Office of the Mayor and Council update
April 29, 2021
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There's reason for and signs of hope ahead
Today it was announced that as of Monday, May 3, Halton residents aged 50 and older who are unable to work from home will be eligible to book a vaccination appointment through the region’s public health department. Additionally, the Ontario Government announced updated timelines for when more residents will be eligible for vaccination over the next month.
This is hopeful news and echoes some of the sentiments in an opinion piece by business columnist David Olive publishes in today’s Toronto Star. The piece gives many reasons for why there is reason for optimism in the heat of the third wave of the pandemic.
According to Olive’s piece, Canada’s vaccination rate is among the best in the world and our country stands poised for an economic boom – if we all believe in it.
While the columnist admits now, as our province specifically, is calling for help to deal with our strapped ICUs, isn’t the best timing to make this argument, he notes several important facts that should make us all optimistic:
- Canada’s vaccination record is among the best in the world.
- Canada’s cumulative fatality rate — total COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic — is well below the average of Canada’s advanced-economy peers.
- The latest government-imposed economic restrictions, together with a gradually accelerating vaccination rate as more doses are becoming available, could see most of those restrictions lifted as early as July.
- The Canadian economy appears set for a recovery of greater strength and speed than almost any on record.
What’s required to get us there and for that recovery to happen is for the public to buy in to what’s being asked of us and believe that our public health officials are making recommendations based on what’s best for us. The importance of adhering to public health advice cannot be understated:
- Only going out for essentials
- Washing and sanitizing hands frequently
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Keeping a physical distance from anyone outside our household
- Wearing a mask when distance can’t me maintained, even outside, and where mandated
- Registering for a COVID-19 vaccine when you’re eligible
Read David Olive's opinion piece
Please keep well, stay safe, and let me know of any chance to help by emailing mayor@oakville.ca.
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Halton's vaccine clinic capacity and supply
I am glad that the Province today confirmed they will restore supply to all of the province’s 34 health units, though half of the increased supply will be going to Ontario’s hot spots.
Halton Region is continuing to follow the Province’s direction on prioritization for vaccines and the ability to expand appointments remains contingent on vaccine supplies allocated to our region from the Province.
Above is an updated graph, showing Halton’s community clinic capacity based on the confirmed vaccine supply. Halton has the capacity in vaccination clinics to vaccinate double the number of people if additional vaccine supply was available.
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Halton residents 50+ who cannot work from home can book COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting May 3
Starting Monday, May 3, Halton residents who are 50 years of age and older (born in or before 1971) and cannot work from home can book an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.
“We are pleased to be able to offer more appointments to priority populations,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We continue to follow the Province’s direction on prioritization and our ability to keep opening appointments to more residents is reliant on ongoing and dependable vaccine supply from the Provincial and Federal Governments. Our clinics are ready for more supply – we have the capacity to double the amount of people we vaccinate each day.”
Halton Region continues to follow Provincial direction on prioritization and does not have the authority to grant exceptions. Residents who are 40 years of age and older are also encouraged to book an appointment at multiple participating pharmacies in Halton for the AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine is safe and effective, and another way to gain protection from severe illness and complications from COVID-19.
“The more people we vaccinate each and every day, the closer we get to returning to normal,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “We have six clinics operating 7 days a week and participating pharmacies continue to offer appointments to those 40 and older. Please get the vaccine when it is your turn - the best vaccine option is the first one available to you.”
Read more
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Ontario Science Table releases updated modelling
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Ryerson Faculty of Law to become the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
On May 6th, Ryerson Faculty of Law will honour the past and inspire the future and will officially become the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Steve Paikin will host this celebration with official remarks by Dean Donna Young, an appearance by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, a spoken word performance by Aja Monet and much more.
DATE: Thursday, May 6, 2021
TIME: 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. ET
FORMAT: Virtual - Please register to receive the event link.
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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 252 Active Cases in Oakville and 39 COVID-19 patients being cared for at OTMH (this number includes transfers from facilities outside of Halton Region).
