Public Notices
Southwestern Public Health Issues Letter of Instruction to Mandate Face Coverings in Enclosed Public Spaces
News
July 30, 2020
Southwestern Public Health issues letter of instruction to mandate face coverings in enclosed public spaces
Businesses in Oxford County, Elgin County and City of St. Thomas to require face coverings
Southwestern Public Health has issued a letter of instruction for all businesses in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to mandate face coverings in enclosed public spaces.
The instruction takes effect at 11:59 p.m. on July 30th and includes a one-week grace period to allow businesses time to prepare. Policies must be in place by 12:00 a.m. on August 6th.
All commercial establishments, public transit, and commercial service vehicles are instructed to implement two policies: one that requires everyone to wear face coverings while in enclosed public spaces, and a second for public health measures in enclosed employee spaces that are not accessible to the public. This second policy focuses on physical distancing, face coverings when physical distancing is not possible, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and requiring staff who are sick to stay home while advising they be tested for COVID-19.
Southwestern Public Health also recommends municipalities pass bylaws for a consistent approach to face coverings across the region, subject to timing for local councils to meet.
“Our response has evolved throughout this pandemic, yet it has always been centred on measures equal to local risks,” says Dr. Lock. “Our confirmed cases have increased, most public spaces are open, and we have more opportunities to interact with each other. Face coverings will help manage these risks.”
When it comes to enforcement, Southwestern Public Health and its municipal partners will take an education-first approach. However, individuals and corporations that do not comply could face fines.
“Our hope is the community will share the responsibility of containing COVID-19 by following these policies,” says Dr. Lock. “It is an incredibly caring act to wear a face covering because it protects other people from your germs. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me.”
Certain individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering, including children under 2 or children under 5 if they cannot be persuaded to wear one by a caregiver, people with health conditions that make it difficult to wear one, people in situations where a face covering would limit the ability to breathe (such as swimming), and people who cannot put on or remove a face covering without help.
Businesses cannot ask anyone for proof of exemption. “Please be understanding if someone cannot wear a face covering due to health conditions,” says Dr. Lock, who adds face coverings are not intended to replace physical distancing.
The letter of instruction will remain in effect until further notice. Learn more at www.swpublichealth.ca/WorkplacesCOVID-19.
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Protection Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contacts
Natalie Rowe
Communications | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1215 | 1-800-922-0096
nrowe@swpublichealth.ca
Canada and Ontario invest in roads and bridges, connecting rural communities in Southwestern Ontario
News Release
Canada and Ontario invest in roads and bridges, connecting rural communities in Southwestern Ontario
July 24, 2020 10:30 A.M.
BLUEWATER—The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted smaller and rural communities across the province. Both governments are making strategic investments in infrastructure to meet the specific needs of rural Ontario municipalities and First Nation communities to help them strengthen their local economies
Today, Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced funding for seven road and bridge projects across Southwestern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; with the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron—Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship Paul Klopp, Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater.
The Municipality of Bluewater will reduce service interruptions and increase safety by replacing a bridge on Airport Line with a longer, wider structure. Dutton Dunwich will rehabilitate a portion of Ash Line, making the road more reliable. Walpole Island First Nation will replace a culvert on Tecumseh Road to improve drainage and safety. In addition, the Township of Southwold will replace the Second Line Bridge, and Brooke-Alvinston will rehabilitate a portion of a road by repaving.
The Municipality of Huron East will improve safety and traffic flow by replacing the bridge on Kinburn Line with a wider structure. In Morris-Turnberry, the Blind Bridge on Abraham Line will be replaced with a new, two lane structure that will improve the flow of traffic, enhance safety and allow for use by heavier vehicles and equipment.
The Government of Canada is investing over $7.6 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS). The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $4.3 million. The municipalities are contributing more than $1.4 million towards the projects and Walpole Island First Nation is contributing $37,347.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are working in collaboration with their partners to support jobs, improve communities and build confidence as we safely and sustainably restore economic growth.
Quick Facts
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- The Government of Canada has invested more than $7.7 billion in over 2,500 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.
- $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity.
- Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community infrastructure.
- The Rural Economic Development Strategy leverages ongoing federal investments and provides a vision for the future, identifying practical steps to take in the short term, and serving as a foundation to guide further work.
- Central to Canada’s Connectivity Strategy are historic new investments that are mobilizing up to $6 billion toward universal connectivity. They include a top-up to the Connect to Innovate Program, a new Universal Broadband Fund, and investments from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- On July 9, 2020, Ontario launched the $150-million Improving Connectivity for Ontario program to fund broadband and cellular infrastructure projects where there is a need for better service. This is part of the province's $315 million initiative Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan.
