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June 7th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Government has announced that the province will move into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.
At which of the patios that will be operating will I be able to do this? We will share that information. 
June 7th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
It is now official – the city will begin the open up on Friday. Details: The Ontario Government has announced that the province will move into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021. This stage includes, but is not limited to: Following 21 days in Step One, the province will evaluate impacts on key public health and health system indicators. At the end of the 21 days, if 70 per cent of adults are vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent of adults with two doses, along with continued improvements in other key public health and health system indicators, the province will continue to Step Two of the Roadmap.
June 7th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
The Region put out a heat alert and then extended it for an additional day. When the Region announces a heat wave the municipalities open up locations that are cool. When temperatures are expected to be at least 31°C and overnight temperatures are above 20°C for 2 days or the humidex is at least 40°C for 2 days a heat alert is issued. It is that time of year again – this time however there are people who are going to be more hard hit than when circumstances are normal.  One way news people tell the hot weather story is to ask if it is hot enough to fry an egg on a sidewalk. We aren’t there yet – but it is very uncomfortable for those in locations without conditioned air. The malls in the past have been open – they became a place people could go to to walk around in, a cool location. Burlington will open Central Arena’s Auditorium located at 519 Drury Lane as a Cooling Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the heat warning. Community members can use the facility for 1-hour increments and will be screened for COVID-19 when they arrive. Measures will be in place to ensure physical distancing. Visitors must wear a non-medical face covering in the Cooling Centre. Please stay home if you are ill and always practice physical distancing (2m)
June 2nd, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
There is now a road map to get us from where we are to where we want to be in the battle to prevent the further spread of Covid19 and its variants. The Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators.  Burlingtonians understand social distancing Step One An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity.  People got out and exercised. Step Two Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, overnight camps, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity. Step Three Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness; indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits. The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If at the end of the 21 days, the following vaccination thresholds have been met, along with positive trends in other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move to the next step: Step 1: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose. Step 2: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses. Step 3: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses.  As soon as 60% of the population is vaccinated we can move into Step One of the Roadmap to re-opening. The government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. What the public is permitted to do between June 2nd and the 14th is not at all clear – other than to get out and get vaccinated. Step One will permit the resumption of more outdoor activities with smaller, well-managed crowds where risk of transmission is minimized and will permit retail, all with restrictions in place, including but not limited to : Outdoor gatherings up to 10 people; The detail is dizzying.
June 1st, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Tomorrow, June 2nd, we come out of the Stay at Home order the province put in place April 7, 2021. Social distancing was observed in most places. However, all the other public health and workplace measures remain in place provincewide until Ontario enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen, at which point some restrictions will ease with an initial focus on outdoor settings. The Roadmap to re-opening is a complex document with specific changes that are linked to the number of people who have been vaccinated. Details on that Roadmap will follow in a separate article. “With the Stay-At-Home order set to expire, we need to provide people with certainty so that they can continue to follow public health guidance. Doing so will help us to meet our goal of starting to gradually lift some restrictions when we enter Step One of the Roadmap when it is safe to do so.” In a concentrated effort to reduce mobility and opportunities for transmission, the Stay-At-Home order required Ontarians to remain at home except for the purposes set out in the order, such as exercise, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, or accessing health care services. Once the Stay-at-Home order expires on June 2, these restrictions will no longer be in effect. This includes limiting indoor gatherings to households only and outdoor gatherings of up to five people, subject to limited exceptions, maintaining a cap of 25 per cent capacity for essential retail where only certain goods are permitted to be sold, restricting non-essential retail to curbside pickup and delivery only, as well as limiting short-term rentals to individuals in need of housing and allowing Ontario parks and campgrounds on public lands to be used for day-use only, subject to limited exceptions. Ontarians will be able to leave home to travel within the province to a secondary residence for any reason however, they are not be permitted to host members of another household indoors except for a person from another household who lives alone or with a caregiver. A simple, easy-to-understand summary of restrictions can be found on the province’s “Reopening Ontario” webpage, which provides details on what public health measures are in place before the province enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. As always, anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or who may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus should use the province’s self-assessment tool to determine what they should do next, including getting a test and isolating if necessary.  One has to wonder why a Stay at Home order was put in place. With the expiry of the Stay-at-Home order, emergency order O. Reg 266/21 (Residential Evictions) will also expire on June 2, 2021. Emergency orders currently in effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act have been extended until June 16, 2021. No word yet on what the Premier wants to do with schools. He is looking for a consensus: should something go wrong the blame can be shared by everyone.
