Public Notices
NEWS RELEASE - Elgin County Encourages Residents to Avoid Heading to Cottages.
April 2, 2020
For immediate release
Elgin County encourages residents to avoid heading to cottages
COUNTY OF ELGIN – The County of Elgin is urging all residents and cottagers to avoid any non-essential travel, including heading to rural cottages and properties. The County of Elgin recognizes that while cottagers might like to socially distance themselves at their cottage during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, now is not the right time. Cottagers, who are usually welcome in Elgin County, are being asked during this time to refrain from staying at their cottages and to consider the impacts a higher, unexpected presence can have on rural populations.
“We must work together during these times to maintain our community’s strength and resiliency,” said Warden Dave Mennill. “Normally, we welcome seasonal friends. During this time we are encouraging cottagers and rural property owners to stay safe at home where supplies are much more easily accessible and medical treatment facilities are better equipped to handle higher volumes.”
For those who are already at their cottage, rural property or seasonal residence, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers has the following advice:
- Make sure you have obtained several weeks’ worth of provisions before leaving your community. Should you need anything urgent such as prescription medications, call ahead and see if there are
- options for a safe delivery or pick-up;
- Continue to maintain social distancing;
- Consider where your health needs can be best met in an emergency situation.
On March 29, 2020, Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, noted “Urban dwellers/Cottagers should resist the urge to head to the cottage and rural properties as these communities have less capacity to manage COVID-19.”
On March 27, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford also asked residents in urban areas to avoid heading to their cottages and rural properties across the province during the Coronavirus pandemic, adding
that rural areas may have more difficulty replenishing essential items if there is an added demand.
To stay informed on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Elgin and Oxford Counties, please visit the Southwestern Public Health website at: www.swpublichealth.ca or Elgin County’s dedicated
-30-
For additional information, please contact:
Warden Dave Mennill dmennill@elgin.ca
519-200-0279
NEWS RELEASE - All Outdoor Recreational Amenities Across the Province Now CLOSED
|
News Release Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 March 30, 2020 All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed TORONTO — In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, the Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces and restrictions on social gatherings. In addition, Ontario is issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. "I made a commitment to be open and upfront about what we need to do as a province to beat this virus," said Premier Ford. "Based on the best medical advice available, we are taking further steps today to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians by closing outdoor recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, and extending our emergency orders to save lives. We all need to work together and do our part to stop COVID-19 by staying home, practising physical distancing, and avoiding social gatherings." This new order would close all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed. "We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province" said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians' health and wellbeing." "The health and well-being of Ontarians is a top priority of our government as we navigate through the COVID-19 health crisis. I know our municipal partners are already taking action locally to protect their residents," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "This order makes the rules around closing shared outdoor recreational amenities consistent across the province." To ensure the province is able to continue its extensive efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Ontario will also extend the March 17, 2020 declaration of emergency and subsequent emergency orders, regulations and amendments issued under s.7.0.1 and 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The following declaration and orders have been extended and will be in effect until April 13, 2020:
|
SURVEY - Measuring Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elgin County businesses
Elgin County Economic Development (in partnership with several other organizations) is encouraging people to complete the following survey in an attempt to measure the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Elgin County businesses:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/elginimpact
This is in an effort to collect important data so that advocacy at all levels of government can be done by this collective.
Elgin County Economic Development also has many resources posted on its website for businesses affected by the pandemic:
http://www.progressivebynaturecom/COVID19
COVID-19 Support for Local Businesses | Elgin County Directory
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic, below is a link to business resources that have been created thus far. Please share these with your networks to help ensure that businesses are prepared to manage through this challenging time. Economic Development and Tourism Staff will update these resources as they become available. Government of Canada Resources
Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of Five People or More with Strict Exceptions
News Release
Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of Five People or More with Strict Exceptions
March 28, 2020
Stronger action required to stop the spread of COVID-19
TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government is taking immediate and decisive action to further stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.
Based on the best advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective immediately.
This order would not apply to private households with five people or more. It would also not apply to operating child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders provided the number of persons at each centre does not exceed 50 people. Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time.
"If we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19 now and keep our communities safe, we need to take extraordinary measures to ensure physical distancing," said Premier Doug Ford. "I strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its tracks."
