June 30 Office of the Mayor and Council Update
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Mask wearing strongly encouraged in Halton Region
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Today, Halton’s Mayors and Chair are strongly encouraging you to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
We stand behind our medical officer of health Dr. Meghani that
wearing a non-medical mask is an additional measure that individuals can take to protect others around them when physical distancing is a challenge, but also remind everyone that it does not replace other, more effective, measures.
Wash your hands to protect yourself. Wear a mask to protect others. And keep your distance to protect everyone. Following my three Cs of COVID-caution will also help: Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings.
I hope that tomorrow you will enjoy the selection of virtual events the Town of Oakville has prepared to celebrate Canada Day and keep all of the health precautions in mind to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
Please see the end of this email for a timeline of the pandemic and a look at what lays ahead in recovery.
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Items in this update:
- COVID case counts
- Toronto's mayor, top doctor want to make masks mandatory indoors
- Two years of coronavirus pandemic is best-case scenario doctor warns
- Town of Oakville announcements
- Celebrate Oakville's Canada Day virtuall
- Council request amendments to limit parking of proposed Amazon warehouse
- Provincial Government announcements
- Ontario encourages support of local small businesses
- Ontario celebrating Canada Day with free parks admission, extends free family fishing
- Ontario courts gradually resuming in-person proceedings
- Ontario building a safer, more reliable transportation system
- Ontario proposes new water bottling policies, more municipal powers
- Government of Canada announcements
- New initiative to help homeowners cut their energy bills and emissions and keep the local economy moving
- Canada announces assistance for those affected by conflict in Syria
- Canada extending band on most foreign travellers to July 31
- Government plans to extend quarantine rules requiring self-isolation for travellers
- Economy posted record plunge in April: StatCan
- Royal Canadian Mint thanks essential workers with medal
- At least 285 U.S. children developed inflammatory condition linked to COVID-19
- China, Canada among countries on EU travel list; U.S. not
- Swathe of Melbourne orders into lockdown as virus spikes
- In other COVID-related news
- New NAFTA comes into effect July 1
- Opening middle seats on airplanes amid coronavirus risky
- Surge in British cases raises concerns about reopening plans
- Lawyers push back against Ontario reopening of courts
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Total confirmed cases in Halton increased by
+2
from 752 to
754
with
0
new confirmed cases in Oakville, total remains at
251.
There were
+2
reported recoveries in Oakville, from 259 to
261
and
+4
recoveries in Halton Region from 752 to
756
.
There are currently 7 active cases in Oakville with 0 COVID patients being treated at OTMH.
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Ontario is reporting 157 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 and seven additional deaths attributed to the disease.
The provincial government is also reporting 148 newly-resolved cases.
As of 10 a.m. Canada had 103,918 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases. Provinces and territories listed 67,178 of the cases as recovered or resolved.
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COVID-19 deaths per million
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Toronto mayor, top doctor want to make masks mandatory indoors
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Toronto's mayor and medical officer of health are recommending that non-medical masks and face coverings be made mandatory in indoor public spaces.
The Ontario government has turned down a request by Toronto-area mayors to implement a mandatory mask order for all large municipalities, saying a provincial masking policy "isn't necessary."
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Two years of coronavirus pandemic is ‘best-case scenario,’ doctor warns
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While some health officials say a coronavirus vaccine could be developed by the end of the year, others aren't so optimistic.
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Town of Oakville announcements
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Celebrate Oakville's Canada Day virtually
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This Canada Day,
the Town of Oakville
is excited to bring you a full day of local entertainment and family-friendly Canada Day themed activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home via the Town of Oakville's
Facebook page
on July 1, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Council requests amendments to limit parking of proposed Amazon warehouse
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Last week, Oakville Town Council unanimously passed a motion requesting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing amend his recent order removing any restrictions on the land at 2175 Cornwall Rd. where Amazon is proposing to put a warehouse.
The Amazon proposal would expand the number of parking spaces on the land to 886 – a number that has caused concern among residents in the area that it would result in increased traffic.
Council’s motion, which was moved by Mayor Burton and seconded by Councillor Haslett-Theall, requests that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing return the restriction to keep future development and the building as it is.