May 28th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Last week, the Government of Ontario unveiled a three-stage reopening plan that relies on vaccination rates, critical care occupancy, and other criteria to allow the gradual easing of current restrictions as well as the re[1]opening of businesses and activities. This news follows a very encouraging decline in acute care hospitalizations cases and decline in the number of daily new COVID 19 cases. At JBH, we are starting to see some relief from the intense pressure on our critical care beds, and are currently at 86% capacity. As of today, we are caring for 4 confirmed COVID-19 positive patients, with 1 confirmed case in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), along with 16 recovered patients who continue to require our care in the ICU and acute care units.  Rendering of what the now completed hospital was to look like in its immediate neighbourhood. While we are seeing positive signs that we nearing an end to the third wave of this pandemic, we are still some time away from being able to say we are in the post-pandemic recovery phase. We must remain vigilant and continue to be patient – we will get there, it will take time. Last week, the province lifted the restrictions in place since April that paused scheduled and non-urgent procedures to help manage the sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 patients across the province. This means that hospitals can begin resuming these services if they can do so while still maintaining COVID-19 care capacity.  This was the day the citizens of the city tried really hard to make it into the Guinness Book of Records. It was a wet day and the number of people fell a little short of what was needed. It is however certainly a testament to what people will do for their hospital We know how important resuming this care is to our patients and their families. At JBH, we are starting to move in that direction and are working with our clinical teams and regional hospital partners to ramp up surgical care as quickly and as safely as possible. However, it is important that we continue to preserve critical care capacity for COVID-19 care, so this may take time to complete. If you are awaiting a surgery or other procedure, your doctor will contact you directly with more information. This week, we reached a significant milestone in having administered over 25,000 vaccinations at our Halton Region Vaccination Clinic. It was a proud moment for our teams and a testament to the hard work of our staff, volunteers and partners in public health. Across Halton, over 300,000 people have now received either a first or second dose. We are very grateful to everyone in the community who has received the vaccine, booked an appointment, or are planning to do so once it is their turn. It is important to remember that regardless of your vaccination status, public health experts recommend that we should continue to follow safety measures such as wearing masks in public, physical distancing, and regular hand washing. I hope that you have found these community updates helpful in keeping you informed about our work at JBH. Thank you so much for your ongoing support
May 28th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
The back and forth debate over sending students back to school for the three weeks in June that are the balance of this school term seems to forge what everyone says they want – the best thing for the students.  While due to retire in August, current Director of education for the Halton District School Board Stuart Miller could lead a drive to get students vaccinated before September. Students have been jerked around for the past 18 months. The pandemic that we are now beginning to admit was something we should have been more aware of did throw a monkey wrench into the way we educated students. Teachers went into shock when they were asked to teach their students by telephone, which is basically what virtual teaching is. There were no programs to help the teachers overcome the problems. The equipment needed didn’t exist. The Halton District school Board has put more than “2000 pieces of hardware” into the hands of students. Some teachers had difficulty adapting to teaching virtually. The public doesn’t yet understand just how big a challenge students faced. The idea of thinking about teaching kindergarten virtually boggles the mind. Significant damage has been done, much of it unavoidable. But surely we don’t have to continue damaging these students. We appear to be on our way out of the pandemic. Vaccinations are taking place and the Ontario government seems too to have learned to communicate with its citizens. It looks, as well, that the federal government has vaccine supply lines that are holding. Could we not now commit to having every student and every teacher vaccinated before school classes begin again in September? There is an organization called CODE – Committee of Directors of Education. These men and women have clout – have them use that clout and work with the local Medical Officers of Health and get the job done. It’s possible – what it appears to be missing is the will. Find it – the students deserve to be back in the classrooms and the teachers have to be able to do what they do best. Salt with Pepper is the musings, reflections and opinions of the publisher of the Burlington Gazette, an online newspaper that was formed in 2010 and is a member of the National Newsmedia Council.
May 28, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Five days a week the volunteers show up. And the donations arrive – sometimes with nothing in the way of notice.  The first time they showed up there was just the three of them. Next time they arrived there were four of them. That’s what makes the Food Bank the community success it is. The Food Bank is very thankful for donations of any kind however please make sure that any food donations are dropped off during normal business hours which are Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 11:45 am Donations can also be dropped off at any local fire hall and/or local grocery store – our drivers make sure to pick up regularly. With warmer weather approaching they don’t want any donation to go to waste or get damaged, as might be the case in wet weather. They want to do their best to ensure donations remain safe. People needing food support need to know that anything we send them is in date, well protected and healthy/fresh as can be. Thanks everyone! If you are in need or know of someone who could use their help, PLEASE have them email info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through the curb-side pickup option. “If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.”
