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Letter from your Councillors:
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It has been over seven weeks since the Province of Ontario declared an emergency.
For some, the time has gone quickly, for others, it has been quite a learning experience! We have been learning how to ‘ZOOM’ or ‘Face-time, how to home-school children, order groceries online, and how to practice physical distancing. It has also been a time of great stress & worry as we deal with health concerns of family and friends, loss of employment, and anxiety for our future.
Here is some good news: garden centers are open for curbside pick-up or delivery and instore by Friday, community gardens are being prepared, virtual offerings are growing daily, the weather is starting to warm up making longer walks more enjoyable. Some businesses are opening and more are working on safety plans to get ready to open
(see details of the May 6th Provincial announcement below). Next week over 100 Town staff from closed facilities will be redeployed to assist with outdoor amenities (parks, gardens, marinas) so they are ready to reopen when restrictions are lifted.
We are regularly asked ‘Just tell us when ’. When will occur when the Province decides and that will be based on data. As you know we will need to be vigilant about physical distancing, wearing protective masks during interactions, washing our hands, coughing into our elbow, not having large gatherings, and more.
Together we can transition safely to a new normal.
Our next meeting of Town Council is scheduled for May 25th.
Stay safe to stay well.
Janet and Dave |
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May 6th Provincial Recovery announcement
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"Businesses must follow public health measures and should review the workplace safety guidelines, such as promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contactless payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"It's due to the progress we have made collectively to slow the spread of COVID-19 that we are able to see a gradual easing of restrictions, allowing certain businesses to reopen safely," said Minister Fedeli. "During this period, we must move cautiously and strike the right balance between getting people back to work and preventing further outbreaks. Protecting the safety of staff, customers and the general public is our number one priority."
Click here for more details
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The Ontario emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act are extended until May 19, 2020. To learn more click here.
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The Ontario government says it is extending electricity rate relief for residences, farms, and small businesses until May 31 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Customers will continue to be billed at the lowest price, called the “off-peak” rate, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the government said. The extension, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, will be in place for another 24 days until the end of May.
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What is the plan for the Harbours?
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Appointments can now be made by boaters wishing to remove tarps and inspect their vessels. Appointments to charge batteries will also be considered depending on the proximity of vessels to power sources.
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Bookings are for a two-hour window of time, with up to two people per boat. All customers will be screened as they arrive. Please ensure you arrive on time for your appointment and be prepared to leave the yard as scheduled. The wearing of gloves is recommended and face masks are optional when on site.
To schedule an appointment for tarp removal or to inspect your vessel, please send a request by email to the Harbours Administrator, amy.johnson@oakville.ca
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What about the Kayaks and Canoes?
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For those looking to kayak or paddle board during the pandemic, the province’s Emergency Order 52/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the town’s Physical Distancing by-law and Park's by-law are in effect. There are a couple of factors you need to be aware of:
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- Water cannot be accessed from town property that is closed
- Two-metre distance must be applied, except for persons who reside together
- Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited unless the gathering is of members of a single household
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Who can ride on the sidewalk?
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Cyclists under 11 years old and their parents/guardians are allowed to ride on sidewalks according to our Traffic by-law. While we have always had cycling on sidewalks, there are more people out walking, running and cycling in their neighbourhoods as a result of COVID-19, which will increase with the nicer weather.
Due to space constraints and the volume of pedestrians, there is no cycling on sidewalks in BIA areas. Cyclists should dismount and walk their bikes or use a bike rack while visiting downtown, we are not encouraging them to ride on the street.
For the safety of all trail users, our Parks By-law states that when approaching a pedestrian, cyclists shall give warning, take every precaution to avoid a collision and give pedestrians the right-of-way.
Walking:
We remind you to walk against the traffic. This is particularly beneficial if you need to step to the curb for physical distancing and when you are walking on streets without sidewalks. |
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Paying your respects : Cemeteries open
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In our efforts to bring services back to the community, we are reopening all town cemeteries this Saturday, ahead of Mother’s Day. We know Sunday is one of the busiest days for cemeteries and we are glad to reopen them so people can visit with their loved ones. Safety protocols will be in place to ensure physical distancing is maintained and gatherings are limited to no more than five people. We will have signage posted at the locations and share information through on our web site and social media channels. Starting Saturday, our cemeteries will open and remain open for visitors.
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The Town seniors Phone-A-Friend program continues to gain momentum with more than 200 seniors receiving weekly calls from town staff and local volunteers. Seniors can join the program by calling 905-845-6601, press 0 and ask to be added to the Phone-A-Friend call list.
Plans are also underway to launch Seniors’ Centre Without Walls, a free telephone-based program that connects seniors 50+ to other seniors from their homes through multi-person phone conversations. Details will be shared on our website as soon as the program is live.
Oakville’s older adults are encouraged to connect on the Seniors Services Facebook page while in-person programs and services are closed. The Seniors Services team goes live every Wednesday at 11 a.m. with recipe demos, workshops, crafts, performances, and more.
A list of community resources is also available through the Halton Community Services Directory to support seniors during this time.
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Thank you to those who contributed and encouraged the Message in a Bottle program created by Town Recreation and Culture staff and to Food for Life for delivering this coming weekend.