Currently, under Oakville zoning, a warehouse is required to have 188 parking spots.
Acting Community Development Commisioner Jim Barry says there are no issues with zoning at the location in relations to the activities of the warehouse as it meet’s the Town’s definition. However, the concern remains about the number of smaller trucks that will be coming and going from the warehouse to makes deliveries in the area.
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Provincial Government announcements
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The Ontario Government is celebrating International Small Business Week with the launch of the "Shop Local! Shop Safe! Shop with Confidence!" campaign, encouraging Ontarians to support their local small businesses and to shop safely while doing so.
The province's campaign asks for mayors, local leaders and groups to support our small businesses by committing on social media to "Shop Local, Shop Safe, Shop with Confidence," while highlighting the best practices put in place by businesses to help keep shoppers safe while ensuring that the reopening of Ontario continues to be a success. For example, the principles of the
People Outside Safely Together (POST) Promise
encourage small businesses to strictly follow health guidelines and reopen with appropriate measures in place, so consumers can shop safely and with confidence, including:
- Washing and sanitizing hands
- Maintaining physical distancing
- Staying home if unwell
- Practicing respiratory etiquette
- Cleaning and disinfecting regularly
The province, in partnership with various health and safety organizations, has also released
sector-specific guidelines
in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These documents help workplaces better understand their responsibilities and includes best practices they can use to help them comply with their legal obligation to protect the health and safety of workers.
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Ontario celebrating Canada Day with free parks admission and extending free family fishing
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The Ontario government is celebrating Canada Day by offering free day use at all provincial parks, and beginning on July 4, 2020, the province is offering free fishing for two weeks, double the length of last year. In addition, numerous Ontario attractions have special virtual experiences and events planned for July 1, 2020 which will help showcase Ontario's artistic and musical excellence.
"As we celebrate Canada's 153rd birthday, this is our way of saying thank you to everyone in Ontario who has followed the public health advice to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Premier Doug Ford. "Tourism is a major source of jobs and economic benefits for many communities across the province, so it's important to support our local businesses and explore everything our province has to offer as we reopen the province this summer."
"Canada Day is a wonderful time for families to enjoy the great outdoors, while spending time together," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "That's why, on July 1, we're offering free day use at Ontario Parks, so that everyone can take advantage of the great weather and explore the recreational opportunities that are now available at provincial parks. We continue to count on people to be responsible when outside and to follow all public health advice."
To help prevent overcrowding at the most popular provincial parks, capacity will be limited, so visitors are recommended to arrive early or consider exploring other provincial parks in the area. Park visitors should maintain physical distancing and wear a mask whenever physical distancing is not possible.
This year, Canadian residents of all ages can also enjoy fishing in Ontario without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card for the first two full weeks of July, from July 4, 2020 to July 19, 2020.
"The COVID-19 outbreak has made things challenging for everyone this year, and this is why it's especially important that we provide families with a lower-risk way to spend quality time outdoors," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "We're counting on people to be responsible when enjoying free fishing and to continue to follow all of the public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
Families and individuals can further enjoy the numerous attractions across Ontario, both virtual events and special events with physical distancing planned for Canada Day, including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Niagara Parks Commission, Science North and Destination Ontario. For more information, you can visit
www.ontario.ca/canadaday
.
"I have been travelling across the province to showcase the world-class athletes, artists, and attractions Ontario has to offer," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "I encourage everyone to take in the safe and special experiences on offer this Canada Day and you will truly see that we offer the world in one province."
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Ontario courts will begin resuming in-person proceedings across the province on Monday, July 6, 2020. The gradual reopening of courtrooms will include strict health and safety protocols to protect staff and everyone required to attend a courthouse from COVID-19.
"We have worked with justice partners throughout the COVID-19 outbreak to keep people safe and maintain the administration of justice. We are now taking a careful and staged approach to expanding the operations of provincial courts and implementing strict public health measures so that in-person matters can be heard safely," said Attorney General Doug Downey.
