 Terry Fox running through Burlington on his Marathon of Hope in 1980. The lives of millions of Canadians were changed forever by the courage of a very young man. The Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, an annual event in Burlington since 1981, won’t take place this year – the social distancing rules determined by the COVID19 pandemic doesn’t permit large gatherings. And Terry Fox events are very large gatherings
There is a collection of people who have done outstanding community service to grow the event to the point where they have raised $2.2 million.
They were not prepared to just let the event dribble away – it was going to take more than a pandemic to close them down.
The committee running the virtual event this year has taken a very creative approach to informing the community and telling parts of the unknown story.
Profiles of the people who got the event to where it is today appear on the Terry Fox Burlington Facebook page and are being republished by the Gazette with permission.
By Burlington Terry Fox Run Committee
July 28th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 The Camden’s: Isabelle, Grace Sean and Tanya sitting in Spencer Smith Park. It’s been over three years since the Carden girls, Grace, now 11, and Isabelle, now 9, asked their parents if they could have a lemonade stand. Parents, Tanya and Sean resisted, but the girls kept asking, as young children often do, and a compromise was made.
Izzy and Grace could have a lemonade stand in their complex, but only if the money went towards a charitable cause. Mom, Tanya Blizzard-Carden, had already signed up for the Burlington Terry Fox Run, so it was settled that that would be their cause of choice.
Armed with markers, the girls made signs and the family whipped up some lemonade and a few baked goods to sell. The event was such a success that they decided to make it an annual fundraiser.
Sisters Grace and Isabelle
Upping their game (with a little help and support)
Due to the popularity of the baked goods, Tanya had to expand their menu. Several family members got involved to bake. Last year they even added gluten-free options to make it more inclusive. Everything sold!
As you can imagine, when a simple lemonade stand expands beyond one’s expectations, and you’re donating all the money to charity, it gets expensive. Sean and Tanya recognized that they needed some help. Isabelle and Grace approached the local No Frills and the owner was happy to supply them with the ingredients they needed to bake and make lemonade and iced tea.
 The Carden girls were out there selling their lemonade to support the Terry Fox Run for a Cure for Cancer. The family also got a lot of support from Burlington Dads, a community group of local dads that Sean Carden is a member of. Many of the Burlington Dads showed up from all across the city and donated 10, 20, 50 even a 100 dollars to the cause after Sean told them what the girls were doing.
Last year, a family friend who’s a firefighter showed up at the lemonade stand with a fire truck, which was fun for the kids.
Why Terry Fox?
The Terry Fox Run was a natural fit for the Cardens, as they had personally been touched by cancer, as many of us are. They were also looking for an organization that they could support as a family.
The Burlington Terry Fox run is a very inclusive event. We welcome people of all ages and abilities to take part. For Tanya and Sean it was nice that they could all do it together.
What about 2020?
Due to the current Covid-19 situation, the Carden family knows that there cannot be a lemonade stand this year. However, as a family they are determined to do something to raise money for Terry Fox.
When I asked them if they had any advice for people facing difficulties this year, Sean had this to say:
 Burlington Fire Fighters dropped by for a cool one. “This year has been strange on so many levels. I’ve said to people, ‘we’re figuring this out together.’ No one knows what’s going to happen next week, but we deal with it together. If Terry Fox and the Foundation is something you have supported, either financially or getting out and doing the walk or run, in the past, stick with it. Even though it’s not going to be the same, it will be some semblance of normal.”
And Isabelle said that she would want to do the run on any day because she just wants to help people. Her final message to me was that she just wants everyone to be happy and safe. With comments like those, you can tell she will be a Terry Foxer for life.
 By Staff
July 28th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The people at GO, the bus and train operation that moves many of us from place to Place did a photo feature that we want to share with you.
At the start of this year, few could have seen the day that wearing non-medical face masks in public would be a very normal accessory. Now, after a week of having to wear them on UP and GO vehicles, the focus is turned on the customer, in a photo feature that pays tribute to their style.