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With more walkers and cyclists out enjoying the warmer weather we remind you to slow down.
Your help in reducing speeds on neighbourhood roads is needed. We have lawn signs we can provide to assist.
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Lakeshore Road Construction
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Now that the weather has warmed up Phase 1 work is in progress along with Phase 2. There are some narrow intersections in the Phase 2 area. New signage is being put up to give walkers a ' heads up'. We have asked if the fences could be adjusted but the current work in progress is in close proximity to the sidewalks. New updates to Frequently Asked Questions have now been posted on the Lakeshore Road reconstruction page.
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Downtown: Mother's Day and much much more!
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Mother's Day will be different for many of us this year. All of us have worked hard to keep everyone we love safe; use good judgment in how you choose to celebrate. Of course, our Downtown businesses can help you find something special to wrap up and deliver.
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Downtown Oakville is Going LIVE | Instagram Live Takeover Series
The businesses of Downtown Oakville are taking over the @oakvilledowntown Instagram account to bring you a series of live events this spring and summer. To join, simply tune in to their Instagram stories at the dates and times listed below. Here’s their May lineup:
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: WHAT A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
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Please note the following Scams
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Unfortunately, some people are exploiting the current pandemic crisis. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has updated its list of known COVID-19-related scams to watch out for:
- Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or filters to protect against COVID-19 offering “special” air filters.
- Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies threatening to disconnect power for non-payment.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood.
- Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have tested positive for COVID-19 and tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription.
- Red Cross and other known charities offering free protective products such as mask for a donation.
- Government departments sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails tricking you into opening malicious attachments and getting you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details.
- Financial advisers pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to COVID-19 offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut down.
- Door-to-door salespeople selling household decontamination services.
- Private companies offering fake COVID-19 tests for sale.
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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/
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Thank you to everyone who are cheering, making posters and sidewalk art to thank our amazing health care teams. Your support both emotionally and financially are appreciated.
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Town introduces New Online Planning and Development Applications
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New processes allow development projects to move forward during COVID-19
In an effort to support local economic recovery and meet the needs of residents whose home improvement projects have been held up by the pandemic, the Town of Oakville introduced comprehensive online processes to allow building and development projects to advance during the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting the health and safety of residents and employees. The town's intention in resuming these services online is to give all who need approvals, the chance to advance essential projects, and prepare non-essential work for when the Ontario government lifts essential business restrictions.
Planning, building, engineering, and development applications and permits can now be submitted electronically. This includes plans of subdivision, rezoning and site plans, among others. In addition, most residential building permits can also be submitted electronically. Moving forward, all will be eligible for electronic submissions. Larger Industrial Commercial and Institutional (ICI) application submissions will continue by appointment only.
The new Electronic Permits and Applications page on the town's website provides further information and instructions on how to navigate all the new online intake processes.
"While emergency measures are still in place, and town facilities remain closed, Council and staff are constantly striving to offer services in alternative ways to help businesses, and our community, move forward," said Mayor Rob Burton. "By providing comprehensive online services we are effectively serving our economy by allowing many projects to be ready to proceed when the pandemic has settled and we can return to business as usual."
The town is now entering Phase 3 of our COVID-19 response plan which means staff are planning for recovery by looking at alternate and safe ways to bring back services. The emergency measures put in place by the province, the region and the town to slow the spread of COVID-19 are still in place, but the town is taking measures now to support the community in recovery. As such staff will be reviewing and processing all applications using new digital tools while working remotely and using video teleconferencing software.
Staff reviewed Oakville's new processes, which have been under development for a year, with the Mayor's new Community Development Task Force to gather feedback regarding these new online processes. The processes were referenced in the Economic Action Plan developed by the Oakville Economic Task Force which aims to help address the COVID-19 impact to businesses. Recently, the Economic Task Force invited local businesses to participate in a short online survey to help inform town priorities and initiatives in support of Oakville's economic recovery.
In addition, to help with overall recovery plans, Mayor Burton along with Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette, Milton Mayor Gord Krantz formed the Halton Mayors Recovery Coordination Group.
For more information on the town's efforts to support the community in response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 page or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. |
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Don't forget these resources are available to you
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As the re openings occur some of us may experience stress and anxiety. As a reminder here are resources you can connect with for support. Visit www.anxietycanada.com for self-management strategies, or online.bouncebackonline.ca for a free course t to help with mood and stress challenges. CAMH offers answers to some questions you or a friend may have. Kids Help Phone: 24/7 virtual support service offering professional counselling, information and referrals as well as volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French at 1-800-668-6868.
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Mask Mate Ear-savers for Front Line and Essential Workers. This group is looking for more volunteers and supplies to continue making and donating ear-savers for employees of essential work during this COVID 19 pandemic. Many of the volunteers have had careers in the healthcare sector and know how painful it can be to wear masks all day for work.
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Councillor Contact Information
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Town Councillor Haslett-Theall:
Email: janet.haslett-theall@oakville.ca
Phone: 289-837-3923
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Regional & Town Councillor Gittings:
Email: dave.gittings@oakville.ca
Phone: 905-844-5513
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Your Ward 3 Councillors,
Dave and Janet
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