Background Information
- Canada and Ontario invest in roads and bridges, connecting rural communities in Southwestern Ontario
Additional Resources
Quotes
“These investments in roads and bridges across Southwestern Ontario will not only help residents in rural communities feel connected to their neighbours, friends and family, but it will foster a stronger sense of safety while travelling to essential services. These projects are vital to support economic development in the region and will have a positive impact for many years to come. I look forward to our continued collaboration with provincial, municipal and First Nation partners to ensure real progress is made in these communities.
Kate Young - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for London West
“I’m happy that we have received federal government approval on the Huron-Bruce projects Ontario nominated last July. Important investments in infrastructure, such as the ones being announced today, will help kick start our local economies.”
The Honourable Lisa Thompson - Ontario’s Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron—Bruce
“We thank both the Federal and Provincial governments for their financial assistance with this important project which will bring this bridge up to current standards so that commodities can be moved safely through our community. We know that this upgrade will provide a safer road for all those who travel on it. In addition, since there has been a considerable increase in the size of agricultural equipment and vehicles, the update to the bridge will certainly help the agricultural sector as well.
Paul Klopp - Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater
“The replacement of Bridge Structure T13 at the intersection of Kinburn Line and Front Road is critical to the road infrastructure of Huron East as Front Road is one our heaviest travelled roads in Huron East.”
Bernie MacLellan - Mayor of the Municipality of Huron East
“This is the type of expensive infrastructure project that our municipality could not afford on its own. With the federal contribution of $718,641 and provincial contribution of $399,205, our taxpayers end up paying approximately $80,000 which is 7% of the total cost. I wish to thank both MPP Jeff Yurek and MP Karen Vecchio for their hard work and tireless efforts, to help up obtain this funding.”
Bob Purcell - Mayor of the Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich
Meda Contacts
Marie-Pier Baril
Press Secretary Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development marie-pier.baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca 613-295-8123
Christine Bujold
Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure christine.bujold@ontario.ca 416-454-1782
Laurie Spence Bannerman
Municipality of Bluewater cao@municipalityofbluewater.ca 519-236-4351
Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch Ontario’s Ministry of Infrastructure sofia.sousa-dias@ontario.ca 437-991-3391
Ontario Building and Expanding Schools across the Province
Ontario Building and Expanding Schools across the Province
Modern Facilities Will Strengthen Student Learning and Increase Access to Child Care
July 23, 2020 1:00 P.M.
BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is investing over $500 million to build 30 new schools and make permanent additions to 15 existing facilities, supporting over 25,000 student spaces across the province. These new, modern schools will create the foundation for a 21st century learning environment for thousands of students across the province. This investment will also generate nearly 900 new licensed child care spaces to ensure families across the province are able to access child care in their communities.
Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.
"Our government is making a significant capital investment in our school system," said Premier Ford. "By making these smart investments today, we will ensure our students and teachers have access to modern facilities to learn with features like high-speed Internet, accessible ramps and elevators, and air conditioning, while providing parents with access to more licensed child care spaces."
The government is investing over $12 billion in capital grants over 10 years, including over $500 million invested in this year alone to build critical new school capital projects and permanent additions. Today's announcement continues to build upon the government's commitment to invest up to $1 billion over five years to create up to 30,000 licensed child care spaces in schools, including 10,000 spaces in new schools. These new projects will also result in the creation of new jobs in the skilled trades as over $500 million of major infrastructure projects break ground in short order.
"It is unacceptable that too many schools in our province continue to lack the investment that our students deserve," said Minister Lecce. "That is why this government is making a significant investment to build new schools, to extensively renovate existing schools, and expand access to licensed child care spaces in our province. Our government is modernizing our schools, our curriculum, and the delivery of learning, to ensure students are set up to succeed in an increasingly changing world."
Quick Facts
- The Ministry of Education reviews all Capital Priorities submissions for eligibility and merit prior to announcing successful projects.
- The Ministry is working in partnership with school boards to deliver high-speed Internet to all schools in Ontario, with all high schools having access to broadband by September 2020, and all elementary schools having access by September 2021. As of March 31, 2020, broadband modernization has been completed at 1,983 schools, including 403 Northern schools. Installation is currently in progress at 2,954 schools, including 99 northern schools.
- The Ministry is investing $1.4 billion in renewal funding, which continues to meet the recommended funding level by the Auditor General of Ontario to preserve the condition of Ontario’s school facilities.
- To find out more about projects in your community, visit the Ontario Builds map.
Additional Resources
Draft Design and Construction Standards 2020
NOTICE OF DRAFT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC FEEDBACK
Purpose: Council for the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich is requesting feedback from the public on the Design and Construction Standards draft document.