Confirmed cases in Oakville increased by +31 from 4551 to 4582 with + 144 new confirmed cases in Halton from 14,296 to 14,440
There were + 38 new reported recoveries in Oakville from 4,384 to 4,422 and 0 new recoveries in Halton from 13,680 to 13,680.
Ontario is reporting 3,871 new cases today, bringing the total to 459,477. Of those, 413,010 are resolved with 8,029 deaths. Currently there are 2,248 patients in hospital, 884 of whom are in ICU with 620 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 1,207,738 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 83,354 considered active. A tally of deaths stands at 24,163.
As of late Thursday morning, more than 149.7 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, according to a tool from Johns Hopkins University used to track COVID-19 cases. The reported global death toll stood at more than 3.1 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 Thursday at 8:35 am CST, more than 12,946,833 doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across Canada.
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Town of Oakville Announcements
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Aerial spray program taking place in town woodlands this May
Based on population surveys conducted in 2020, Oakville faces extreme levels of gypsy moth infestation this year that could affect 102 hectares (252 acres) of town woodlands and result in a significant loss of trees if no action is taken. In mid-May, the town will be conducting an aerial spray in 15 town woodlands with a safe and naturally occurring pesticide to control the gypsy moth infestation.
“The town’s tree canopy is one of our greatest assets and ongoing efforts are required to preserve it. In 2008 and 2018 Oakville and our neighbouring municipalities successful conducted aerial sprays in targeted areas. This year’s efforts will help protect our urban forest from these damaging invasive insects before they cause irreparable damage,” said Mayor Rob Burton.
Gypsy moth is a non-native insect that is considered a major destructive pest in North America. These insects can be a concern because the larvae (or caterpillar stage) feed voraciously, mostly on the leaves of leafy trees such as oak. When populations are high, they can eat all the leaves on a tree in a short amount of time. When leaves are lost in successive years, trees can die.
Aerial spraying will occur most likely in mid-May once the gypsy moth caterpillars have emerged. Spraying will be performed by a low flying helicopter, between 5 and 8 a.m. Two treatments will be necessary within a few days of each other. Additional ground spraying may occur during the same period to target town trees adjacent to woodlands that have been identified as high-risk for gypsy moth presence.
Notification
Aerial spray dates are highly dependent on weather conditions and may need to be postponed with little notice. Once dates are confirmed, they will be posted on oakville.ca and the town’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Residents who live in the near vicinity of any of the town woodlands that will be treated and would like to receive 48-hour email notification of the spray can send an email, providing contact information, to service@oakville.ca.
The designated woodlands and trails will be closed temporarily during the spray and reopen immediately after. Some roads may be closed briefly as the helicopter passes. Aerial spraying will not take place over town streets or residential properties.
No special precautions are required for residents near the spray areas. Residents may wish to alter their early morning plans such as running or dog walking on spray days or, if preferred, remain indoors and close windows during the spraying. There may be some temporary noise associated with the low flying helicopter. There are no health concerns with entering the woodlands after trees have been sprayed.
Pesticide use
Municipalities have successfully conducted aerial spray programs using the safe pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (Btk) for decades. It has replaced chemical insecticides in aerial spraying programs worldwide.
The use of BtK is approved by the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency and is permitted under Oakville's pesticide-bylaw.
BtK has no negative environmental or human health effects. BtK is a bacteria which occurs naturally in soil. The bacteria is poisonous only to a certain group of insects when ingested during their larvae or caterpillar stage. BtK does not affect adult moths or butterflies or other beneficial insects such as honeybees, or pets, birds, fish, or mammals. Learn more about BtK on Health Canada's Btk Fact Sheet and on Natural Resources Canada's website.
Public safety and the health of our environment are top priorities at the Town of Oakville. We understand there might be some inconvenience on the mornings the aerial spray takes place and we appreciate your patience and cooperation.
For more information visit oakville.ca. For any questions please contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca.
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If you live in a collection zone, please place all loose leaves on the boulevard or on the shoulder, not over catch basins, in bicycle lanes or in the ditches in front of your house.
