Office of the Mayor and Council update
April 21, 2021
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Halton Regional Council receives COVID-19 update
Today, Associate Medical Officers of Health Dr. Deepika Lobo and Dr. Joanna Oda, along with Halton Region CAO Jane McCaskill provided a COVID-19 update to Halton Regional Council, reiterating the importance of taking the first vaccine offered to you and not “shopping” for your preferred brand.
This is one of the ways residents can help bend the curve of COVID-19 cases, as was evidenced in a slide that showed cases amongst our already-vaccinated 80+ population are now very minimal.
While Halton Public Health is currently booking May appointments based on the expectation of a reduced supply in May and a change in allocation policy by the province that will also reduce the number of vaccines available to Halton, Dr. Oda also noted that there is the possibility of increased Pfizer supply in May that could offset that and the health unit will book appointments accordingly once all is confirmed by the province.
Currently, Halton’s community vaccination clinics are fully booked until May 8 and Halton Chair Gary Carr confirmed that the Region does not have any vaccine sitting in freezers that isn’t already accounted for.
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Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, today released a video to address more vaccine questions and concerns.
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Regional Council authorizes creation of a new growth option without sprawl
Late this afternoon Halton Regional Council passed my motion to have Staff develop and add an option with no urban sprawl to the public consultation this year on how to meet the Province's new Growth Plan population and employment forecasts for the period between 2031 and 2051.
Population and employment growth are already planned for Halton and its four local municipalities out to 2031.
Earlier this year Council authorized public consultation on four growth scenarios, all of which involve urban boundary expansions to eat up farmland.
The Region and the Town are working on Provincially required updates to our Official Plans with deadlines of 2022 for Halton and 2023 for Oakville. Ontario requires Oakville's Official Plan to "conform upward" to Halton's.
Read the full motion
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Oakville pharmacy to offer 24/7 vaccination appointments
The Shoppers Drug Mart at 2501 Third Line, Building B, across from our hospital, will be one of 20 in the province to offer AstraZeneca vaccines to eligible residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The announcement was made late yesterday in partnership with the Ontario Government.
Appointment availability will be dependent on the supply of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine. Visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-covid-19-vaccine for more information about booking appointments.
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To see today’s updated COVID-19 statistics for Oakville from Halton’s Public Health Unit CLICK HERE
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Oakville Town Council, pictured here following the election in 2018, represents seven wards with a Town and Regional and Town Councillor in each riding.
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There are currently 293 Active Cases in Oakville and 53 COVID-19 patients being cared for at OTMH (this number includes transfers from facilities outside of Halton Region).
Confirmed cases in Halton increased by + 133 from 13250 to 13383, with + 39 new confirmed cases in Oakville from 4233 to 4272
There were + 74 new reported recoveries in Oakville from 3983 to 4057 and + 169 new recoveries in Halton from 12474 to 12643
Ontario is reporting 4,212 new cases today, bringing the total to 429,123. Of those, 378,417 are resolved with 7,789 deaths. Currently there are 2,334 patients in hospital, 790 of whom are in ICU with 566 of those on ventilators.
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Source: Public Health Ontario
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Halton COVID-19 Monitoring Dashboard
The indicators are based on the Ontario Public Health Unit Core Indicators for COVID-19 Monitoring, with targets adapted to the local Halton context and population. Together the indicators are intended to provide an overall snapshot of current local data on the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep the community informed and assist with local decision-making.
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As of this morning Canada had reported 1,143,264 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 87,850 considered active. A tally of deaths stands at 23,745.
As of early Wednesday morning, more than 143 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, according to a tracking tool maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The reported global death toll stood at more than three million.
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Halton's COVID-19 vaccination program
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COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario
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As of Wednesday at 1:55 p.m. CST, more than 10,719,018 doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across Canada.
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Notice of Intention to Pass Amending By-law to Remove a Holding Provision
2430 Old Bronte Road
Brixen Developments (Old Bronte) Inc. / Michael Paradisi
Z.1431.18, Ward 4
Monday, May 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m.
Videoconference broadcast from the Council Chamber
Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road
Live Stream on YouTube.
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, attendance at Town Hall is restricted and public meetings are being held by videoconference only. For instructions on how to view the meeting or participate by written submission, videoconference or telephone, please contact the Clerk’s Department as early as possible prior to the meeting at TownClerk@oakville.ca or 905-815-6015.
