quickly
  • Strange symptoms, flare-ups, weeks-long recoveries in survivors
  • Understanding epidemiology models
  • Town of Oakville news
  • Summer programming
  • Harbours
  • Washrooms
  • Speed studies
  • The Oakville Film Festival goes digital
  • Tourism Week celebrated virtually
  • Provincial Government announcements
  • Ontario extending Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for workers during COVID-19
  • Ontario extends suspension of time-of-use price on electricity
  • Ontario supports those struggling with electricity bills during COVID-19
  • Ontario takes additional steps to protect seniors in retirement homes during COVID-19
  • Backcountry camping available
  • Province to extend emergency order to June 30
  • Ontario ombudsman launches investigation into province's handling of pandemic in long-term care
  • Some provinces might be off-limits for summer vacations
  • How Canada bungled the COVID-19 endgame
  • Demonstrations against brutality continue across the U.S.
  • New clusters emerge as France reopens
  • In other COVID-related news
  • Pandemic cleaning tips
  • Canadians fear being left behind
  • COVID questions answered
  • Ontario to test hot spots, vulnerable workers
  • Will we be able to visit family this summer?
  • Foundation warns COVID could lead to unprecedented levels of homelessness
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Top news:
Support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that funding delivered through the federal Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated this year to help communities as quickly as possible while respecting public health guidelines.

This means that $2.2 billion in annual federal infrastructure funding for communities will be delivered in one payment in June. Early delivery of the full funding for 2020-21 will help communities quickly move forward with infrastructure projects that will improve our quality of life and help restart local economies.

Communities have flexibility to use the funding to meet their local needs. Projects could include access to high-speed broadband, improvements to water and road systems, and the building of cycling and walking paths. These projects create jobs, and improve how Canadians live, work, and play.
COVID case counts
Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by 10 from 635 to 645 with 2 new confirmed cases in Oakville, from 211 to 213.

There were 7 reported recoveries in Oakville, from 192 to 199 and 27 recoveries in Halton Region from 564 to 591 . Oakville now has 18 active cases. All since last Friday's eNewsletter.

Oakville's community transmission rate has increased to 33 per cent as pictured below.
Ontario reported 404 additional cases of COVID-19 on Monday, which is a 1.5 per cent jump in newly-confirmed infections — and premier Doug Ford says that rise is somewhat driven by over 80 migrant workers in southwestern Ontario who tested positive for the virus.

As of 12:10 p.m. ET on Monday, there were 91,647 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases, with 49,489 of those cases considered recovered or resolved. 
Visit https://art-bd.shinyapps.io/covid19canada/ for the U of T COVID-19 data aggregation map
COVID-19 deaths per million
Tory calls on employers to embrace work from home 'until September at the earliest'
Toronto Mayor John Tory is calling on the city’s employers to continue work from home initiatives until at least September, a plan that many major companies and organizations have already agreed on.

Modelling shows what could happen if Ontario relaxes physical distancing too quickly
If physical distancing measures in Ontario are relaxed too much without improved efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the virus could rapidly overwhelm intensive-care units beyond their capacity, according to new modelling data.

Strange symptoms, flare-ups, weeks-long illnesses for some COVID-19 survivors
So far, at least 90,000 Canadians have been infected with COVID-19. In some cases, the illness leads to a stay in intensive care or even causes death, with roughly 7,000 people dying to date. 

But in most other instances, those suffering from less-severe forms do recover outside the health-care system. What's growing clear, both patients and clinicians agree, is that some of those people wind up facing a long, rocky road to recovery.

Understanding epidemiology models
Not all models are the same, and not all of them are used to answer the same questions.

Oakville
Town of Oakville news
Summer programming
Town staff are working on options for summer programming and will provide details to residents as soon as the province lifts restrictions and facilities can safely reopen.
In the meantime, visit the website for a list of FAQs that may help answer some of your questions.

Oakville Harbours
Town staff are preparing Oakville Harbours for launch this upcoming weekend. Docks opened last week, ahead of schedule, so owners could tie up their boats.

Please also note that the goose relocation program could not take place this summer, as such, additional students have been hired to assist with ongoing cleaning of goose feces, as it is expected to be an ongoing health and safety issue throughout the summer.

Washrooms
Town staff are working on getting public washrooms reopened. Washroom facilities will be reopened gradually with deep cleaning and frequent maintenance of the facilities. In addition to input from Halton’s Medical Officer of Health on proper cleaning protocols, there will be signage for sink and toilet closure and limits on the numbers of users in the facilities at any one time and markers for physical distancing. 