It’s been a week since the use of non-medical masks became mandatory for customers on GO Transit and UP Express. Not that many riders needed much convincing, as most were using them even before they were required as of last Tuesday.
Now as essential as carrying a cell phone or wallet, face coverings have changed the look of everything from transit to shopping to going to the dentist. But while the thin barriers hide the better part of everyone’s face, the personality can still come through.
 That is a very determined and direct look from the young lady with the pink glasses – while on the right the quiet beauty of a GO transit rider. Here are some faces behind those face coverings.
 Waiting for their ride. Go transit riders have taken to wearing their face masks
 By Staff
July 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward passed along some “ great news today when the province announced $4 billion in funding for cities for COVID19-related revenue loss and added costs. The amount includes $2 billion for transit, half from the federal government, match by half from the province.”
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward with Premier Doug Ford at a Joseph Brant Hospital event. “This is our tax dollars coming back to our community”, said the Mayor. “These funds will help municipalities avoid service cuts, unreasonable tax increases, or depleting reserves beyond sustainable levels. Our advocacy worked, and our voices were heard.
Let’s wait until the budget is final before taking that statement at face value. Burlington will get a portion of that $4 billion. The Mayor said she “ expects funding to begin to flow in coming weeks.
The funding is a partnership with the federal government for urgently needed one-time assistance to Ontario’s 444 municipalities. This funding will help local governments maintain the critical services people rely on every day, including public transit, over the next six to eight months.
Premier Ford worked collaboratively with municipal partners, fellow Premiers, Prime Minister Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland to reach this historic agreement, which includes $777 million from the federal government and $1.22 billion from the province in support for municipalities. Ontario will continue to work closely with its municipal partners to ensure this funding provides the support they need to address budget shortfalls related to COVID-19.
“Ontario municipalities told us they are dealing with a $4 billion shortfall as a result of COVID-19,” said Minister Phillips. “Failing to act could result in cuts to services and higher taxes. That’s why, under Premier Ford’s leadership, Ontario was a strong advocate at the negotiating table to ensure municipalities and transit systems were supported as part of the Safe Restart Agreement. This is a historic level of support that’s being provided during unprecedented times.”
Through Ontario’s leadership, a deal for public transit funding was also secured as part of the federal-provincial agreement. Up to $2 billion will be shared equally between Ontario and the federal government. Transit operators that have seen steep declines in revenues will receive the support they need to help address the financial impacts of COVID-19 and continue their operations in a safe manner.
The Safe Restart Agreement will help ensure a strong and safe recovery for Ontario through investments in testing, contact tracing and data management; health care capacity and mental health; protecting vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness and seniors in long-term care facilities; securing personal protective equipment (PPE); child care for returning workers; and support for municipalities and public transit systems.
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Halton Regional government offices are located in Oakville The Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF) supports a wide range of non-profit health and social service programs that enhance the health, safety and well-being of Halton residents.
The Fund provides one-year and multi-year grants to programs and initiatives through two categories of funding and is part of Halton’s overall approach to community safety and well-being planning.
Funding from the Federal and Provincial governments is included in programs that support the health, safety and well-being of residents as the community recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
Applications for single year and multiple year funding for 2020 have closed the Region released the programs that are funded.
• $193,340 to Wesley Urban Ministries to support case management and rehousing efforts for single individuals across Halton.
• $176,230 to Food for Life to expand food access points, deliver food boxes to high needs households and provide outreach programming.
• $67,937 to Acclaim Health to support the well-being and lessen the isolation of older adults.
• $29,869 to Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch to provide free counselling for residents 16 years old and older.
By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Ontario Liberals have found their tongues and come out with a fully-costed plan to get students back into classrooms safely and in classrooms no larger than 15 students.