The subject lands are located at the northwest corner of the Old Bronte Road and Pine Glen Road intersection.
A Holding Provision is a mechanism under the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, to ensure that required conditions are fulfilled prior to the development of the lands in accordance with the approved Zoning, and as such, there are no third party rights of appeal on the removal of the Holding provision.
If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Town of Oakville with respect to this matter, you must make a written request to the Town Clerk at the Town of Oakville, Clerk’s department, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 0H3 (Dropbox is located in front of Town Hall) or at TownClerk@oakville.ca.
This meeting will be live streamed on Live Stream on YouTube.
Any submission to the Planning and Development Council, either in hard copy or in electronic format, must be forwarded to the Clerk’s department for receipt no later than noon on Monday, May 10, 2021, to ensure its availability to the Members of Council at the meeting. Individuals wishing to make an oral submission at the meeting must contact the Clerk’s Department prior to the meeting to register as a delegation and to obtain instructions on how to participate in the meeting. Requests must be made no later than noon Monday, May 10, 2021 by email to: TownClerk@Oakville.ca or call 905-815-6015. Requests to delegate will not be processed during the meeting.
For more information about this matter contact Kelly Livingstone, Planner, Planning Services department at 905-845-6601, ext. 3045 (TTY 905-338-4200) or at kelly.livingstone@oakville.ca.
If you have any accessibility needs, please advise Kelly Livingstone one week before the meeting.
The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended, and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public.
Dated at the Town of Oakville Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
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This pandemic has us all fed up and anxious for the end of restrictions. When the virus first started to take hold, we worked together: unlike in some other countries, there was no denial. All levels of government, and all political parties, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Canadians complied, and our results were better than many other countries.
Read the full story
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Representatives from the Halton Regional Police Service made a presentation to town councillors on April 19 to share interesting Oakville stats, stories and successes from 2020. Here are some of the highlights.
Read the full story
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Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca again called on the premier to appoint a "COVID czar" during a virtual presentation before the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
When asked by the Chamber’s vice-president of government relations, Kris Barnier, what Del Duca would do, if he was premier, to get the province through COVID-19, the Liberal leader said he would take the politics out of the COVID-19 response.
Read the full story
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A group of Oakville students performed at Canada’s national commemorative ceremony for Prince Philip on Saturday, (Apr.17).
The six-person string ensemble of Appleby College students provided a virtual performance of Amazing Grace.
Read the full story
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New funding in agriculture innovations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19
The Ontario government is launching a modernized cost-share intake as part of a $25.5 million program to increase the adoption of technological innovations within the agri-food sector to enhance the health and safety of workers and improve the sector's efficiency and productivity.
Today Minister Hardeman announced the Agri-tech Innovation Program— a $22 million cost-share program that will help farming operations and processor businesses adopt innovative and new technologies.
"This large investment is a significant step forward by our government in using innovative technology to guard against the spread of COVID-19 in agri-food workplaces and protect worker health and safety," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Through the adoption of advanced agriculture technology, we're helping the sector find new and unique ways to address pandemic challenges while at the same time setting agri-food businesses up for future growth and success in modern agriculture."
This intake will support implementation of sector-specific, unique and innovative technologies in the workplace that enhance protection of workers against COVID-19, lead to increased business efficiencies and productivity, and help build the sector's resilience. Subject to program eligibility criteria, applications for funding could include for example advanced technologies such as optical grading and sorting system in vegetable processing or automated, robotic vineyard pruning robots. Ontario will also invest in high-impact social projects for agri-food workers as part of this component.
The intake announced today is the second stage of the Agri-food Prevention and Control Innovation Program announced in Ontario's fall 2020 budget. Under a separate stage of this broader program, the Sector Innovation Road Mapping program, up to $1.4 million was provided to agri-food organizations to identify the best path forward for agri-food businesses looking to implement innovative technical solutions and develop best practices for adoption of such technologies.
"This is an investment in the health and safety of our workers for today and in our sector for tomorrow," said Hardeman. "Our government strongly encourages the adoption of technological innovations that protect workers in both large and small agri-food businesses, where the risks are highest and the impact of technology on modernizing these businesses will be significant."
