Good evening Kanata North,
I know that normally this would be a time when many in our community would gather to celebrate together at this special time. I know this is going to be a hard weekend for many of us who cannot be with our families in person. I encourage you to make new memories this holiday weekend! Let us take a break from the news and focus on our families. Unless critical new information on COVID-19 arises, I will only be sending a community update on Saturday over the long weekend. I will take time to spend with my family, and I hope you do the same.
Kanata North Update:
- We know the pandemic can be challenging, and we’re here to help. Join Councillor Gower, Michelle Hurtubise, Executive Director of the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC), and myself on April 14th at 11 a.m. as we discuss the resources available to support the vulnerable and isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to register before the meeting starts.
- I am sad to share that the Kanata Golf & Country Club has installed signage along the pathways and entrance points to the golf course indicating that the grounds are closed due to COVID-19. These signs indicate that no one can access or walk the property, excluding their staff due to essential maintenance work. Under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, the golf course is by definition an outdoor recreational amenity. The Act specifies that no person shall enter or use an outdoor recreational amenity except for maintenance, safety, law enforcement, or other similar purpose. I know this is difficult to accept, and I know that many were enjoying the greenspace daily. For the time being, unfortunately, we will have to refrain from doing so.
- I have launched a #ShopLocal page where you can find information about local businesses that are still open and shops that have special hours for the most vulnerable. During this difficult time, please consider supporting local. More info on my website at KanataNorth.ca/ShopLocal
- I’m encouraging you to fly your Canadian flags to show solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. Yesterday, I brought a motion to council that was unanimously approved by my colleagues to fly your flags in support of all the front-line workers putting their health at risk to protect us. Remind your community that we are all in this together!
City Hall/Ottawa Public Health Update:
Here are the latest updates from the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health that you should know:
- Today, Ottawa Public Health confirmed 29 new cases and sadly there have been two more reported deaths. This brings the total cases to 459 confirmed COVID-19 cases and tragically a total of 9 deaths. Through the pandemic, 14 per cent of cases have been hospitalized, including five per cent in intensive care.
- A second Care Clinic in the east end of Ottawa has opened today. It will be operated by Hôpital Montfort in partnership with Ottawa Public Health, and the region’s Clinical Care Coordination Centre (C4). Similar to the west end clinic, this clinic will be equipped to do basic diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays and lab tests. It will help Ottawa-area patients get the care they need.
- OC Transpo will continue to operate the current modified weekday service on O-Train Lines 1 and 2, as well as on all bus routes. Staff will continue to make adjustments, as required, so that connections are provided to essential services and to ensure that space is available onboard for physical distancing.
- OC Transpo will not be proceeding with the regular Spring service change, which would normally begin on Sunday, April 19. Service changes that had been planned to begin at that time will start later in the year, once normal service resumes.
- Changes are being made to the Public Works and Environmental Services (PWES) that are being implemented to keep workers and residents safe. A detailed list can be found on the city’s website. Modifications include:
- Tree planting and maintenance
- Trail Road Landfill
- GLAD Cleaning the Capital
- Household Hazardous Waste Depots
- Street Sweeping and multiuse pathways
- Pothole patching
- Park maintenance
- 951 Clyde Customer Service Counter
- Paint it Up!
- Preventative Maintenance Program for Sewer Back Up and Flooding
- Water Services Routine Preventative Maintenance and Non-Critical Repairs
- Lead Pipe Replacement Program
- Residential Protective Plumbing Program
- Spring Freshet
- I know that we can work together to maintaining physical distancing when we do our shopping. Here are some helpful tips when doing your shopping:
- Take only what you need, just enough supplies for two weeks. Shop alone to limit the number of people in the store.
- Shop with your eyes. Avoid touching items that you do not intend to buy.
- Pay with plastic. Use tap to reduce the surfaces you touch.
- You can read the rest of the guide made available by OPH here.