May 27th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
June is the Month of Play – Get Outside and Play. That is the message coming out of city hall. Heard in households across the city are the words: “ Can we go outside and play” The terribly mixed messages coming from the province are being ignored. In Burlington most of the rules are being followed – some more responsibly than others. Vaccination rates are climbing creating the sense that we are almost out of this aren’t we? To kick off June, Mayor Meed Ward has proclaimed June as the Month of Play and the City of Burlington is encouraging residents to get outside, play, have fun, stay safe and be active with a variety of options.  First piece of summer cake at LaSalle Park Straight from the desk of the Mayor: “June is the time of year where the City’s parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads and events come to life. Being active is a powerful way for residents to maintain or improve mental and physical health. As we celebrate June as the Month of Play, we encouraged residents to get active indoors or outdoors and enjoy options the City offers, safely.” Get Outside and Play Challenge Let’s Fly a Kite – Presented by the Rocca Sisters Team  Picnics – with the weather we are having – great idea. Recreation and Parks Month The City has 9 splash pads, including a new splash pad location, Brant Hills Park Splash Pad 2300 Duncaster Dr. All splash pads are now open. For a list of locations, visit burlington.ca/outdoorplay. LaSalle Splash Park and the outdoor pools, Mountainside Outdoor Pool and Splash Park and Nelson Pool and Splash Park are expected to open June 14, also pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Learn more at burlington.ca/waterplay. Tim Hortons Free Summer Swimming  There are always swimming pools. Check out the available programs and register for a spot. Tim Hortons Free Swims will be offered from June 19 to Sept. 5, 2021, pending Provincial regulations and public health restrictions. Registration will be required. Learn more at Burlington.ca/timsfreeswims. Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation, Community and Culture might be beginning to think that he is close to being able to operate a normal recreation program and comes close to bursting when he says: “June is the month of play is a big kick-off to the summer. Everyone is eager to get outside and play, to explore our city and we’ve got so many great opportunities for families, individuals and people of all abilities.” Links and Resources
May 25th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Day in day out with time off for the weekends and holidays the staff and volunteers at the Burlington Food Bank are there for those who need help. There was some good news from Feed Ontario – the province’s largest collective of hunger-relief organizations of which the Burlington Food Bank is a very active member. As positive as that news is, and we will tell you a bit more about it – we first need to share some very painful news. A former associate of the Food Bank is currently in the ICU, fully sedated and on a machine working their lungs, fighting covid19. They are very sad and hoping for any sign of improvement. They ask you to join them in their prayers It is difficult to stay focused and continue helping others when you learn that one of your own is suffering.  Food arrives throughout the day – five days of every week. Volunteers unpack, quarantine the food and then pack it up for delivery. Together with food banks, industry partners, and local communities, the Burlington Food Bank works together to end hunger and poverty by delivering fresh and healthy food, developing innovative programming, and driving change through research and advocacy. Feed Ontario provides the Burlington Food Bank with an allotment of MILK twice each month from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Since we are partners with the Salvation Army, we are able to share some of this with them.  Dairy Farmers of Ontario allotment milk to the Food Bank twice every month. Robin Bailey the Food Bank Executive Director is handing it out. Robin Bailey, Executive Director of the Food Bank said he “hoped everyone had a great long weekend and that everyone still understands the need to be diligent with safety protocols everywhere. “We all need a little good news right now so if we do our best to keep others safe maybe the numbers will start looking better.” If you are in need or know of someone who could use our help, PLEASE have them email us at info@burlingtonfoodbank.ca or call 905-637-2273 to make arrangements to have food dropped at their door or make arrangements to pick it up through our curb-side pickup option. If you are a resident in Burlington, we are all here to help. Don’t struggle – give us a call.
May 23rd, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Years and years ago, in another life, I was a book publisher. I wasn’t particularly successful but I did publish a couple of significant books. A book on the early political history of New Brunswick – Front Benches and Back Rooms. Another – The Power to Make it Happen –a book on how communities can take hold of the power they have and bring about change.
Patti has gone electronic – she sent me her most recent graphic effort. Click on the link – and share what she is giving to every one you know. You have some choices; there is the mini, then the itsy-bitsy and the teensy-weensy. Given the status of the pandemic you might want to print pages of coupons and hand them out to everyone you see.