Learn more
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The Honourable Dr. Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and MP for Oakville, in conversation with Oakville News.
Read the full Q&A
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Halton police are investigating after a portable at an Oakville elementary school was broken into and vandalized.
Read the full story
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Plans are moving forward to develop the former Brantwood Public School site, despite objections from several councillors.
The majority of council voted during the Monday, April 26 meeting to direct the Oakville Municipal Development Corporation to market and secure a buyer for a portion of the 221 Allan St., site consisting of the school building and seven future residential lots.
Read the full story
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Oakville's Crusaders Rugby Club received a large grant from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Jumpstart gave the club $15,000 to help it improve and remain a great organization during these unforeseen times.
Read the full story
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All nine high schools in the Halton Catholic School Board District tweeted messages of acceptance, tolerance and diversity after board trustees decided on Monday against flying the Pride flag at its schools in June.
Read the full story
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In an issue that relates to Regional planning on-going work, glaciers are melting faster, losing 31 percent more snow and ice per year than they did 15 years earlier, according to three-dimensional satellite measurements.
Read the full story
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Some local celebrities will be leaving town soon.
A group of snowy owls making their winter home around Bronte Harbour will be heading north for the summer — if they haven’t left already.
The owls have become a favourite subject for local photographers, who stake out a spot along the waterfront in hopes of capturing an image of the birds.
Read the full story
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Increased Allocations to Hot Spot Communities to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives
In response to an expected increase in vaccine supply from the federal government, the Ontario government is preparing to ramp up its rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to further support at-risk communities. This includes a targeted commitment to allocate 50 per cent of upcoming vaccine shipments to hot spot communities as identified by postal code, to help decrease COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations.
Despite an unstable vaccine supply to date, the province has built a strong foundation for its vaccine rollout, with five million doses administered, and over 4.6 million adults having received at least one dose.
Approximately 800,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Ontario per week at the start of May, ramping up to 940,000 doses per week by the end of May. This reliable increase in vaccine supply allows the province to further accelerate its vaccine rollout and get more shots into arms.
“Ontario’s vaccine rollout is continuing to focus on getting vaccines to those most at risk” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “With a stable and reliable supply of vaccines on the way, we will continue expanding access to the vaccine in communities across the province, especially those areas that continue to be hit hardest by COVID-19. The best vaccine remains the first one you’re offered, and I strongly encourage everyone to sign up as soon as it’s their turn.”
Based on the increased vaccine allocations Ontario is expecting in May, the province will increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to hot spot communities by over one million doses through a targeted, time-limited response designed to reduce COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in these areas.
During the weeks of May 3 and May 10, 50 per cent of vaccine allocations will be allocated to hot spots targeting mobile teams, pop-up clinics, mass immunization clinics, hospitals, primary care and pharmacies.
This approach will not take away vaccines from other public health unit regions, whose allocations will remain the same as previously planned and will increase later in May. Public health units can use local knowledge to ramp up capacity and effectively target hot spots, whether provincially identified or otherwise.
Due to a predictable and increased vaccine supply from the federal government, the province will be able to further expand delivery channels in the coming weeks to vaccinate more Ontarians faster. To support this, the government has developed an anticipated schedule to expand eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine throughout May, with individuals aged 18 and older eligible to book through the provincial booking system as early as the week of May 24, 2021.
As the next step in Ontario’s vaccine rollout, effective April 30, at 8:00 a.m., individuals aged 55 and over are eligible to book a vaccine appointment. This same day, a pilot will launch through select pharmacy locations in hot spot communities to administer the Pfizer vaccine to individuals aged 55 and over. Eight stores in Peel and eight in Toronto will participate in this pilot, with each location receiving approximately 150 doses per week to help Ontario continue to grow provincewide capacity to vaccinate as many individuals as quickly as possible. This is expected to expand to additional public health units later in May following evaluation of the program and as supply allows. Pharmacies will continue to use their own booking system for appointments.