"We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people. Nothing is more important."
Organized public events include parades, events including weddings, social gatherings and communal services within places of worship. This order replaces a previous emergency order which prohibits organized public events of over 50 people.
Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency on March 17, 2020 and has issued orders to close non-essential workplaces, recreational programs, libraries, publicly funded schools, private schools, daycares, provincial parks, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants, except those that may only offer takeout or delivery. Essential services, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, public transit, manufacturing facilities, and supply chain companies remain open and operational.
|
QUICK FACTS
|
|
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
|
|
PUBLIC NOTICE - Landfill Site
Please be advised the landfill site will be closed Monday, March 30.
OPP News Release - Quarantine Act in Effect
(ELGIN COUNTY, ON) - "On March 17, the Government of Ontario declared a State of Emergency through the authority granted under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Emergency orders were issued under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario. The Government of Canada has also invoked the Quarantine Act to further support protecting everyone's health and well-being during the COVID-19 crisis.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been properly trained to respond to high risk incidents during this current health crisis. I can assure you that our officers are equipped with personal protective equipment that enables them, when necessary, to respond to the myriad of calls for service that we regularly see in Elgin County.
As this health care crisis continues to evolve, our policing personnel conduct regular screening measures during the course of their duties to identify potential risks of COVID-19. Members of the public entering our Elgin County OPP Detachment will be asked a few questions specific to those symptoms identified by public health experts in order to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.
I strongly urge all citizens, businesses and establishments to voluntarily comply with all of the short term restrictions that Governments have imposed. For allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, or any other non-emergency request for service, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. In case of an emergency, call 911. The OPP encourages the use of Online Reporting which enables responses to a large number of non-emergent requests by a police officer over the telephone.
The OPP extends its appreciation to all Health Care Professionals, fellow First Responders and our local Municipal Governments as we respond together to the current State of Emergency declared in Elgin County. We understand the impacts of COVID-19 on our area businesses and citizens. And, while I trust everyone's good judgement to exercise compliance, the OPP will apply discretion whether to launch any investigation or enforcement actions." - Inspector Brad Fishleigh, Elgin County OPP Detachment Commander.
- 30 -
Contact: Provincial Constable Adam Crewdson,
Email: adam.crewdson@opp.ca
opp.ca
TWITTER: @OPP_WR
News Release - Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses
News Release
Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses
March 26, 2020
New financial measure will allow insurance premium payment deferrals for six months
Toronto - The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province.
"During this unprecedented period of uncertainty and hardship, our government is doing everything possible to support businesses and protect jobs," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "By making this change today, we are building upon the substantial financial help we are providing business owners and workers. The top priority is to keep people safe."
All employers covered by the WSIB's workplace insurance are automatically eligible for the provisions of the relief package and can defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. They will not be required to opt in to receive this benefit.
Additionally, the WSIB will cease interest accrual on all outstanding premium payments. They will not charge penalties during this six-month deferral period. There will be no negative consequences for businesses who defer premium reporting and payments. The WSIB will continue to fully cover workers at eligible workplaces.
"We have worked closely with the Government of Ontario to help Ontario businesses as they face this unprecedented challenge," said Elizabeth Witmer, Chair of the WSIB. "We're here to help."
The relief program is in addition to a $17 billion package included in Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.
The government's action plan will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets.
Additionally, through the WSIB, the government reduced costs to employers by a new rate framework and the elimination of the unfunded liability charge, putting more than $2 billion back into the economy.
"Our government is working day and night to provide Ontarians with certainty and support during this difficult time. This Relief Package being implemented by the WSIB will help sustain businesses, protect our economy and save jobs," said Minister McNaughton.
The new measure builds on the government's previous actions to support business and protect jobs.
QUICK FACTS
- The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board covers over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.
- Businesses are not required to inform the WSIB that they will be taking advantage of this financial relief package.
- The deferred premiums will amount to an average $1,760 for approximately 275,000 Ontario businesses.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- The WSIB’s new Employer Relief Package
- Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19
CONTACTS
Janet Deline
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
MLTSDmedialine@ontario.ca
Bradley Metlin
Minister’s Office
Bradley.Metlin@ontario.ca
WSIB media relations
647-534-1497
media@wsib.on.ca
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
http://www.ontario.ca/labour