May 22nd, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has announced that outdoor recreational amenities can reopen as long as COVID measures are in place, beginning Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m. Now the city has to figure out which Parks and Recreation department programs can be made operational – again. This is perhaps the fourth pivot that department has had to make.  You can kick the soccer ball around but can’t actually play a game – yet. The things you will be able to do starting today include, but are not limited to, golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake remain in effect. Changes to City services and programs: Recreation Services, Parks, Amenities and Facilities Sport Fields  The skate boarders will be out in droves this weekend. Skate Parks City Park Washrooms LaSalle Community Park Marina  Open – but try getting a T time Tyandaga Golf Course For a list of the Pickle Ball court locations CLICK HERE Roads, Parks and Forestry As the province wide vaccination rate and key public health and health care indicators improve, and City staff receives and reviews updated orders from the Province of Ontario and more details under its Roadmap to Reopen, the Parks people will continue to comply and keep you informed on available City services and what can open while keeping City of Burlington staff and residents safe.  The Mayor wants to see everyone out and about – but following the guidelines. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward adds: “This is welcome news and something my fellow Mayors from all across Ontario have been advocating for throughout this present lockdown. We know healthcare and science experts have repeatedly stated that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in these activities is low, and the mental and physical benefits are high. “With warmer weather upon us, I know Burlington residents will be thrilled with this announcement. I encourage our amazing community to enjoy these activities safely, as intended, with thoughtfulness and care so that we do not risk undoing the great progress we have made in the past month in both reducing new cases and steadily increasing vaccinations. Please avoid crowding over five people at a time, and be patient to wait your turn when other groups are using amenities. When using outdoor amenities, please also be courteous and thoughtful to those who are waiting so everyone can have a turn.”
May 22nd, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON OPINION Doug Ford is right about one thing. Ontario residents will only stop getting sick and dying after we’ve all had our shots. That is because he has been unable and/or unwilling to control the transmission of the virus. It’s been over a month since he applied his famous emergency brake. And despite the so-called shut down we’re still hitting a couple thousand cases and a couple dozen deaths a day. Yet the reason why it’s taking so long is obvious.  Ontario had elected a populist – when the pandemic hit he was expected to lead – many were disappointed. He shut down the wrong part of Ontario’s economy. Almost 70 percent of COVID transmission in hot spot Toronto, for example, has been taking place in the workplace among factory and warehouse workers and the construction trades. Had Ford made these folks stay at home we might have seen real and rapid reductions in the numbers. Killing the provincial sick pay plan just made it worse. According to a Peel region study 25% of the industrial workforce had been showing up at work with COVID symptoms. Ford promised to be brutal at his disastrous April media conference, and he was. But he brutalized the wrong folks. Shutting down outdoor recreational activities, including golf and tennis, which had never reported a case of COVID, was just mean… and stupid.  Leading the province through a pandemic proved to be more than the Premier and his Cabinet could handle. But if Ford really wanted to bring the numbers down he should have focused on the sectors where transmission is high. Instead, it was all a smokescreen. He declared residential construction an essential service. How could building a new subdivision in a time of COVID be considered essential? Mr. Ford’s legislative record makes it clear that he has used the pandemic as a cover to fast track development in the province. His government passed a number of COVID recovery laws last year. And they were more about development than anything else. He has enacted his autocratic Minster’s Zoning Orders, ignoring and bypassing local councils and their voters’ wishes on development. Ford has unearthed a plan to build a new 400 series highway (413) on property held by a group of developers, who collectively have contributed close to a million dollars to Ford’s party since 2014. They own 39 properties along the proposed route covering 3,300 acres, which is worth about half a billion dollars in today’s market. But their windfall profit is expected to inflate wildly from adjacent sprawl development once the highway is approved.  Scientists were providing solid data – the Premier seemed to use what worked for his agenda. He has stripped conservation authorities of their role in the approval of new developments that can affect them and all of us. In protest, former Toronto Mayor and Mulroney cabinet minister David Crombie, has resigned as chair of the Greenbelt. And in an insult to everyone who cares about the environment, Ford replaced him with former Harris environment minister Norm Sterling, of Walkerton crisis fame, who actually voted against establishing the Greenbelt. The speed with which this government is undoing decades of environmental protection in the province is stunning. One has to ask whether Ford is packing in as much development as he can before the next election. And that, apparently, takes priority over controlling COVID.  It was always about business – the closer they could get to the Premier the better it was for the development community. And they certainly did manage to get very close. But as the numbers surged this past March, and infected people overwhelmed Ontario’s hospitals, Ford needed to appear to be doing something – to be taking charge. So he scapegoated the federal government and played the rest of us. His stay at home order was brutal and tough, especially on children and their parents. But it has had little effect on COVID transmission. The numbers are falling because we are getting vaccinated. The stay at home order was mainly just for show.