Speed studies
At this time we are not conducting speed studies as traffic volumes and patterns have been affected by COVID. Concerns about speeding offences can be sent to HRPS at 905-825-4777, or online at Halton Police Traffic Concerns or Halton Police Road Watch .
The Oakville Film Festival goes digital
The 7th Annual Oakville Film Festival will be going virtual June 17-22, 2020, offering a diverse selection of Canadian and International independent films. 

There will be 11 themed compilation screenings throughout the week. Most will be followed by a Q&A. 

Once you purchase a ticket, viewing instructions will be sent to your registered email and the films can be viewed on your computer, tablet, smartphone or mobile device. 
Tourism week celebrated virtually
With travel on pause, Tourism Week was celebrated virtually this year with a series of videos.

Ontario
Provincial Government announcements
Ontario extending Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for workers during COVID-19
The Ontario government is taking steps to help ensure that as the economy gradually and safely reopens workers will have jobs to return to and businesses will be protected from incurring unsustainable termination costs. Today, the government announced that it has enacted a new regulatory amendment that will put non-unionized employees on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced by their employer due to COVID-19. This will ensure businesses aren't forced to terminate employees after their ESA temporary layoff periods have expired.

Terminations triggered when temporary layoffs exceed the permitted length under the Employment Standards Act can result in costly payouts which, for many businesses, could be the difference between survival and closure. Under the new regulatory change to the Employment Standards Act, non-unionized employees who have had their hours reduced or eliminated because of the pandemic will be deemed to be on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave. Workers will remain employed with legal protections and be eligible for federal emergency income support programs.

Ontario extends suspension of time-of-use price on electricity
As Ontarians continue to work and learn from home, the province is extending the suspension of time-of-use price to provide consumers with greater stability and predictability with their electricity bills.

To extend this support responsibly, a fixed electricity price, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Rate will be introduced. The rate of 12.8 cents per kWh will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 - October 31, 2020. 

The COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh is based on the average cost of electricity, set by the Ontario Energy Board. This fixed rate will continue to suspend time-of-use prices in a fiscally responsible manner. By introducing this new fixed rate, consumers will have greater flexibility to use electricity when they need it without paying on-peak and mid-peak prices.

As of November 1, customers can choose fixed-rate or time-of-use pricing.

Ontario supports those struggling with electricity bills during COVID-19
The Ontario government announced that it will continue to support provincial electricity consumers by providing stability and greater customer choice, while helping those struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Initiatives include:
  • $9 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to support consumers struggling to pay their energy bills during the pandemic. CEAP will provide one-time payments to consumers to help pay down any electricity bill debt incurred over the COVID‑19 period. Applications will be available through local utilities in the upcoming months;
  • $8 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) to provide support to businesses struggling with bill payments as a result of the outbreak; and
  • An extension of the Ontario Energy Board's winter disconnection ban until July 31, 2020 to ensure no one is disconnected from their natural gas or electricity service during these uncertain times.
Ontario takes additional steps to protect seniors in retirement homes during COVID-19
This weekend, the Ontario government made amendments to the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 regulation, enabling the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) to better support seniors living in retirement homes during the COVID-19 outbreak. The regulation change increases the emergency payment the RHRA can pay to eligible retirement home residents from $2,000 to $3,500. In the event of an emergency, such as an outbreak, this funding can be used to support residents to cover costs for transportation, alternative accommodation or temporary care. The regulation change also requires retirement homes to report infectious disease outbreaks to the RHRA during COVID-19 and beyond.  
Backcountry camping available at Ontario Parks and on Crown Lands
As of today, backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails. Ontario Parks will also be expanding day-use activities to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas.
Following current provincial restrictions, no more than five people will be allowed to occupy a backcountry campsite during their stay, unless they live in the same household.
The closure of all other overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves has been extended to June 14 and will continue to be reassessed. All buildings and facilities including campgrounds, roofed accommodations, visitor centres, park stores, playgrounds, and beaches remain closed. Some washroom facilities may be available.
In addition, Ontario is reopening recreational camping on Crown land while reminding visitors to continue to adhere to public health advice as the best defense against COVID-19, such as practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge, and frequent hand washing. Camping on Crown land does not include the use of shared facilities and is a low-risk way for people to enjoy the outdoors.
In addition, the government has:
  • Issued an emergency order eliminating barriers to eligible frontline workers receiving pandemic pay. It will allow employers with unionized workforces to provide pandemic pay to eligible employees without the need to negotiate separate terms or conditions with their bargaining agents.
  • Extended an emergency order to provide electricity bill relief for industrial and commercial consumers during COVID-19. The order was first introduced on May 1, 2020 to defer a portion of the Global Adjustment charges from April and May 2020. Through the extended emergency order and a related regulatory amendment, this support is now being extended through to the end of June 2020.
·      Amended an emergency order to allow drive-in movie theatres that were in existence before May 29, 2020 to reopen with restrictions in order to help support communities and local businesses recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. The government is al so allow ing batting cages to open so that people can start to enjoy outdoor seasonal activities at safe physical distances. These changes will be effective on May 31, 2020.
Province plans to extend emergency orders until June 30
The Ontario government plans to extend all emergency orders by another 28 days, the premier’s office confirmed on Monday.