Steven Del Duca, leader of the Liberal Party in Ontario who does not yet have a seat in the Legislature announced a Schools Action Plan calls for 1,300 new classroom locations, the hiring of 890 additional educators and 340 additional caretakers in Halton. These measures enable safe, physically-distanced learning, which is the first step in getting parents back to work and reopening the economy.
“Students and their parents in Halton have been waiting for far too long to hear what will happen in September,” said Del Duca. “Living with this uncertainty has caused unnecessary anxiety during what has already been a stressful time. Getting our students back to school safely is what kids critically need for their own development and it’s the only way their Moms and Dads can have peace of mind to return to work.
 Steven Del Duca, a Cabinet Minister in the Wynne government that was defeated by Doug Ford, was elected leader of the Ontario Liberal Party recently. He does not yet have a seat in the provincial Legislature.
“Since the government hasn’t unveiled a plan for the fall, I did,” said Steven Del Duca.
“Doug Ford should have made this a priority months ago by meaningfully consulting with school boards, teachers, education workers, principals and parents. He has not.”
“We need students in classrooms and we know that while distance learning obviously needs vast improvement as a complement to future learning, the high quality and safe in-class experience needs to be front and centre in our plans for this Fall. It is the responsibility of the Premier to develop a plan to achieve this safely, including sufficient training and support.”
“Reopening the economy without full day school in September puts families in impossible situations. It forces parents to choose between their children’s education and their work. We have heard too many stories of parents – working mothers in particular – who have had to give up their careers because Doug Ford has yet to share a plan and won’t help them with childcare.”
“Ford’s priorities are beer, bars and booze — it’s time to deliver on a better, stronger and safer public education for our kids.”
“We need to ensure schools are a safe place to learn and a safe place to work. That’s why my plan dramatically expands the number of classrooms and educators.”
Del Duca’s Students in Schools Action Plan will cost $3.2 billion* and will fund:
– 15,000 More Elementary Teachers to reduce class size to 15 – $1.30 billion
– 10,000 More Caretakers to keep elementary and secondary schools clean – $500 million
– 14,000 New Classrooms in Community Centres, Campuses, Arenas, etc. – $200 million
– 2,000 More Secondary Teachers – $170 million
– School Transportation (Cleaning, Retrofits, Staggered Starts) – $80 million
– Sufficient Cleaning/Hygiene Supplies and Equipment – $120 million
– 1,500 Special Education Professionals to Help Close Learning Gaps $120 million
– New equipment for students and educators (approx. 400,000 new devices) – $200 million
– Reverse PC Cuts to School Mental Health and hire 1,000 more Mental Health Professionals to support staff and students – $75 million
– Provincial Leadership in Centrally Procuring and Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment for Students and Staff (e.g., face shields, masks, gloves) – $110 million
– Support Parental Engagement and Communication – $25 million
– Public Health Coordination of Screening, Testing and Contact Tracing N/A – Contingency (10%) – $290 million
*This is a one-time funding plan for the 2020-21 school year, after which, a vaccine may likely be available. Regardless, the government should begin planning for 2021-22 as early as possible.
In Halton (HDSB & HCDSB) this means:
– 1,300 new classroom locations in community centres, campuses, arenas, etc.
– 890 additional educators to reduce class sizes
– 340 additional caretakers to keep schools and school buses clean
“The choice is between students in schools or the chaos that Doug Ford’s unclear approach will create. We need to make it safe for students in Halton to learn – it is the only way they will thrive, and it will enable their parents to go back to work,” concluded Del Duca.
Do we have a political party deciding that now is a good time to play some politics?
The Halton District School Board is meeting with the Ministry of Education virtually on Tuesday and will have a program in place and ready to be announced early in August.
 By Pepper Parr
July 27th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There have been 38 applications for patios on private property and 12 on city property for outdoor locations where people can dine and enjoy a cool one.
There are a number of applications in process.
 Dining alfresco in downtown Burlington: it will be interesting to see how creative the restaurateurs can get. The city is now going to consider allowing temporary tents as well.