Background links: Friends with Benefits – Sick Pay – Under Cover – Emergency Order – Construction COVID – Small Gatherings –
May 21st, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Yesterday, the Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, the Honourable Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, and Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton were joined by community advocates and local service providers to discuss support for people living with disabilities in Halton.  The objective is to ensure that people with mobility limitations are able to take part in all community activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the long-standing barriers Canadians with disabilities have faced for decades. Since the start of the pandemic, many have faced higher costs in accessing food, medication, social services or health care. As Members of Parliament in Halton, we remain committed to advancing policies that build inclusivity from the beginning and will continue to work to reflect the principle of ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ when it comes to creating a society that is inclusive by design and promotes belonging for everyone. Important stakeholders including Community Living Burlington and Community Living Oakville, Charter Ability, the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, Stroke Recovery, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics, and Goodwill Amity came together to share their thoughts on how we can continue to push for more inclusive spaces in our communities. One of the overwhelming pieces of feedback was that we as a society need to engage in an attitudinal change. Inclusiveness for those living with a disability should be built into planning and policy procedures from the very beginning to ensure that all of us are included. Our community spaces need to be inclusive and accessible. While we have made progress in this space, there is more work to be done to ensure that everyone can access and utilize spaces that many of us take for granted, such as public washroom facilities. We also need to work harder to ensure that housing is not only affordable but accessible and that job opportunities are available and accommodating to all interested applicants. We will also continue to work to foster inclusion and belonging in the workforce for people living with disabilities, recognizing the unique skills and talents they bring to employment. In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada has made significant proposals to support people living with disabilities and ensure our communities are more accessible, including: • Undertaking consultations to reform the eligibility process for federal disability programs and benefits. This work would feed directly into the design of a new disability benefit; • Triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and support small and mid-sized projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, child care centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, small businesses, and businesses of all sizes; • Improving access to the Disability Tax Credit; • Extending disability supports under the Canada Student Loans Program; • Providing $29.2 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to ESDC through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to support child care centres as they improve their physical accessibility; • Support the creation of a National Autism Strategy and; • Renewing Funding for the Office of Public Service Accessibility.
May 20th 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Every woman experiences menopause differently but the onset of menopause can mean a variety of symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings etc.) and a marked increase in certain health risks. While there are women that immediately seek treatment, menopause symptoms are just as often left untreated due to misconceptions about the treatment options available. As a result, 70% suffer in silence or miss the window for seeking treatment options that can actually make life more comfortable. There are healthcare providers available known as Menopause Practitioners, that are dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of women through an understanding of menopause. These specialists see patients to help them assess and determine treatment protocols, and they may be more accessible in your community than you think!  Kerry Roberts & Carolyn Whiskin, Certified Menopause Practitioners at Brant Arts IDA have helped hundreds of women through their transitional years and now they are heading online to empower more women in their quest towards a healthier postmenopausal life. Brant Arts IDA Pharmacy is home to two experts in women’s health: both are Certified Menopause Practitioners. These two energetic experts are offering a free online education session entitled: “Menopause Symptoms… Do I REALLY Have To Live With Them?” This session provides a casual and relaxed online environment for postmenopausal women to learn what should be expected with regards to menopause symptoms. “We’ll discuss the benefits and risks of many treatment options so women can feel in control about choosing the best treatment for them!” Roberts explains. They will then evaluate the impact of the education they provide and this research will be used to help improve the future of women’s health. Roberts & Whiskin are looking for females that have experienced menopause symptoms but have yet to seek treatment to participate in their free upcoming education sessions. While their first few sessions filled up quickly, the next available date is June 8. Space is limited. Details can be found at: www.brantarts.ca/menopause
May 20th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON Over the past few weeks, I have been sharing these regular updates with our community to keep you informed of what is happening at Joseph Brant Hospital and to seek your help to move out of this third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for following public health measures. Thank you for getting vaccinated. Thank you for continuing to show your support for our hardworking staff and physicians in your emails, phone calls, Join the J lawn signs, available at www.jointhej.ca, and social media posts. With your help, we are moving in a more positive direction. We are starting to see the pressure on critical care bed capacity easing. Today the number of COVID-19 patients receiving critical care is 718: 494 of these patients are on a ventilator. Today, JBH is at 82% capacity. We are currently caring for 13 patients with confirmed COVID-19 as well as presumed and resolved cases – 11 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients are in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Yesterday it was announced that hospitals across the province can gradually resume surgeries and procedures as able, based on capacity and resources. Our teams are planning the resumption of scheduled care, ensuring the safety of our patients, staff, and physicians. If you were impacted by a deferral, your surgeon or physician will contact you with more information as soon as available. While we are seeing a decrease in acute care cases, as well as daily new COVID-19 case numbers, it is important to put this information into perspective. The daily case numbers we are seeing now are equal to the number reported during the peak of the second wave. Ontario’s hospital occupancy rate is still very high and it will take time for this rate to decrease to acceptable levels. The reality is we are still very much in this third wave. By following public health measures, the risk of transmission decreases, and so does the number of severely ill COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. Vaccination is also a key ally in our fight to stop the spread of the virus. As of