Spring is here, as is our first long weekend challenge.
The Town has enacted new bylaws to reinforce how vitally important each resident is in slowing the spread of COVID 19. We feel like the Grinch that stole the Easter Bunny, however, it is vitally important that we listen to our health professionals and follow their advice. Stay home; keep your trips to essentials and only local walks in our neighbourhood. Slow down, it is okay; the rush to get somewhere is gone. Breathe and hide those Easter eggs at home.
As Dr. Hamidah Meghani - Halton’s Medical Officer of Health states, extreme measures are required in extraordinary times.
Physical distancing does not mean social distancing - phone some friends, call a neighbour, let them know that you are thinking of them. Now, more than ever before, we are relying on everyone to do their part.
This newsletter addresses frequently asked questions on essential services, bylaws, the enforcement hotline, Ten ideas for a long weekend, and much more.
If we can be of assistance, please reach out.
Stay safe to stay well.
Janet and Dave
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Physical Distancing Bylaw:
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Fines of $750 and more will be issued for violating COVID-19 emergency order
The Town of Oakville reminds residents that the Ontario government issued an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as parks, sports fields and playgrounds to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This is in addition to the order that prohibits social gatherings of more than five people.
The town has also implemented a by-law to enforce physical distancing. Any two people who don't live together, who fail to keep two metres of distance between them can be fined a minimum of $300 and maximum of up to $100,000 for each offence, or issued an administrative monetary penalty in the amount of $300. Enforcement will out in full force to bring home this message of PUBLIC SAFETY.
In keeping with the emergency order, all town parks and park facilities are closed. This includes:
- playgrounds
- sports fields
- skateboard parks
- basketball courts
- dog parks
- community gardens
- picnic sites
- harbours
- beaches
- park and street benches
- boat launches
- parking lots at Coronation, Tannery and Waterworks parks and Bronte Beach/Bronte Bluffs.
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| 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. |
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Updated information on Masks
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Wearing a non-medical mask that covers your mouth and nose can prevent your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces.
Non-medical masks can be worn for short periods of time in public settings when physical distancing is not possible (for example, shopping, public transit). While wearing a non-medical mask, continue to practice proven measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing.
Medical masks are needed by healthcare workers, including surgical, medical procedure masks and respirators, such as N95 masks. It is extremely important that we keep the supply of medical masks for healthcare workers where it is urgently needed for medical procedures and to care for individuals who have COVID-19.
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Contact Tracing: a public health announcement
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Dr Meghani explains how knowing who you have been in contact with is very important.
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New bylaw regarding discarding Personal Protective Equipment
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We can't believe we have to say this but we do: Please stop discarding masks and gloves in grocery carts, on trails, roads and sidewalks. It is a public health concern. A by-law to regulate discarding of Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) during the COVID-19 Emergency and A by-law to amend the Litter By-law has been passed to strengthen our enforcement efforts to keep the community safe.
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Keep Jack on a leash please
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We know you love your dog and they may want a good run but we need you to keep them on leash no longer than 2 metres. Not all walkers are comfortable with your dog and we need to create safe spaces for people to walk. Enforcement will be ticketing. Don't forget to stoop and scoop.
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Town-owned cemeteries are closed to visitors, and funerals are limited to no more than 10 people. This includes St. Jude's and Trafalgar Lawn cemeteries, and Bronte, Merton, Munn's, Oakville/St. Mary's, Palermo, and Wedgewood pioneer cemeteries.
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If a death has occurred, the town will continue to provide essential plot sale, burial and funeral services (by appointment only) to ensure those in need are served during this challenging time. Please call 905-845-6601 to make an appointment or for more information. We are very sorry for your loss and hope you can find ways to celebrate your loved ones while staying safe.
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We are advised that lawn services are covered under "property maintenance" of essential services. Physical distancing must be practiced.
Reminder BAGGED leaf pick up started this week.
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We are advised that pool Maintenance services are covered under the property maintenance section of essential services. Pool parties and BBQ's are not. Physical distancing must be practiced.
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Can I sit on the Park Bench?
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In response to a question about the use of benches in parks, in accordance with the Provincial Order, Parks and park benches are closed. The Town is not removing them as they are secured in place. If you do pause in your walk though a green space for a brief rest, please adhere to the physical distancing.
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Why is there construction on the Municipal right of way?
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Utility work has been deemed an essential service by the province, covered under section 17 of the province’s updated essential businesses list. Prior to work starting, the utility/telecom company is required to obtain a permit from the town.
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The company or its contractor will deliver notices to properties included in their work zone which will have the company logo, contact information, as well as a description of the work. Contacts for the two major telecom companies if you have concerns or have not received notice of work are Cogeco Call Centre 1 (855) 887-7774 or Bell 1 866 310-BELL (2355).
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Our thanks to Torstar and Inside Halton for these Ten Ideas for a long weekend in quarantine.
Keep these handy; the road ahead will be long. |
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Community Services Directory
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Start Spreading the GOOD NEWS.
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We continue to see and hear of so many individuals pulling together to help in big and small ways. Let's share these uplifting stories with each other.
To the local 3D printing community : You are the little engine that could! To McLaughlin college, Linbrook school for generously loaning Dale more printers, to Weir Foulds, O'Connor McLeod Hanna, Theall Group, the teachers AND many others who have contributed their supplies. Your collaboration is inspiring!
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Special Recognition to our own MP Anita Anand. Her leadership, negotiating and collaborative skills are making a huge difference for all of Canada.
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Federal and provincial announcements
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Economic Development & the Oakville Chamber of Commerce
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The Economic impact of COVID is and will impact us all. We have regularly shared links to Federal and Provincial programs. We want to call out the incredible job the Oalville Chamber of Commerce is doing informing and connecting with businesses and advocating their needs. In addition they are a key member of the Town's Economic Task Force. The Federal and Provincial gov't are working collaboratively to create a safety net for workers and businesses. To learn more check out Invest Oakville and the Chamber's website.
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Office of the Mayor newsletter
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The Office of the Mayor has increased the frequency of their newsletter during this pandemic. You can sign up on the Town of Oakville Covid page.
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The Allan Street intersection was closed in late February to allow for the installation of a large water chamber, watermain, sewer work and catch basins. This work was completed on schedule.
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With Covid closure of non-essential businesses and less vehicle traffic,the construction team is going to advance additional works in the Allan Street intersection, including the new curbs, road base and base course asphalt. Extending the closure now eliminates the need for a second closure of the intersection, resulting in less disruption during the summer. Phase 1 granite work will begin soon.
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As a reminder for those who need to defer their tax payments Council will not issue penalties or interest for a 2 month period. If you wish to cancel pre- authorized payments this must be done by the April 15th.
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Our Community Centre's construction is on pause
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As a result of the closure of non essential construction, the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre construction is now on hold. We confirmed at Council that construction will restart once the closure order is lifted by the Province.
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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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