To start, 149 courtrooms in both the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice are reopening in 44 locations. Additional courtrooms will open by September with the remaining opening by November 1, 2020. To help maintain physical distancing, plexiglass barriers are being installed in courtrooms, interview rooms, intake offices and at public counters. Everyone who visits a courthouse will be required to wear a face covering and will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
"As our province begins to recover from this outbreak, we are determined to ensure justice services are responsive, accessible and resilient, while we protect the health and well-being of everyone who enters a courtroom in this province," said Minister Downey. "Together with partners, we will continue to move services online and establish new, innovative ways of delivering justice remotely."
The government is
consulting with justice sector partners
, leaders and innovators to develop investment priorities to support new ways of delivering and increasing access to justice that span the entire sector and province, including rural and remote communities and criminal, civil and family law fields.
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The Ontario government is helping to connect communities and create jobs by providing an additional $10 million in funding for the Connecting Links program. The funding is part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 and will support road and highway projects in nine more municipalities across the province. Today's announcement brings the total annual investment for this program to $40 million.
The 2020-21 Connecting Links program supports municipalities across the province to help them build, repair or replace municipal roads and bridges that connect two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to a border crossing.
Ontario has selected nine new municipalities bringing the total municipalities receiving funding from this year's Connecting Links program to 33.
Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 provided $17 billion in relief, including additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance and Chair of Ontario's Jobs and Recovery Committee. "We are following through on our commitment to build a better transportation system and invest in roads and bridges to support the economy and jobs during this difficult time.
Eligible municipalities are also encouraged to apply for funding for the 2021-22
Connecting Links Program
, which will be open to applications later this year.
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Ontario proposes new water bottling policies, more municipal powers
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CBC News is reporting that the Provincial Government is proposing to effectively give municipalities veto power over new water bottling permits and set new rules and priorities for taking groundwater.
The Provincial Government has previously extended the moratorium on new and expanded permits to take water for bottling and commissioned a third-party review on Ontario's water taking, which found the current approach sustainable — and that water takings for bottling have "negligible" impacts on supply — but suggested other ways to manage water when supplies are limited.
One of the proposals for changes to the rules is to require companies looking for a new or increased permit to take water for the purpose of bottling it to get support from the municipality.
The Provincial Government is also suggesting to set priorities for water taking, when water is in short supply and there are competing demands. Proposed highest priority uses would be drinking water and environmental uses such as maintaining stream flows, then agricultural irrigation. They would be followed by industrial and commercial uses — such as golf course irrigation and aggregate washing — then others such as aesthetic and other non-essential uses.
The proposed regulation would let a municipality refuse to support a permit over concerns about impacts on aquatic ecosystems, water availability or water quality
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Government of Canada announcements
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New initiative to help homeowners cut their energy bills and emissions and keep the local economy moving
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The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today launched the next step in their shared mission to support local programs that help Canadians retrofit their homes to higher energy standards—driving cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy in communities across Canada.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and FCM President Bill Karsten announced the second phase of the new Community Efficiency Financing initiative funded by the Government of Canada as part of its 950-million investment in the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), delivered by FCM to municipalities on behalf of the federal government.
The $300-million Community Efficiency Financing initiative helps municipalities and their partners implement innovative local financing programs that directly help homeowners cut their greenhouse gas emissions and make their homes more comfortable and affordable while helping keep the local economy moving.
The initiative encourages innovation through a bottom-up approach to local program design, offering applicants the opportunity to study and design programs tailored to local priorities and contexts. These programs for low-rise residential properties may build on approaches such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and utility on-bill financing.
Starting today, municipalities and partners in early stages of program development will be able to access grants for studies intended to support communities through the decision-making process of the program design phase. These grants will help municipalities evaluate approaches for implementing innovative financing programs within the local context.
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Canada announces assistance for those affected by conflict in Syria
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Humanitarian assistance
Canada is working with experienced humanitarian partners to provide gender-responsive life-saving assistance to millions of people in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. This funding will help crisis-affected people meet their basic needs, including by providing food assistance; protection; comprehensive health services; and water, sanitation and hygiene. This humanitarian assistance also provides access to essential social and public services and addresses the specific rights and needs of women and girls, such as those related to sexual and reproductive health and to sexual and gender-based violence.