today, more than 260,000 Halton residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine offered through regional clinics, pharmacies and family physicians. I am proud to report that since March 12, the Halton Region COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Joseph Brant Hospital has administered over 22,000 doses. We have also started to increase the number of available appointments per day. In less than a week, we expect to reach 25,000 doses. There is more good news – anyone age 18 and up is can now make an appointment to get vaccinated. This is a very positive development that will also help us out of this third wave safely and stronger than before. I encourage everyone who is eligible to make an appointment: either online at www.halton.ca/covidvaccine or call 311 if you need assistance. Some of you may have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated. Please talk to your doctor or go to credible sources like Halton Region, the Ontario government and Health Canada for more information. During the recent Immunization Awareness Week, our own Dr. Dale Kalina answered a series of questions from our community related to vaccine. I invite you to watch these short video clips on our Instagram page. Please continue to look after each other. Stay safe and thank you once again for your unwavering support of our hospital.  Eric Vandewall: President and CEO Joseph Brant Hospital Eric Vandewall is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Joseph Brant Hospital. He was appointed in 2009 and took on the task of adding additional space and a completely new wing to the hospital.
May 20th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario government has released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the province wide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators. In response to recent improvements to these indicators, Ontario will allow more outdoor recreational amenities to reopen, with restrictions in place, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.  Doug Ford: He is a happier man today. Thinks the Leafs are going to win tonight. “As a result of the strict public health measures we introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants, we are seeing a steady improvement in our situation as ICU and hospital numbers begin to stabilize,” said Premier Doug Ford. “While we must remain conscious of the continued threat the virus poses, with millions of Ontarians having received at least their first dose of vaccine we can now begin the process of a slow and cautious re-opening of the province in full consultation with our public health professionals.” Roadmap to Reopen outlines three steps to easing public health measures, guided by the following principles: • Step One – An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity. • Step Two- Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity. • Step Three – Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness; indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits. The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If, at the end of the 21 days, the following vaccination thresholds have been met, along with positive trends in other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move to the next step: • Step 1: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose. • Step 2: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses. • Step 3: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses. Based on current trends in key health indicators, including the provincial vaccination rate, the government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. The province will confirm closer to the expected start of Step One. “While we know that now is not yet the moment to reopen, Ontarians deserve to know the path forward on what we will carefully reopen and when, starting with the settings we know are safest,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Brighter days are ahead and we believe this Roadmap represents a path out of the pandemic and will encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated and to continue following public health advice.” The province-wide emergency brake restrictions remain in effect while the province assesses when it will be moving to Step One of the roadmap with the Stay at Home order expiring on June 2, 2021. During this time, the government will continue to work with stakeholders on reopening plans to ensure full awareness of when and how they can begin to safely reopen. Due to the continuing success of Ontario’s vaccine rollout and the collective efforts of Ontarians in following public health and workplace safety measures to date, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the province will reopen outdoor recreational amenities with restrictions in place, such as the need to maintain physical distancing. These amenities include, but are not limited to, golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks. No outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake will remain in effect. At this time, publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province will continue to operate under teacher-led remote learning. Data will be assessed on an ongoing basis and medical experts, including the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health officials will be consulted to determine if it may be safe to resume in-person learning. “Due to the stringent efforts of Ontarians following public health and workplace safety measures, we have reached the point where we can begin preparing to exit the province-wide emergency brake and lift the Stay-at-Home order,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We must remain vigilant however, as the fight against COVID-19 is not over and our case counts, ICU capacity and hospitalizations are still concerning. It remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow all public health and workplace safety measures currently in place to help further reduce transmission and save lives.” The government will continue to work with the Public Health Measures Table, Public Health Ontario, and other public health and scientific experts to determine public health guidance for Ontarians to follow, including protocols for masking and outdoor/indoor gatherings, after being fully vaccinated. Quick Facts • Ontario has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over 58.5 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over. Over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ontario since the start of May, and the province remains on track to have administered first doses to 65 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by the end of May. • The government has extended the province wide Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021, and has maintained all public health and workplace safety measures under the province wide emergency brake to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives. • The Stay-at-Home order currently in effect requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. • If passed by the Legislature, powers under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) will be extended to December 1, 2020 to ensure public health measures currently in place can be extended and adjusted as necessary, to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and support a gradual re-opening of the province. There are currently 29 orders in effect under the ROA. Orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time under the ROA, and the government must report on all order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight. • As of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, individuals aged 18 and over in 2021 across Ontario are eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, or directly through public health units that use their own booking system.
