Mayor’s Message on COVID-19 – June 16, 2020
Hello everyone, week 13 for my messages.
The trend in new cases in Ontario continues a slow progression down. Yesterday we saw 181 new cases. Overall Ontario numbers are 32,370, with 27,213 resolved and 2,527 deaths. In Canada we are now over 99,000 with over 60,000 recovered and 8,146 deaths.
Three months ago today Ontario had a total number of 177 cases with Canada standing at 425. It’s been a long 3 months for everyone.
Globally, the news is not good – over 1 million new cases in the last week. The global numbers now exceed 8 million. Thursday will mark one full week of Stage 2 re-opening for most of Ontario. Many businesses have re-opened as we slowly adjust to the new normal.
Part of our Kagawong River trail system has reopened, as has the viewing platform at the top of Bridal Veil Falls.
Our public beaches are open as well. Please continue to respect all of the provincial guidelines around physical distancing, hygiene and, if in spaces where physical distancing is not possible, wearing face coverings.
Of significance at yesterday’s regular Zoom council meeting was the awarding of the contract for our Small Craft Harbour expansion to Build North Construction of Sudbury. Build North’s bid was $1,449,807.54, which was the lowest of the three bids received and the bid recommended by our engineering services company, EXP. It took a lot of effort on the part of staff to get us to this point during a pandemic and I commend all of their diligent work.
The Old Mill Heritage Centre museum will be reopening on July 1, which is great news! There will be some reduction in hours and protocols to follow to keep everyone safe, but this is a positive step forward.
On a disturbing note, the sculpture located at Sandy Beach on township property has been damaged and a piece taken. The statue was placed there in 2017 as part of a joint initiative between 4Elements and Billings Township. Anyone with any information regarding this theft is urged to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers. ***UPDATE – the missing sculpture piece has been recovered!
Lastly, in Ontario there have now been over 1 million tests conducted for COVID-19. Testing is crucial to help avoid a second wave of this virus. If you develop any symptoms, please get tested.
Thank you,
Ian