- Today, the city received confirmation that a bus operator has tested positive for COVID-19. OC Transpo is working directly with Ottawa Public Health and are conducting contact tracing of individuals who have, or may have been, in close contact with the employee. The risk to commuters is very low. The operator drove five buses on March 27, 30 and 31, serving the following routes:
March 27, 2020
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- Route 92: Greenboro Station 6:23 to Hurdman Station 6:49
- Route 88: Hurdman Station 6:53 to Terry Fox Station 8:03
- Route 88: Terry Fox Station 8:12 to Hurdman Station 9:31
- Route 88: Hurdman Station 9:52 to Terry Fox Station 11:06
- Route 88: Terry Fox Station 11:20 to Hurdman Station 12:31
- Route 88: Hurdman Station 12:52 to Billings Bridge Station 12:58
March 30, 2020
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- Route 74: Fallowfield Station 6:57 to Riverview P&R 7:12
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 7:15 to Fallowfield Station 7:30
- Route 74: Fallowfield Station 7:57 to Riverview Park & Ride 8:12
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 8:15 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 8:51
- Route 16: Tunney’s Pasture Station 9:00 to Westboro Station 9:05
- Route 62: Tunney’s Pasture Station 9:17 to Terry Fox 9:52
- Route 62: Terry Fox Station 9:57 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 10:28
- Route 74: Tunney’s Pasture Station 11:04 to Riverview Park & Ride 11:42
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 11:45 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 12:21
- Route 75: Tunney’s Pasture Station 12:29 to Minto Recreation Centre 13:10
March 31, 2020
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- Route 74: Fallowfield Station 6:57 to Riverview P&R 7:12
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 7:15 to Fallowfield Station 7:30
- Route 74: Fallowfield Station 7:57 to Riverview Park & Ride 8:12
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 8:15 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 8:51
- Route 16: Tunney’s Pasture Station 9:00 to Westboro Station 9:05
- Route 62: Tunney’s Pasture Station 9:17 to Terry Fox 9:52
- Route 62: Terry Fox Station 9:57 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 10:28
- Route 74: Tunney’s Pasture Station 11:04 to Riverview Park & Ride 11:42
- Route 74: Riverview Park & Ride 11:45 to Tunney’s Pasture Station 12:21
- Route 75: Tunney’s Pasture Station 12:29 to Minto Recreation Centre 13:10
Provincial Government Update:
Here is the latest information from the Provincial Government that you should know:
- A new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee has been established by the Ontario Government, which will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The Committee will be consulting with a wide variety of people to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the provincial economy and develop an action plan to move forward, including business associations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, corporate leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs.
- To help the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial government has partnered with SPARK Ontario to create a volunteer hub designed to direct volunteers to where they are needed most. The needs of each community vary, but groups across the province are looking for volunteers to help deliver food or medicines, run errands, or check-up on seniors and the most vulnerable by phone or email while they self-isolate.
- Those interested in volunteering or volunteer organizations can look for opportunities on SPARK’s website.
- Seniors, people with disabilities, and others in need of assistance can also be connected to essential services in their community at any time by visiting www.211ontario.ca or by dialing 211 or 1-877-330-3212 (toll free).
Federal Government Update:
Here are the latest updates from the Federal Government:
- This morning, I had the opportunity to chat with our Member of Parliament Karen McCrimmon. We spoke about what each level of government is doing to help our community through this challenging time. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
- On Monday, the Federal Government launched the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. More than 4.5 million claims have been processed to date. Thank you to all public servants who have stepped up to make this happen!
- Parliament will reconvene this Saturday. This will allow the Government to pass much needed legislation to implement some of the programs that we have heard about, like the wage subsidy program. I will provide updates on this as they become available.
- The Federal Government released modeling showing how they believe the pandemic may unfold. There are a few important points:
- We have an opportunity now to control the epidemic and give the healthy system more capacity.
- We know what needs to be done: keep up physical distancing, increase testing, self-isolate cases, and rapidly trace contacts.
- The data makes it clear: What we do together now to stop the spread of COVID-19 will determine the impact it has on Canadians.
- You can read more about the modeling from Health Canada here.
- This week, the Federal Government received millions more masks to keep frontline workers safe and secured contracts to get more ventilators.
Kanata North, I know it is difficult to not be able to see family and friends or take the kids to the park, but your ability to continue to practice physical distance is saving lives right here in our community and it supports our essential frontline workers. This weekend, I urge you all to please follow the guidance from our experts.
Please reach out if you need anything.
Stay healthy Kanata North.