May 19th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
It was the first day of operation this season for the Lions Farmers Market that set up in the south end of the Burlington Centre parking lot. The weather was perfect; people strolled in, cleared the entrance where you are expected to squirt the disinfectant on your hands and begin looking at the produce.
The crowds weren’t great and there were a lot of empty places for the significant list of farm participants this market has had in the past. It was week day – Saturday will tell the story. There were plenty of Lions people on site welcoming as you came in and ready to answer any question.  You need a big bag when you leave this table – they had something of everything that comes out of the ground.
 Lot of space for additional farmers – expect it to be busier on the weekend.
 Squirt your hands at the entrance and enjoy what is being offered for sale. Markets operate Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – well worth the time. Hours of operation: Wednesdays 8:00 – 2:00 Fridays 8:00 – 3:00 Saturdays 8:00 – 2:00
May 17th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
Transit vehicles, especially big commuter trains, can inspire imagination and even a bit of awe. But for some, they become the thing of dreams and wishes. If given the opportunity to ask for anything – anything in the world – what would be your last big wish? For one determined young woman, it was to operate a train like the GO trains she often took rides in with her parents. It was always her dream, but now seemed like an impossible feat for someone on her last journey in palliative care.  Romina stands next to a GO Transit Safety officer and his K9 partner at the UP Express terminal at Union Station. Born with Down syndrome, Romina Asrani is now 21 years old. The endearing and determined wisp of a young woman saw her wish come true at Union Station this past weekend (May 16) when Metrolinx and Alstom Canada staff worked together to create an incredible, joyful experience that no one will soon forget. This past year has been filled with sadness and loss for everyone. There is a proverb, however that says sorrow is a requirement for finding moments of true joy. This story may seem terribly huge, but because a young woman believed her dream was possible, it also made us believe it too. And we felt joyous even for a few minutes because of her. I was first introduced to Romina Asrani and her family when Sick Kids reached out to tell us about her dream to “drive a big train like her grandfather”. Hesitant at first because it seemed impossible under the circumstances, but I was willing to try and do what we could and agreed to meet with them by video. The Thornhill parents, Mansour and Soraya, told me about their daughter Romina, who was born with Down syndrome and has suffered with multiple illnesses since she was a little girl. She’s a fighter, Soraya said, but is now in palliative care.  Romina Asrani: She’s a fighter, Soraya, her Mother said, “but is now in palliative care.” Romina told me about her wish to drive a train some day. They often, at least before she became gravely ill and the pandemic began, took the GO train for trips, and she would take the train in Europe too, she said. Her dad would tell her stories about her grandfather who was a train engineer and his stories always fascinated her. Well, I fell in love with her immediately of course, so proposed we wait until we were out of lockdown and it was safer. She wouldn’t be able to exactly drive a train, I said, but I would see if our rail team could give her a fun trip, nonetheless. Unfortunately, they were concerned that waiting wasn’t really an option, so we agreed on a Sunday afternoon with barely three days to plan. The parents also requested a reporter be there so they could have her story documented. Romina cheered as we ended the call saying: “Yes, I am going to drive a train!” I hung up on our video call wondering: ‘What on earth am I going to do? I cannot disappoint her.’ For readers who don’t know, my little sister Jenny was one of the greatest sources of joy in my life. Like Romina, she was also born with Down syndrome and died the day before our first lockdown in March 2020. Jenny would have kicked my butt if I didn’t fulfill Romina’s dream. So, I reached out across our organization – to senior leadership in rail, transit safety, operations, stations, and beyond – and told them about Romina’s last wish. I pressed send on the email and waited – within minutes everyone responded with the same message. And then I sat back and watched our teams create some magic. Metrolinx staff worked with Alstom Canada to plan a special UP Express train and a crew to work personally with Romina. Stations staff ensured we were ready to escort the family around safely with a wheelchair for Romina to carry her oxygen and reduce the amount of walking. Transit safety arranged to be on site with Dougie from the K9 team. Souvenir gifts were planned. And a safety plan was meticulously prepared to ensure we remained COVID-safe and were prepared for any type of emergency. Staff thought of everything and really reached out across our entire organization to prepare for Romina’s special train. The day finally arrived. As the family pulled up in front of Union Station, I was taken aback just how frail and tiny Romina was as she approached and glad we thought about bringing a wheelchair. After I greeted Romina and her parents, transit safety and stations staff met with the family as they arrived, took them to the UP Express station and provided her with special gifts including official transit safety badges, a GO bear and plenty of masks. She loved the UV cleaner in the station and made her parents clean their phones. 