Kanata North COVID-19 Update July 2

Good evening Kanata North, 

I hope all of you were able to responsibly enjoy Canada Day. I was fortunate to spend the day with my family and created lasting memories with my three daughters. As the pace of new COVID-19 information decreases, I will be providing my updates weekly to share latest details from all levels of government. It is important that we stay informed throughout this time. By following the advice of health officials, we have been able to slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. We must continue to make well-informed decisions to continue to build on our progress.  

Kanata North Updates 

  • As many of you know, the court case for ClubLink is quickly approaching and will be taking place on July 8, 9, and 10th. Due to COVID-19, these hearings will be held online and you can tune in using the links below. I will continue to provide information to our community as I have it. 
  • Many residents have reached out regarding concerns with sharing pathways in our community. Please be mindful that as we all spend more time outdoors, we must share the paths. There are paths in our community that are deemed as multi-use pathways that allow both cyclists and pedestrians. I encourage you to alert others when approaching and move out of each other’s way to share the path. 
  • Please note that the Beaverbrook outdoor pool is undergoing some much-needed construction. The pool is expected to open at the end of July. New regulations to protect swimmers and respect physical distancing will be put in place. To enable more members of the community to enjoy the facility when pools open, such as the location at the Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata (RRCK), we will be scheduling shorter swim times to enable a higher turnover and the ability for more people to enjoy the pool. The RRCK facility is currently projected to open around July 13th. 
  • Due to COVID-19, the Kanata Civic Art Gallery has had to close its doors to the public. To continue to share art with the community, the gallery has moved to an online platform. An online summer show has been launched and can be viewed here. 

City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health Updates (OPH) 

Here are the latest updates from the City of Ottawa and OPH: 

  • Today, OPH reported seven new cases and no new deaths. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 2,101 and 263 deaths. 
  • As our city continues to move through Stage 2, OPH and city staff are working hard to prepare for a second wave. Our commitment to keeping each other safe has allowed us to flatten the curve. The risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases and outbreaks is real. Modelling data shows that a decline of just twenty per cent in public control measures could lead to a second wave. Ottawa residents have already shown that they are capable of doing what needs to be done to keep the virus at a manageable level, and we must continue. 
  • Earlier this week, the city announced plans for a phased-approach to opening wading pools as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pool facilities – with COVID-19 prevention measures: 
    • Wading pools: The first group of wading pools will open July 6 and a second group on July 13. You can find a full list here. 
    • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools: The indoor and outdoor swimming pool facilities will begin to open the week of July 6, with additional pools opening the following week and the remaining pools opening at later dates. The number of swimmers will be significantly reduced to accommodate safety measures to protect swimmers from the spread of COVID-19. 
    • COVID-modified swimming lessons: Adjustments have been made to protect swimmers due to COVID-19: Swimming instructors will maintain physical distancing from participants and a parent or guardian must accompany their child in the pool for some levels. Lessons for all levels will be 30 minutes long to allow for physical distancing between participants entering and leaving the facility. This also provides sufficient time for cleaning and disinfecting common areas.  
  • The city will not be offering aquafitness, regular-ratio classes, Power Swim, and lifesaving and leadership classes during this phase of reopening. To help reduce the risk, some COVID-19 measures and protocols will be in place at the pool facilities. 
  • Swimmers are asked to do their part to protect themselves and others from COVID-19: 
    • Shower at home before going to the pool. 
    • Wear their bathing suit to the pool. 
    • Practice personal COVID-19 hygiene – washing or sanitizing hands, staying home when exhibiting any symptoms. 
    • Keep a distance of two metres from other swimmers and staff. 
    • Wear a mask while walking in the facility. 
  • Wearing a mask can significantly stop the spread of COVDI-19. The city is seriously exploring options to make masks mandatory in public settings in Ottawa. Dr. Vera Etches, Mayor Watson, and city staff are having conversations to ensure actions are coordinated and this is feasible for our city.

Provincial Updates 

Here are the latest updates from the Ontario government: 

  • The Ontario government is investing up to $4 million for the Seniors Community Grant program. This funding will help programs for seniors that focus on combatting social isolation, promoting seniors’ safety and well-being, improving financial security, and making communities age-friendly. This year’s grants will range from $1,000 to $100,000 and will fund projects that will: 
    • Help older individuals and couples receive the support they need in their community. 
    • Ensure seniors are less at risk for neglect, abuse and fraud, and that their rights and dignity are protected. 
    • Ensure more older adults are connected and engaged, reducing social isolation. 
    • Provide more opportunities for older adults in employment and volunteering, achieving greater financial security and engagement within the community. 
  • The Ontario government is providing municipalities and urban Indigenous community partners with an additional $150 million to continue to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19 by improving homeless shelters and creating opportunities for longer-term housing. This funding is for long-term, innovative housing solutions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. It can renovate shelters or purchase new facilities that will help with physical distancing in the short term and support longer-term, more sustainable solutions to homelessness. In addition, this funding could also be used to provide vulnerable people with food, shelter, and supplies. 
  • Ontario’s industrial and commercial electricity consumers have experienced economic challenges during COVID-19. The Ontario government will help large industrial and commercial companies by providing more stable electricity pricing for two years. Effective immediately, companies that participate in the Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) will not be required to reduce their electricity usage during peak hours, as their proportion of Global Adjustment (GA) charges for these companies will be frozen.
  • The Ontario government has extended all emergency orders currently in force until at least July 10, however, it will remove restrictions that were limiting access to certain sport training facilities. The government has removed certain restrictions for Stage 2 indoor sports and recreational fitness activities and facilities. This will allow the facilities to be used by more businesses and organizations to train amateur or professional athletes, or to run certain non-contact amateur or professional athletic competitions. In all cases, activities will have to be altered to follow all public health requirements. These changes will also enable many sports and recreational organizations around the province to again offer sport training programming, helping more people return to sport in Ontario. 
  • Earlier this week, the Ontario government announced that the provincial courts will begin resuming in-person proceedings on July 6. The reopening of courtrooms will be gradual and strict health and safety protocols will be implemented. To help maintain physical distancing, plexiglass barriers are being installed in courtrooms, interview rooms, intake offices, and at public counters. Everyone who visits a courthouse will be required to wear a face covering and will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. 

Federal Updates 

Here are the latest updates from the Federal government: 

  • Earlier this week, the Canadian government released the latest COVID-19 public health modelling. The data shows that nationally the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths is declining over time. Canada’s Chief Medical Officer will continue to update us with the latest information and projections. This data will help inform next steps through the pandemic. 

Please reach out should you need anything. Stay safe.