In addition, the first employer-operated workplace clinics are on track to begin operating this week in hot spot communities within Peel Region. Maple Lodge Farms and Maple Leaf Foods have begun vaccinating employees in partnership with Peel Public Health and Amazon preparing to do the same. All three workplace clinics will also offer access to vaccines to the local community. Ontario will continue to work with employers who have expressed an interest in hosting workplace clinics to assess if they meet the criteria and help facilitate engagement with local public health units.
“With the increase in vaccine supplies, workplace vaccination clinics have begun this week and we are focusing our immunization efforts in areas where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “As we move closer to accessing a more stable supply of vaccines from the federal government, we must do all we can to save lives and reduce hospitalizations by staying home and following public health measures.”
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Former minister of environment and founding member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission will help guide the province on protecting and growing the Greenbelt
The Ontario government has appointed Norm Sterling as Chair of the Greenbelt Council. The former minister of environment, and founding member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, will help guide the province as it undertakes what could result in the largest expansion of the Greenbelt since its creation in 2005.
“Mr. Sterling brings important experience to the Greenbelt Council, and I am confident that under his leadership there will be incredible work done to support growing the Greenbelt,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As a fellow grandparent, we understand the importance of leaving all of our grandchildren, and great grandchildren, with an enhanced version of the gem that is the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
The Greenbelt Council was created to provide advice to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on land use matters related to the Greenbelt, including education and outreach to promote the goals of the Greenbelt Plan.
“It is an honour to serve as Chair of the Council as we work towards growing the Greenbelt,” said Mr. Sterling. “I will leverage my experience to work collaboratively with our council to ensure that we are working toward protecting and growing the Greenbelt.”
Ontario’s Greenbelt protects farmland, communities, forests, wetlands and watersheds. It also preserves cultural heritage and supports recreation and tourism in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The province is currently considering how best to protect and grow the Greenbelt through consultations on:
- protecting the Paris Galt Moraine; and
- adding, expanding and further protecting urban river valleys, and increasing the Greenbelt’s footprint in urban areas.
The first round of public consultations on growing the Greenbelt concluded on April 19, 2021 and the input is being reviewed. Further engagement and consultation will continue through the summer.
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Data shows Ontario has significantly less hospital beds than other provinces, and that it would need more than 4,000 to meet the Canada-wide average.
Read the full story
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As intensive care admissions climb to dangerously high levels in Ontario, health-care workers in the province worry they might soon be forced into the worst-case scenario of choosing who gets the best care and who doesn’t.
Read the full story
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For what may be the first time in Ontario’s pandemic, a Toronto hospital has experienced a potential exhaustion of its supply of oxygen, and had to frantically send COVID-19 patients across the GTA Thursday morning as a result.
Read the full story
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Peel Region’s top doctor says he wouldn’t recommend reopening outdoor recreational activities right now in order to avoid mixed messaging, as the province is under a stay-at-home order amid a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lawrence Loh says he would not call on the provincial government to reverse its decision about closing golf courses, basketball courts and other outdoor amenities as the Region of Peel continues to see heightened coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
Read the full story
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Orange water bottles are now floating around Lake Ontario, but there's actually a good reason why.
The University of Toronto kick-started their "Tagging Trash" program this week, where GPS-tracked water bottles get placed into Lake Ontario to see where they end up.
Read the full story
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Over the past months, Canadians have heard from members of the Defence Team who have been affected by sexual trauma and sexual misconduct. On behalf of those who serve their country, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) must live up to our professed values of integrity, inclusion, and accountability. We also know that the current reporting systems do not meet the needs of those who have been affected or have witnessed misconduct. We need to change this.
We accept responsibility for our failings, continue to undertake critical examination of lessons learned, listen carefully to those we have failed, and take deliberate action to ensure that we achieve long-term culture change while providing the needed supports to those who have been impacted by sexual harassment and violence. We have been actively engaging with survivors and experts to listen to their experiences and the devastating impact that harassment and violence has had on their lives and careers. We are committed to creating a space where all members of the Defence Team are able to report misconduct free from any fear of reprisal or retribution so that members feel safe to come forward and can easily access the resources and support they need.