A motion to extend the orders until June 30 will be debated at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, when the province’s most recent extension expires.

Ontario ombudsman launches investigation into province's handling of pandemic in long-term care
Ontario’s ombudsman has launched an investigation into the province’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in long-term care homes.

Canada
Some provinces may be off-limits for summer vacations
This summer, many Canadians may choose to explore their own country due to closed borders and concerns about contracting COVID-19 while travelling abroad. Here's what you need to know about travel advisories and restrictions for each province.

How Canada has bungled the COVID-19 endgame
In this opinion piece, Amir Attaran explores how Canada is mismanaging its most significant peacetime crisis in a century, how the seeds of our failure are everywhere and are four things that must change.

International
Demonstrations against police brutality continue across the U.S.
Nationwide demonstrations resume, officials in several states reinforce their National Guard presence and anger mounts at increasingly aggressive tactics by the police.

New clusters emerge as France reopens
France's national health agency reported a sudden jump in new virus infections -- just an hour after the prime minister announced a sweeping national reopening plan.

The agency clarified Friday that the surprising new figures were the result of a new accounting method, and not linked to a much-feared second wave of the virus.

But they highlighted concerns about the French government's handling of the crisis, and served as a reminder that infections are continuing in one of the countries hit hardest by the pandemic.

In other COVID-related news:
How to keep your shoes COVID-19 free – and other pandemic cleaning tips for your home
Some Canadians fear they’ll be left behind at the country reopens
COVID questions answered
Can a store make you wear a mask to shop? This and other questions answered.


Ontario will target hot spots and vulnerable workers in next round of COVID-19 testing
Ontario’s testing for COVID-19 has ramped up this week and is close to peaks rarely reached as the number of cases since the illness arrived four months ago.

Will we be able to visit family this summer? This expert answered your questions about physical distancing and community spread of COVID-19
Chris Bauch, who specializes in applying mathematics to real-world problems including infectious diseases, answered your questions about physical distancing.

COVID-19 pandemic could lead to 'unprecedented levels of homelessness,' foundation warns
COVID-19 could result in "unprecedented levels of homelessness" in Toronto or "unprecedented long-term fixes" to the city's problem of affordable housing, new research from a charitable foundation shows.
Upcoming events:
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.

Webinar: Preparing to reopen your agri-business or agri-tourism business in Halton   

June 3, 2020 | 11 a.m. to noon

Register

This webinar is part of our larger “Reopening your business in Halton” series, designed to provide helpful advice and tips to make sure your business is ready to reopen safely.
To learn more about this series and other webinars, visit our Small Business page on halton.ca
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
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 is all about Exploring Nature and History in
National Parks and Thursday is Digital Painting . Limited spaces. Register

Wednesday, June 3 • 3 pm
Virtual Book Club: The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose
Our Virtual Adult Book Club meets every Wednesday!
Join us on Zoom (Meeting ID: 946 8682 1877) or call 1-647-558-0588. Details

Thursday, June 4 11 am
Let's Talk About Books, Movies & More: Legal Thrillers
This week, we'll discuss our favourite books, movies and more that relate to Legal Thrillers. "Let's Talk About" are weekly, virtual sessions that explore different themes in arts, culture and literature.
Join us on Zoom (Meeting ID: 919 0809 0975) or call 1-647-558-0588. Details

Friday, June 5 • 10 am
Virtual Crafty Bees Meetup with The Hive
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: 940 3637 9535, Password: Hive) or call 1-647-558-0588.  Details

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. Register  
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  oakvillefoodbank@gmail.com

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 3 at 2 p.m. - Lakeshore Yoga 
June 10 at 1 p.m. - Makers Mojo 
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