"Technology and modern equipment make today's farms more efficient and safer — both for people and the environment. Ontario farmers are excited at the prospect of working with the provincial government to further push innovation on the farm. This program will not only protect farmers and farm workers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It will enable investments in new processes and state of the art equipment," said Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
"The Ontario Tender Fruit Growers extends its appreciation for the Agri-tech Innovation Program that will enhance worker safety on our farms," said Phil Tregunno, Chair, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. "With the recent completion of an extensive analysis of the sector, we are well positioned to implement labour saving technologies that will help our competitiveness and grow the industry."
The first intake will run from May 17 to June 21, 2021. Further details about the intake will be available through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website as of May 17, 2021.
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Province seeks public input into draft wild pig strategy and updates to Invasive Species Act
The Ontario government is protecting the economy and environment by expanding protections to prevent invasive species from establishing or spreading in the province.
"Our government recognizes that invasive species pose a real threat to Ontario's environment and economy," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "The proposed rules under the Invasive Species Act would establish several new safeguards against the plants, fish, and animals threatening Ontario's biodiversity and socio-economic well-being."
The Ontario government is seeking feedback from stakeholders, Indigenous communities and the public on two proposals on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. The first proposal outlines the new rules under theInvasive Species Act, 2015 that would regulate an additional 13 invasive species, including wild pigs. It builds on existing recommendations and practices to prevent the introduction and further spread of aquatic invasive species into Ontario's lakes and rivers.
The ministry is also seeking input through a second posting on a draft strategy entitled Ontario's Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs. In jurisdictions where wild pigs have become established, they have had significant impacts on the environment and agricultural industry.
Together, the actions outlined in the draft strategy and the proposed new rules for wild pigs under the Invasive Species Act aim to prevent wild pigs from becoming established in Ontario.
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The Ontario government will be making some sort of announcement regarding enhancements to the federal paid sick days program “in the next couple of days,” according to House Leader Paul Calandra.
Read the full story
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford is isolating in Toronto after he was in close contact with a staff member who has since tested positive for COVID-19, his office said late Tuesday night.
The staffer was in contact with Ford on Monday, and was tested on Tuesday after learning they had been at risk of exposure, according to Ivana Yelich, spokesperson for the premier.
Read the full story
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Several Ontario gyms have recently reopened under an exception in the province’s lockdown regulations intended to serve people with disabilities — raising concerns that they are exploiting a legal loophole and creating a public health risk.
Read the full story
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Too many families in Canada lack access to affordable, inclusive, and high-quality child care. This is an economic issue as much as it is a social one. Without access to child care, parents – especially women – cannot fully participate in the economy, and the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought these issues to the forefront. As part of our commitment to support a recovery that brings all Canadians along, the Government of Canada wants to ensure that quality and affordable regulated child care spaces are available to all families who need it.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today highlighted that Budget 2021 sets a goal of on average $10 a day child care within the next five years. By building an early learning and child care system, we will make life more affordable for Canadian families, create new jobs, grow the middle class, increase women’s participation in the work force, and drive strong economic growth across the country.
The federal government will work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build this Canada-wide, community-based early learning and child care system. The government will invest $30 billion over the next five years, with a minimum of $9.2 billion per year ongoing. By the end of 2022, this new system would reduce fees for parents with children in regulated child care by 50 per cent on average, everywhere outside of Quebec. While Quebec already has shown leadership through a child care system where prices are affordable, they will still receive their share of the funding to allow for further improvements to their system. The Government of Canada will also work with provinces and territories to help ensure that early childhood educators are provided with the training and development opportunities needed to support their growth and the growth of a child care system that works for all Canadians.
This investment builds on the work the government has been doing to make life more affordable for families and give children the best start in life. Programs like the Canada Child Benefit, which puts money directly in the pockets of parents to help with the added expenses of raising a family, have already been supporting those who need it the most. However, with child care expenses running nearly as high as rent or mortgage payments in some cities across the country, we know that more needs to be done. This investment will create new opportunities for Canadian families and allow parents, particularly mothers, to get back into the workforce.
Establishing a Canada-wide early learning and child care system will create jobs and economic growth, increase women’s participation in the workforce, and offer each child in Canada a better start in life. This is part of our plan to grow the middle class and help people working hard to join it.