Today, the Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan, is announcing that Madame Louise Arbour will lead an Independent External Comprehensive Review into harassment and sexual misconduct in the DND/CAF. Over the coming months, Madame Arbour will provide concrete recommendations on how the DND/CAF can set up an independent, external reporting system for Defence Team members that meets the needs of those who have been affected by misconduct, free from any influence of the Chain of the Command.
In addition, this review will examine the policies, procedures, programs, practices, and culture within National Defence, and make recommendations aimed at addressing systemic issues and creating lasting culture change within the organization. It will look at the CAF military justice system’s policies, procedures and practices to see how we can make this system more responsive to the needs of those who have been impacted by misconduct while holding perpetrators to account.
To ensure we are able to address these important issues as soon as possible Madame Arbour will provide any interim recommendations to the DND/CAF, which we commit to acting upon. The final report and the Departmental response to the report will be made public once complete.
While Madame Arbour undertakes her review, the Acting Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, and the Deputy Minister, Jody Thomas, are also creating a new internal organization to be led by Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture. This group will unify, integrate, and coordinate all associated policies, programs, and activities that currently address systemic misconduct and support culture change across National Defence. Their efforts will closely align with the work being carried out by Madame Arbour. This will ensure that immediate steps are taken to address and act upon any interim recommendations made to provide better and more streamlined support to all those impacted by misconduct.
We recognize that those who have military sexual trauma need additional support, which is why in Budget 2021 the Government committed over $236 million so that DND/CAF and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) can jointly develop a professionally co-facilitated peer support program to assist CAF members and Veterans who have suffered harm as a result of experiencing sexual misconduct in connection with their military service. This program will include online and in-person group support: mental health professionals and peers with lived experience will co-facilitate these platforms in line with best practices. We will also be expanding the reach of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) across the country to better support those who have experienced sexual misconduct.
The DND/CAF continues its important work in support of victims and survivors by following through on its commitment to consult with victims and survivors of service offences, which will inform the development of the regulations needed to implement the Declaration of Victims Rights from Bill C-77. Direct engagement with victims’ groups has been completed and an online questionnaire will be launched soon to allow for the collection of anonymous feedback from DND employees and CAF members.
All of these efforts incorporate recommendations from our people, experts, and stakeholders, and are part of the Defence Team’s next phase of institutional evolution. These initiatives are the first steps towards a renewed commitment to the Defence Team and everyone’s right to work in an environment of mutual respect, dignity, and inclusion, where they have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to achieving mission success.
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More than 2,000 people returning to Canada since the federal government brought in mandatory hotel quarantines have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than a quarter of them were infected with a variant of concern.
Read the full story
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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says hundreds of fines have been issued to travellers arriving in Canada for refusal to quarantine in a government-authorized hotel.
The agency told CTVNews.ca in an emailed statement on Wednesday that 404 tickets have been issued to travellers as of April 19 for refusing to stay in a quarantine hotel.
Read the full story
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Youth make up 20 per cent of Canada's cases in the pandemic, but less than two per cent of hospitalizations.
Read the full story
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Several of Quebec's regions saw a spike in cases earlier this month, putting strain on the health-care system and leading to tighter restrictions, but the province’s largest city has so far escaped the worst of the third wave. Here's a look at why.
Read the full story
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I spent most of last week reporting on the epic proportions of the calamity that has engulfed India. Top hospitals have run out of oxygen. Crematoria have been burning bodies hastily in adjacent parking lots.
Families with patients have run for five to 10 hours to big cities such as Mumbai or the capital of New Delhi, begging hospital workers for a bed or for oxygen. Failing to find either, people have died on park benches outside hospitals and in auto-rickshaws while waiting. The managers of New Delhi’s top private hospitals – the ones that offer advanced facilities such as robotic surgery and treat people from all over the world – were reduced to going on television to plead for basic needs. “We want to save our patients, but we can’t without oxygen,” said one manager, who said the stress of knowing he had only two hours’ supply was unbearable.
Read the full story
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A study of suicide data from 21 countries and 25 regions, including parts of Canada, shows there were no signs of an increase in deaths by suicide in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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