I hope you are all able to find a way to cool down today through the heat wave. It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of May! While this weather is inviting us to get outdoors, we must respect others and the guidelines provided by OPH. Please maintain a physical distance of two metres, wear a mask when it’s impossible to physically distance, monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms, and wash your hands often. These measures will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Kanata North Update
- I am thrilled to see the March Road resurfacing project underway. I know many of you are interested in following along with the progress being made. I have created a page on my website where I will post regular updates.
- Quarantine is challenging for all of us, including children. St. Isabel’s Catholic Elementary School’s staff understands this and decided to act. On May 16th, staff got together to drive by students’ houses for a car parade to spread some cheer. Students and teachers displayed their hand made signs and shared lasting smiles. This is a terrific example of our community coming together to support each other during difficult times. Way to go St. Isabel’s Eagles!
City of Ottawa/Ottawa Public Health Update (OPH):
The following are the latest updates from the City of Ottawa and OPH:
- Today, OPH reported seven new cases and tragically one death. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 1,908 and 235 deaths.
- Over the weekend, Ottawa’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vera Etches announced that OPH is now encouraging all residents to get tested for COVID-19, even if they are not showing symptoms. Tests are done at the Assessment Centre or either Care Clinic. Please note, that should there be significant volume, vulnerable individuals and those with symptoms will be prioritized.
- Tomorrow, I will join my colleagues virtually for City Council. You can tune in online on the city’s YouTube channel or on Rogers Television.
- The City of Ottawa has set up four emergency cooling centres to provide relief from the heat to residents in need. The emergency cooling centers are set up to ensure users can practice proper physical distancing and will have access to washrooms and water. Residents should bring a cloth mask with them to the cooling centres if they have one.
- Emergency cooling centres opened today, 3 pm to 7 pm, and will operate on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday May 28 from 11 am to 7 pm. The emergency cooling centres are located at the following city facilities:
- Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre: 102 Greenview Avenue
- Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre: 3320 Paul Anka Drive
- Sandy Hill Community Centre: 250 Somerset Street East
- St-Laurent Complex: 525 Coté Street
- Masks become more uncomfortable in hot temperatures, but they will still work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please visit the Ottawa Public Health website for information about masks and heat.
Provincial Government Update
The following are the latest updates from the Government of Ontario:
- Today, the Ontario government shared key findings from the Canadian Armed Forces report on the five long-term care homes at which the military has been assisting. The report details serious concerns around infection prevention, safety, staffing, and level of care. The report also indicates that with the support of the armed forces, these five homes are beginning to stabilize. The government is asking for an extension of an additional 30 days of support from the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Thousands of Ontario residents are taking time to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In early April, Premier Ford announced that the government would invest $100,000 in its partnership with SPARK Ontario to help the province’s first bilingual volunteer hub. To date, the investment has helped with:
- Over 54,000 users have visited the SPARK Ontario website to learn how they can volunteer.
- Over 3,500 civic-minded Ontarians have signed up on the site to volunteer, and over 3,100 have contacted community organizations regarding a volunteer opportunity.
- 141 community organizations have registered for volunteer matching and more than 100 COVID-19-related volunteer opportunities have been posted online.
- Yesterday, the Ministry of Long-Term Care has issued Mandatory Management Orders appointing local hospitals to temporarily manage two long-term care homes for 90 days. Southlake Regional Health Centre will temporarily manage River Glen Haven Nursing Home in Sutton and Humber River Hospital will temporarily manage Downsview Long Term Care in North York. The orders may be extended beyond the 90 days, if necessary. Despite their efforts, these two homes have not been able to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Federal Government Update
The following are the latest updates from the Canadian Government:
- Yesterday was the first day that small businesses could apply for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA). This program will allow property owners to reduce rent by at least 75 per cent for the months of April and May (retroactive), and June, for their small business tenants. CECRA will cover 50 per cent of the rent, with the tenant paying up to 25 per cent and the property owner forgiving at least 25 per cent.
- Today, the Federal Government announced that they have signed a deal with General Motors to produce 10 million face masks. This will help keep people safe and slow the spread of COVID-19, while providing well-paying jobs to individuals in Oshawa.
- The Canadian Government shared that they will be funding up to 700 youth jobs in the agriculture industry. This will support the people who put food on our plates, while creating new opportunities for young people.
- The Prime Minister announced that he will discuss the economic devastation caused by COVID-19 with UN Secretary General and the Prime Minister of Jamaica on May 28th. The virtual meeting will cover the following six issues:
- The need to expand liquidity in the global economy and maintain financial stability to safeguard development gains.
- The need to address debt vulnerabilities for all developing countries to save lives and livelihoods for billions of people around the world.
- The need to create a space in which private sector creditors can proactively engage in effective and timely solutions.
- Prerequisites for enhancing external finance for inclusive growth and creating jobs, including lowering the transactions costs of remittances.
- Measures to expand fiscal space and foster domestic resource mobilization by preventing illicit financial flows.
- Ensuring a sustainable and inclusive recovery by aligning recovery policies with the Sustainable Development Goals.
As always Kanata North, please continue to do your part. Stay home as much as you can.
Please reach out if you need anything.
Stay safe.
Take care,
Jenna Sudds