2 Once the regular scheduled train was loaded with customers and left for the airport, with Romina watching from the platform, the station grew quiet and over the loudspeaker came this soothing voice: “Attention please, we have an extraordinary announcement. Please join me and all our staff at Metrolinx in welcoming Romina and her family to UP Express as our very special guests today. The next train arriving is Romina’s train.”  “This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I will never forget it, ever.” Romina’s joy was palpable, and she was giddy with excitement as the specially arranged train arrived and the doors opened. As we entered the train, staff and customers in the station spontaneously cheered loudly. “This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I will never forget it, ever.” The crew met Romina and toured her through the train, explained their jobs and when they asked her if she wanted to sit in the conductor’s seat in the cab, she turned to me and said: “Really, you are making this happen for me?” I’m not sure there was a dry eye at this point. Certainly not mine. The Alstom crew, engineer Tony Borek and conductor Aaron Trude, took her into the cab, let her hold the key, which she held like it was the most precious treasure and then explained all the gadgets. The microphone was a huge hit; they showed her how to use it to make announcements and toot the horn. Although she wasn’t technically operating the train, the crew made her feel like she was in control as the train moved the very short trip to platform 3 and back. Once we were back at the station, Romina sat in the opposite end cab and showed off her skills on the microphone. “I’m so excited,” she said. While Romina learned the tricks of the trade, Soraya and I chatted like moms do. She told me just how hard the last year has been for her daughter, the loneliness, her worsening breathing and stays in the hospital. Worrying about contracting a potentially deadly virus added to their anxieties. Soraya spoke with such fondness and gratitude for their amazing Sick Kids family – the same hospital Jenny was treated at for years. Then the crew presented her with an official honorary locomotive engineer certificate.  “I could not be happier than I am right this minute,” “This is the coolest thing, the best thing that has ever happened in my life,” Romina said. “I will never forget it, ever.” As the family wished, Global News (including Global National) was there to document her journey. When Mansour was asked to speak to the reporter, Romina tugged his sleeve to let him know she had this covered. And then she articulated much better than any of us could what this experience meant to her. “I could not be happier than I am right this minute,” Romina said. “Thank you all for making my wish come true for me. I love you all. You are my angels.” When I passed on her thanks to Savio D’Gamma Rose, a manager in the operations centre who helped bring all the details together behind the scenes, his response spoke for all of us: “This was my absolute pleasure. I was lucky to be a part, even in a small way, of bringing some happiness and joy to Romina today.” Thank you, Romina from all of us.
May 17th, 2021 BURLINGTON, ON
City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday, May 24. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Victoria Day holiday, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca  The event celebrates the birth of Queen Victoria – a women that reigned when the British Commonwealth was the biggest power in the world. Her reign’s impact is still being felt. *Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of May 17, 2021. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to the current COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs. Residents can also stay informed about city news on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington. City Service Holiday Closure Information Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Victoria Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca. The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed on Monday, May 24. City Hall The Service Burlington counter at City Hall (426 Brant St.), will be closed to all appointments and walk-in service on Monday, May 24. Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday May 24. With the exception of the Victoria Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services. Parking Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St.) on weekends and holidays, including Victoria Day. NOTE: Recreation Programs and Facilities Lending Library Visit burlington.ca/playlending • Borrow pickleball equipment for free, including noise-reducing paddles, ball packs and portable nets that can be used in your backyard or driveway. Visit burlington.ca/pickleball  Get out and have fun – just follow the rules and we will soon see the end of the pandemic Outdoor Activities Active at Home
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Does this mean that one minute after midnight – between the end of Thursday and the beginning of Friday that I can be outside with my ten best friends quaffing an ale?
One of the favouites was “Bo, the Constrictor who Couldn’t” by Patti Stren, an author who lives in New York now – we still keep in touch. The book is no longer in print.
By Ray Rivers
Ray Rivers writes weekly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was a candidate for provincial office in Burlington where he ran against Cam Jackson in 1995, the year Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution swept the province.
And produce there was – the pictures tell that story.