The bylaw that is in place for outdoor patios has to be repealed first and a new bylaw out in place.
Council will meet as a Standing Committee Tuesday morning and will then meet as a Council and approve the new bylaw.
Let’s see how that goes. We will of course report on how this works out. There are a few locations that are in the process of erecting tents – which suggests this is a done deal.
 By Pepper Parr
July 25th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
What’s next?
Does anyone know?
An interesting comment from an individual who brings an “intelligence, strategic analysis” lens to the COVID19 problem and posits that “none of us knows for sure what the virus will do tomorrow”.
 We still do not know with absolute certainty where COVID-19 comes from. “This virus repeatedly defies rational predictions and empirical deductions based on cumulative experience with earlier viruses like Ebola, HIV and SARS.
“None of us knows for sure what the virus will do tomorrow. Experts predicted the virus would disappear over the summer and return over the fall and winter months. Instead, in some parts of the world, including the United States, the number of active cases has erupted. COVID-19 was also not supposed to spread so easily among youth; turns out it does, yet its severity among youth is so negligible that they don’t take it seriously. This renders it all the more difficult to prevent the virus from spreading.
“We still do not know with absolute certainty where COVID-19 comes from. An animal? (Which animal?) Was it an accidental leak from a laboratory? Experts are still arguing over the manner in which the virus becomes airborne: Big aerosol droplets, little aerosol droplets, or both? How far do they really “fly”? To which surfaces does COVID-19 stick, and for how long?
“In other words, half a year into this pandemic, we still do not know exactly where and why COVID-19 is likely to thrive or die, and how it is transmitted.
“Do those who recover from the virus have long-term immunity? Short-term immunity? Can they still transmit the virus? Ask again in five years when they are retested. Right now we do not know, and this is deeply disturbing.
“Meanwhile, we are deluged with predictions regarding the nature of our lives in the post-virus era. Distance learning? Virtual work? Masses demanding to leave heavily-populated areas? De-globalization? Ten years of recession? More expensive air travel? Radical shifts toward more authoritarian governance?
“All these questions are speculative, and no one really knows the answers. Two years from now we might be back to business as usual – or not.
“This, too, is extremely unsettling. Here is perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the COVID-19 conundrum: We tell ourselves that until there is an effective vaccine made available for universal use, this virus has to be understood as a very clever and dangerous enemy. Once this vaccine has been mass-produced and distributed globally, however, we can certainly go back to normal.
“But what if it proves impossible to create a viable vaccine with long-lasting effects? What if there is no post-virus era? What if science is beaten by COVID-19 and our only recourse is a radical and permanent revision of our way of life? Is our absolute confidence in the emergence of an effective inoculation any more justified than some of our earlier mistaken assumptions regarding this virus?
“In intelligence terms, we simply don’t know.”
Excerpted from an opinion piece by Yossi Alpher, Globe and Mail
By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Trustee Grebenc with trustee Grey at a public meeting. In an interview with Halton District School Board Chair Andrea Grebenc on the issue of masks for teachers and students while they are in schools Ms Grebenc said: “The Minister and Public Health officials have not decided about whether students require masks. I understand that decision may be coming next week.
“To supply PPE to staff it looks like it will cost about $20M over the year at the pricing we can get. We are asking the Province to help source PPE to get better pricing.
“We have $4M set aside for COVID contingency and as a result, we had to pass another deficit (but compliant) budget this year with a solid plan from our staff to return to the black.
“At this point, the Minister has provided a similar budget funding as previous years with an expansion of funds to help with the new math curriculum and some mental health initiatives. The increase in our dollar amount has more to do with increase in enrollment in Milton and Oakville, the decrease of the class size average(resulting in hiring teachers) and some money to support some positions won at the provincial level through education worker and teacher union negotiations.
 Andrea Grebenc during a a first term interview . “The Minister has added only $56M to the provincial budget for COVID – there are 72 boards – that is $750K each if divided equally (which I hope it’s not – TDSB shouldn’t get the same amount as a small board).
