March 2, 2021: Mayor's Report
February 16th
I attended Hastings County Planning & Development Committee and Finance Property and Personnel Committee Meetings
February 16th
I presided over the regular meeting of Marmora and Lake Council.
February 17th
I participated in the weekly teleconference meeting with Hastings Prince Edward County and Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. Dr. Oglaza provided a detailed update regarding the planning and progress, firstly to obtain vaccine and to facilitate administration of vaccinations in accordance with provincial guidelines. Dr. Oglaza advised that Public Health is closely monitoring variant cases. He further advised that all long-term care residents have received vaccinations.
February 17th
I attended a meeting with Councillor Carman, Tammy May, Economic Development Coordinator and Mark Hanley, Hastings County to review future planning and project management of the Economic Development Committee. Mark presented his assessment from a previous vision exercise with the Committee and provided some suggestions for consideration.
February 22nd
I had a telephone meeting with Tim Pidduck, Manager CVCA regarding changes to the Conservation Authority Act and how the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority and Board may be impacted.
February 23rd
I had a telephone meeting with Tonia Bennett, CAO on various matters.
There was a significant snowstorm on Monday, February 22nd. I noted on Tuesday that the roads were well plowed, sanded, and shoulders and intersections were cleared. Thank you to Dylan, Transportation Manager and the snow clearing crew for a job well done.
February 24th
I participated in the regular weekly teleconference meeting with Hastings County and Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health.
Dr. Oglaza advised that there were 14 active cases in the County. They are working to establish immunization sites and Marmora Community Centre is being considered for one of the sites. When you are eligible for the “Jab” as they refer to it, you will need to provide your first and last name, date of birth, gender and Health Card.
He reminded everyone that the Class Order which I read at the last Council Meeting is still in effect. If you wish to review the Order, go to the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health website.
February 25th
I attended Hastings County Council Meeting. It was agreed that the two highest priorities were high-speed internet and affordable housing. Hastings County has changed insurance providers. The contract with the Integrity Commissioner was renewed.
February 25th
I attended Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Board Meeting. The lease agreement with the Crowe Bridge Conservation Area was discussed and it was determined that the agreement will be extended but the area will be closed this season.
The road access leading into the Gut Conservation Area was discussed. Currently, there is a shared arrangement for maintenance but it requires some significant repairs. The road is physically located in Marmora and Lake. I recommended that a discussion regarding a change in shared maintenance schedules should be in consultation with our Manager of Transportation.
February 26th
I participated in a teleconference call with Premier Ford, Gen. Rick Hillier, Ministers Christine Elliott, Steve Clark and Sylvia Jones regarding the rollout plans for vaccinations. At that point in time, 675,000 Ontarians had been vaccinated. The next group to be vaccinated will be those born before 1941 or the age of 80 +. They emphasized this is a critical stage, that being vaccinated does not mean re-opening or returning to normal but to adhere to Public Health measures to keep the decline in the number of COVID cases.
March 1st
I participated in a conference call with Dr. Oglaza and Mayor Albert to discuss a call planned for March 2nd to involve Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Board of Health for the Province of Ontario.
March 2nd
I participated in the meeting hosted by Toronto Councillor Joe Cressy dealing with COVID. The meeting was very informal. There was an open conversation on COVID responses and variants and immunization and rollout.
The larger Regions and Cities and experiencing significant challenges as compared to Hastings Prince Edward. They are struggling with language barriers and communication issues, differences of opinion regarding colour stages, pushback on decisions regarding businesses being allowed to open or not, big box stores being allowed to stay open vs small retail stores, etc. I took the opportunity to complement our Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health for their leadership and management of the COVID-19 in our community. Their success is credited to their excellent staff, the front-line workers in all of our medical facilities and our health care system here in the County.
The outcome of this success in few positive cases is also due to the vigilant compliance by the public to adhere to the protocol set out by the Board of Health. Thank you to our residents, businesses, and our municipal staff for your adherence to having a plan to keep our friends, family and neighbours safe. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccinations are being administered based on the supply. Roll out will be done in phases and hopefully, we will all be able to return to some kind of normal in the near future.
Thank you again for your support and stay safe. It is too soon to become complacent.