Canada will provide $430.3 million in funding in 2020 and 2021 ($236.5 million in 2020 and $193.8 million in 2021). Working through partners including UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Canada ensures that the specific needs and priorities of vulnerable and marginalized individuals are addressed. A top humanitarian donor in the region, Canada fulfills its commitments as a signatory to the
Grand Bargain
for humanitarian assistance by providing multi-year and flexible regional funding to trusted partners.
Development assistance
Canada is providing development assistance for long-term support in building the capacity and resilience of governments, communities and households in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. In Syria, Canadian programming aims to build the resilience of individuals and communities. Canada’s assistance in the region focuses on empowering women and girls and advancing gender equality; supporting effective and accountable governance; improving the quality and sustainability of gender-responsive social services, including education; and fostering economic growth that works for everyone.
Canada will provide $170 million in funding in 2020 and 2021 ($90 million in 2020 and $80 million in 2021). In Iraq, Canada is helping to strengthen governance, build capacity to provide basic services, further gender equality and promote the economic empowerment of women and girls. In Lebanon, Canada’s efforts focus on expanding livelihood opportunities and on skills development for women and youth. In Jordan, Canada is working to improve access to quality public education for all children and also supports economic reforms and inclusive governance, including in municipal services. In Syria, programming aims to enhance gender equality by supporting women’s economic empowerment and local women’s organizations.
Peace and stabilization assistance
Canada’s assistance through its Peace and Stabilization Operations Program supports the international efforts to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity, improves security and aims to reduce tensions between host communities and Syrian refugees and supports the objectives of the Global Coalition Against Daesh.
Canada will provide $19.8 million in funding in 2020 and 2021 ($12.5 million for 2020 and $7.3 million in 2021). In Syria, Canada supports the increased political participation of women and, through improved local governance, the provision of essential services and access to reliable, truthful information, as well as builds the resilience of communities liberated from Daesh. In Iraq, Canada supports critical infrastructure rehabilitation, explosive-hazards clearance and community-based conflict prevention, as well as accountability for Daesh crimes.
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Canada extending ban on most foreign travellers to at least July 31
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Ottawa plans to extend the sweeping travel ban that bars entry to all travellers who are not Canadian citizens, permanent residents or Americans for at least another month.
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Government plans to extend quarantine rules requiring self-isolation for travellers: federal official
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The federal government plans to extend strict quarantine rules requiring travellers to isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada — rules that were set to expire today.
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Economy posted record plunge in April: StatCan
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Statistics Canada says the economy saw its largest monthly drop on record in April as it came to a near standstill due to the pandemic, but early indications point to a rebound in May as businesses began to reopen.
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Royal Canadian Mint thanks essential workers with medal
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The wearable recognition medal was designed as a symbol of gratitude for essential workers and others who have helped keep Canadians safe, healthy and connected through the COVID-19 crisis.
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At least 285 U.S. children developed inflammatory condition linked to COVID-19: study
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It is considered uncommon and deaths are rare; six children died among the 285 in the new studies.
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Canada and China among countries on proposed EU travel list; U.S. not
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A proposed list of 15 countries whose citizens will be allowed to travel into the European Union includes Canada and China, but not the U.S.
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Swathe of Melbourne ordered into lockdown as virus spikes in Australia
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Hundreds of thousands of people across Melbourne's north and west were ordered to stay at home Tuesday as Australia's second-biggest city struggled to contain a spike in coronavirus cases.
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In other COVID-related news:
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The new NAFTA comes into effect July 1: What it means for Canada
On July 1 the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement comes into effect, three years after talks first began to rework the trilateral trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The new trade pact brings with it a series of changes to several sectors.
Opening middle seats on airplanes amid coronavirus pandemic risky, experts say
As of July 1, both Air Canada and WestJet will begin selling middle seats again.
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Surge in COVID-19 cases in Leicester raises concerns about Britain’s reopening plans
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Citing lack of COVID-19 safety measures, courthouse workers, lawyers push back against Ontario reopening of courts
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We're bringing the party to you, eh
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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!
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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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