Good evening Kanata North,
I hope everyone is ready for the long weekend and taking some time to relax and recharge. I am reaching out today to provide an important update on the Provincial announcement on easing some of the COVID-19 regulations. While this is important progress that we have been able to build on we cannot stop here. We must continue to follow the guidance of Ottawa Public Health and practice physical distancing and hand washing. I also encourage you to wear a mask as an added tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our efforts will allow the Province to further ease restrictions and continue to build on the important work we have already done. This will allow us to continue to recover, open more businesses, grow our economy, and visit with family and friends in person.
Kanata North Update:
- As we head into the long weekend, I want to remind you that some city services will be closed on Monday and delayed throughout the week. You can find a full list here.
- I know many of you have been asking about the ClubLink situation. The court has asked for a case conference to determine the willingness of parties to have a virtual hearing. This will provide an opportunity for all parties to agree on moving forward with a virtual hearing instead of having to wait an unknown amount of time until the courts are once again open. You can read my update on this here.
- Thank you to everyone who has been doing their part throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all working together to fight the pandemic: from the frontline workers, to essential employees, and residents respecting physical distancing. We can see the strength of our community through our Kanata North neighbour, Stephen Barlow who has posted a sign on the fence along Terry Fox near Statewood to show thanks. Many families have signed it. I encourage you to look for it on your next walk!
City of Ottawa/Ottawa Public Health Update:
These are the latest updates from City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health:
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- Today, OPH reported 18 new cases and tragically 3 deaths. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 1,725 and 185 deaths.
- While we are seeing the positive impact of physical distancing and regular hand washing, it is important that we continue. The majority of our population is still susceptible to the virus. As we move forward and restrictions get eased, such as access to stores and some workplaces, it is critical that we continue to follow the health and safety guidelines to protect our community. I encourage you to read this article by Dr. Etches, which reminds us how critical our actions are.
- Earlier today, Mayor Watson hosted a second virtual town hall to discuss the city’s response to COVID-19. City leaders provided updates and answered your questions. You can view it here, if you missed it.
Provincial Update:
Here are the latest provincial updates:
- Today, the provincial government shared plans on how they will further ease restrictions to reopen the economy. Workplaces that will be permitted to be open must follow strict guidelines provided by health officials. You can find a detailed list here. Some retailers, seasonal businesses and health and community service providers will be permitted to open or expand their services on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. In addition, seasonal services and activities will be permitted to open as early as Saturday, May 16, 2020.
- The following are permitted to open on May 16:
- Golf courses will be able to open, with clubhouses open only for washrooms and restaurants open only for take-out.
- Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open for recreational use.
- Private parks and campgrounds may open to enable preparation for the season and to allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles whose owners have a full season contract.
- Businesses that board animals, such as stables, may allow boarders to visit, care for or ride their animal.
- On Tuesday, May 19 the following are permitted to open:
- Retail services, not located in shopping malls that have separate street-front entrances with measures in place that can enable physical distancing, such as limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time and booking appointments beforehand or on the spot.
- Seasonal businesses and recreational activities for individual or single competitors, including training and sport competitions conducted by a recognized national or provincial sport organization. This includes indoor and outdoor non-team sport competitions that can be played while maintaining physical distancing and without spectators, such as tennis, track and field and horse racing.
- Animal services, specifically pet care services, such as grooming and training, and regular veterinary appointments.
- Indoor and outdoor household services that can follow public health guidelines, such as housekeepers, cooks, cleaning and maintenance.
- Lifting essential workplace limits on construction.
- Allowing certain health and medical services to resume, such as in-person counselling and scheduled surgeries, as well as resuming professional services such as shifting Children’s Treatment Centres from virtual to in-person.
- To support business-owners and workers, the government has launched a website to provide businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory has an up-to-date list of Ontario Companies and business associations that are ready to supply PPE.
Federal Update:
Here are the latest Federal Government updates:
- Today, students can apply for the Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). CESB provides high school students, post-secondary students and recent graduates that are unable to work with financial relief through COVID-19. Students can apply here.
- The fishing industry has faced unique challenges due to COVID-19. The federal government will invest $469.4 million in new measures to support Canada’s fish harvesters. This builds on the $62.5 million for the new Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund announced last month to help Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector. This investment will:
- Launch the Fish Harvester Benefit, a program worth up to $267.6 million, to help provide income support for this year’s fishing season to eligible self-employed fish harvesters and crew who cannot access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Support will be provided to those that experience fishing income declines of greater than 25 per cent in the 2020 tax year, compared with a reference period to be identified.
- Launch the Fish Harvester Grant, a program worth up to $201.8 million, to provide grants to help fish harvesters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account or equivalent measures. This will give them more liquidity to address non-deferrable business costs. The program would provide non-repayable support of up to $10,000 to self-employed fish harvesters with a valid fishing license.
- Propose measures or changes to Employment Insurance (EI) that would allow self-employed fish harvesters and stake holders to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons (winter and summer claims).
Thank you Kanata North for your continued work on flattening the curve and respecting the guidance of Ottawa Public Health. If you need anything please reach out.
Stay healthy!
Many thanks,
Jenna