Tag Archives: Mayor Robin Jones

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Updates from Westport Town Hall

On Wednesday, May 27 at a Special Council meeting, Council approved Greer Galloway, our Engineering consultant, to proceed with issuing the RFP for the reconstruction of Bedford St.  The proposed schedule begins the work from Concession St to George St after July 1 and from George St to Main St after August 1.  Construction will continue until October/November depending on weather.  Bedford St will generally be open to traffic throughout the construction and there will be access to businesses and residents’ driveways.

On April 2, 2020, I declared an Emergency that remains in effect.  However two of the orders made under that declaration are not being extended.

Emergency Order #1 will not be extended.  Effective June 1, 2020 garbage bag tags/Westport garbage bags will be required for solid waste pick up.

Emergency Order #2 will not be extended.  Effective Wednesday, June 3, Westport Town Hall will reopen to the public for mornings only until further notice.  One person at a time will be admitted to Town Hall.  The staff area of Town Hall has plastic sneeze guards installed, so you will notice a slightly different look should you find it necessary to come to the office.

Please call if you have any concerns or questions.  273-9195COVID Town Hall 

 

 

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Emergency Orders Extended until June 9th, 2020

Emergency Orders Extended to June 9th

The Ontario government is extending all emergency orders in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Current emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery.  Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women’s shelters.

Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, emergency orders can only be extended for up to 14 days by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Cabinet) or the Legislative Assembly, on the recommendation of the Premier may, by resolution, extend the period of an emergency for additional periods of no more than 28 days.

 

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Phase I – Recovery from COVID – Small, measured, safe steps. 

The provincial government is taking a slow, measured approach to recovering the province’s economy.  Every decision that benefits the economy is weighed against the public health challenge of keeping a lid on COVID-19.  While opening retail stores to a limited extent, the consistent direction from the Ontario Government and supported by Westport Council is stay home when possible, wash hands often, practice physical distancing of at least 6 ft between people, wear a mask when out in the public and avoid non-essential travel.  

The opening of retail stores for pick-up and curb side delivery on Monday, May 11 was a positive sign for economic recovery.  This was authorized by the government because the number of cases of COVID-19 was declining in the province.  More restrictions have been lifted and this past week we saw retail stores open to the public although with safety measures in place that comply with the legislation.  The harbour was operational on May 23, the same day that the basketball court and public washrooms at the Information Centre opened. Small, measured, safe steps. 

Visitors will continue to come to Westport this summer and, just like residents, will be required to comply with the business owners’ expectations.   Council asks everyone to continue to be diligent to prevent COVID from taking hold in the Village. This includes frequent hand washing, physical distancing of 6 ft, wearing a mask when in public and limiting exposure to COVID with only essential travel. Signs will be posted at the entrances to the Village reminding everyone to follow the physical distancing protocols.

We have learned that community spread of the virus can be rampant and that our behaviour impacts the health of others.  We must continue to make the safety of our community a priority by remaining vigilant through physical distancing and other best practices to avoid contact with COVID.

We are stronger together – each of us performing our role to the best of our ability.  This is a point in time when we need to believe in our strengths, support each other and remember to be kind. Stay safe.

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Update – basketball court, harbour and public washrooms open May 23, 2020

Recent changes to the Province’s Emergency Orders have made it possible to open up  some outdoor recreational facilities in the Village of Westport.  The basketball court at Lockwood Park was opened today, however physical distancing restrictions are still in effect as is the maximum of 5 people in one location.

Staff will be on duty at the Harbour beginning Saturday.  The public washrooms will be open at the Information Centre on Spring St although the Information Centre itself will closed.

This is an unprecedented year of challenges for the municipality – balancing public safety, economic viability and government regulations during the pandemic.  We have begun the slow and safe recovery of our businesses and economy in the Village, ensuring we do not negatively impact the safety net that we have wrapped around Westport.