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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create stress and anxiety for many Canadians, particularly those who do not have ready access to their regular support networks. Through the Wellness Together Canada online portal, people of all ages across the country can access immediate, free and confidential mental health and substance use supports, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This week is National Volunteer Week in Canada and we're reminded - especially during these difficult times - of how important it is to support each other, to lend a hand when you can, and to know you are not alone when you need help.
To date, over 1,139,000 cases of COVID-19, including over 23,700 deaths have been reported in Canada. Over the past week, an average of over 8,640 new cases were reported daily. During the same time, the number of people experiencing severe and critical illness continued to rise; on average over 3,970 people with COVID-19 were being treated in our hospitals each day, including 1,200 people being treated in intensive care units, representing a 24% and 21% increase, respectively, compared to the prior week. An average of 46 deaths were reported daily over the past week, which is 28% higher than the week prior. There are over 70,300 variant of concern cases reported to date across Canada, with the B.1.1.7 variant accounting for almost 96% of these. This includes 67,417 B.1.1.7 variants, 2,472 P.1 variants, and 421 B.1.351 variants reported to date in Canada.
To tackle this wave we need to use all available tools. That means keeping up with up individual precautions and public health measures in your area, as well as deploying all safe and effective vaccines in optimal ways. Vaccination is fundamental to ending the pandemic and we encourage all Canadians to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities from illness, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. This week we marked the important milestone of over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine having been administered in Canada.
We know there is a still a way to go, but we continue to gather strength from good news and a focus on the things we're grateful for. This simple note of thanks we recently received from a Canadian reminds us how far we have come: "I received the vaccine this week and I am amazed that this time last year we were struggling to understand this virus and now we are vaccinating against it."
Canadians across the country have been channeling this kind of positive energy to help others. One example is VaccineHunters.ca. This community group has banded together to supplement COVID-19 vaccination initiatives. By aggregating up-to-date information on vaccine availability on their website and social media platforms, they are helping eligible Canadians find vaccination clinics and pharmacies where they can book an appointment. Their website also provides links to other local volunteer organisations such as "Pink Cars" who are helping seniors 70 years or older in the York region with transportation to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Similarly, Vaxstat.ca helps Quebecers find same day or next day COVID-19 vaccine appointments through their website.
Another important volunteer effort is dispelling misinformation to support informed and confident decisions on vaccination. Teams of independent scientists, health professionals and science communicators have come together in collectives such as Science Up First and the Canadian-Muslim COVID-19 Taskforce, to make science more accessible across platforms, cultures and languages.
Though it may not be your turn yet, there are many ways younger adults can pay it forward and help family, friends and neighbours get vaccinated by working online, over the phone, or in other ways to help others. Working together, we can bring the infection rate down and keep it down until vaccines have rolled out across the Canadian population. This is how we can all build the vaccines bridge that takes us to greater safety and back to the things we have missed so much.
Read my backgrounder to access COVID-19 Information and Resources, including information on vaccination and ways to reduce your risk of infection and spreading the virus to others.
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An influential Canadian doctor and top adviser to the World Health Organization has come under fire from international experts for his controversial comments downplaying the risk of airborne spread of the coronavirus.
Read the full story
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Healthcare and other essential services across India are close to collapse as a second coronavirus wave that started in mid-March tears through the country with devastating speed.
Graveyards are running out of space, hospitals are turning away patients, and desperate families are pleading for help on social media for beds and medicine.
Read the full story
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U.S. President Joe Biden says the United States plans to provide Canada with more help in procuring COVID-19 vaccines.
Read the full story
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Though a public washroom isn’t typically the kind of place you want to spend a lot of time in, new research exploring COVID-19 transmission suggests you may not want to linger after flushing a public toilet.
Read the full story
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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
oakvillefoodbank@gmail.com
Kerr Street Mission
905-845-7485
kerrstreet.com
The Salvation Army Oakville
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.
Learn more
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Oakville Fare Share Food Bank new hours
The demand for service at the Oakville Fare Share Food Bank have almost doubled over the last nine months and as a result, hours will increase to serve everyone.
The new hours are:
Monday 9.30 am to 2.30 p.m.
Thursday 2 to 7 p.m.
This is an increase of two hours per week and will continue until at least the end of February
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