The purpose of the Design and Construction Standards is to provide for standardization of the design and construction of subdivisions, roads, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, watermains, and lot grading in the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.
The document applies to all lands within the corporation limits of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich.
There is no requirement for public consultation, however the DRAFT DOCUMENT will be available in order to engage the community, key stakeholders and commenting agencies for feedback.
Information: At this time, due to the COVID-19 interruption, the draft document will be posted to the municipal website at www.duttondunwich.on.ca.
Comments: Written comments can be submitted by email to: planning@duttondunwich.on.ca, by mail to the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, 199 Currie Road, Dutton, ON, N0L 1J0, by fax to 519-762-2278 or in the drop box located at the Municipal Building by 4:30 pm, Tuesday, September 1st, 2020.
Contact: For more information, contact Tracey Pillon-Abbs, Planner at planning@duttondunwich.on.ca or 519-762-2204.
Dated at the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich, this 22nd day of July, 2020.
Clerk, Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
199 Currie Road,
Dutton, Ontario N0L 1J0
(519) 762-2204
News Release - Province Consulting on Further Steps to Protect Ontario's Deer, Elk and Moose Population
Province Consulting on Further Steps to Protect Ontario's Deer, Elk and Moose Population
Changes Proposed to Keep Fatal Wildlife Disease Out of Ontario
The Ontario government is seeking public input on a proposal to increase protections for the province's wildlife populations from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that affects members of the cervid family - deer, elk, moose and caribou. While it has not been detected in Ontario, it is important for hunters, wildlife management and the general public to remain vigilant. CWD was discovered in 2018 on a deer farm in Quebec, close to the Ontario border. It has also been found in all five U.S. states bordering Ontario.
"We're committed to doing everything we can to keep Chronic Wasting Disease out of Ontario and preserve Ontario's deer, elk and moose populations for generations to come," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "I would like to hear from members of the public on our proposed measures to ensure they will work effectively in every part of the province."
The government is proposing amendments to regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act that would:
- Prohibit people from importing into Ontario live, captive cervids from outside of the province, with some exceptions.
- Prohibit people from moving live cervids from one part of Ontario to another, with some exceptions.
- Expand the existing prohibition on the use or possession of lures, scents and attractants made from cervid parts to include any purpose beyond hunting.
- Expand the existing prohibition on import of high-risk parts of cervids hunted in other jurisdictions.
In December 2019, Ontario announced a CWD Prevention and Response Plan that will ensure the province has the right approaches in place to minimize the risk of the disease entering or spreading within the province. The new proposed measures are the next step to protect Ontario's wildlife and support sustainable hunting, which creates jobs and makes an important economic contribution to our province.
The proposed changes are now available on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for public feedback until August 31, 2020.
Quick Facts
- The province conducts an annual CWD surveillance program, which would help detect the disease and minimize the risk of it entering the province.
- Since 2002, the government has tested more than 13,000 wild deer and elk for CWD; all test results have been negative.
- Deer hunters spend more than $275 million annually in Ontario, which helps support jobs in many rural and northern communities.
Additional Resources
- Chronic Wasting Disease Prevention and Response Plan
- Find out more about what the Ontario Government is doing to keep Chronic Wasting Disease out of Ontario
Media Contacts
-
Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
-
Ryan Ferizovic
Minister’s Office
PRESS RELEASE - Gradual Reopening of Facilities - July 8, 2020
To the Residents of Dutton Dunwich (July 8, 2020)
Our Municipality has been working diligently to stop the spread of Covid-19. Residents have been staying home, physical distancing while in public, hand washing and staying within their social circles. All of these efforts have slowed the spread of Covid-19 within the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich. We need to be proud of our accomplishments and continue our fight against this Pandemic.
As our Municipality strives to get back to a “new” normal, we are cautiously looking at our reopening plans for our recreational facilities with help and guidance from the Southwestern Public Health Unit. Please understand that we are taking these steps very seriously and want to limit any negative impacts that will put our residents, employees and Municipality at risk. We have put in place new safety measures, policies and procedures, extra sanitizing systems, enhanced cleaning and screening tools. As these facilities open, we remind residents to self screen for signs and symptoms of Covid-19, use hand sanitizer, physical distance and to stay home if feeling unwell.
As our Province begins to reopen, the Municipality is currently looking at a safe reopening plan for our Municipal Office. Our Municipal buildings will remain closed until at least August 10th. As part of reopening the Municipal Office, there will be guidelines and protocols to follow including; only one person in the office at a time, scheduled appointments, maintaining physical distancing and screening tools. The Municipality will take all precautions to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
If you have any questions, please contact the Municipal Office at 519-762-2204.