“This is to help with cleaning staff and supplies, PPE and transportation. If HDSB PPE costs $2M a month for staff, you can see how this amount of money from the Minister is completely unrealistic and could not support masking students as well.
We have over 66,000 students. There would have to see a massive influx of cash from the Province to cover that cost.
“If the Minister or public health state that masks were mandatory in schools, as a parent with kids in the system, I would then see masks like I see binders for courses or running shoes for gym class – something I would buy (or make) for my child so they are prepared for school.
“Also, I would want to make sure a mask fits well on my child, is comfortable and won’t get mixed up with other kids’ masks. You can get reusable masks inexpensively at a number of places ($3 each at Old Navy for example) and for Burlington residents, the Mayor and Councillor Stolte, in conjunction with the fire department, have set up a mask donation centre to help those that are having a hard time affording masks. Economically challenged families in our system could also contact the Halton Learning Foundation to help get a reusable mask so that students could attend school (if that is the law).”
 Director of Education Stuart Miller during a virtual school board meeting. Director of Education Stuart Miller points out the principals in ever Halton school (there are 105 of them) know their students and is aware of households where things are tough;” a way is always found to ensure that students get what they need.”
Director Miller and several of his key staff will be doing a virtual interview with Ministry of Education officials on Tuesday at which time they expect to learn what the province is looking for in the way of a safe return to school program.
The province set out several scenarios that HDSB has responded to. “We have to be able to offer a program that meets the provincial mandate and at the same time be flexible enough to shift the way classes are delivered in the event that there is a hot spot in a school or a larger community.
“We will be working with the public health unit on a daily basis to monitor the students – watching for the tell-tale sign of a student who is not well.
“It is going to be a stressful time but we have done our homework and we believe we are prepared for students who will return to classes in one form or another on the 7th of June.
“We haven’t given the parents all that much in the way of information” said Miller, “because we don’t have decisions from the province.”
“Once we know what the program is going to be – we will communicate at every level with the parents.”
By Staff
July 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 That sign says the fine for parking could be $250. What the city calls “ an abundance of illegal parking” near Beachway Park, has resulted in the parking lots s being reconfigured with one entrance and one exit to maximize legal parking spots.
A drop off area has been created as well
Parking ambassadors are available on weekends to help direct drivers and will close parking lot entrances when they are full.
We encourage drivers to continue to abide by all signed parking regulations such as no stopping and no parking in loading zones.
 By Pepper Parr
July 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward residing at a virtual meeting of city council. As part of a media release Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said: “I know the Stage 3 reopening is welcomed news to many of our businesses and I encourage you to open only when you’re ready and have taken measures to protect the health and safety of staff and customers.
I urge both residents and businesses to be cautious and diligent, and do everything possible to safeguard each other and especially members of our community with more vulnerable immune systems, as more services reopen.
I urge residents to continue following all health directives, including physical distancing, wearing masks if you can inside public spaces, using hand-sanitizer and frequently washing hands, as well as staying home when sick. These measures will be especially critical in larger gatherings.”
 Large apartment complexes like this require a little extra vigilance to stop the spread of infections. The Mayor has reached out to the organizations that represent apartment building owners and condominium corporations asking them to adhere to the mandatory mask bylaw,
Those buildings with a large number of occupants could become “pinch points” for infections.
The move to Stage 3 does open things up – it also puts more of the responsibility on the individual to ensure that the really simple preventative measures are followed.
It is your health and safety that is at risk and you are the person that can put it at risk.
This is not over yet.
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.
By Staff
July 24th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A real summer for Burlington seemed to have to wait until we got into Stage 3 – Playground equipment can now be used. Restaurants will invite patrons inside and parks will be more accessible.
 Events like this on the beach aren’t going to be part of this summer. That playground equipment is not being sanitized and standard health practices with heightened awareness such as staying home if sick, washing hands and not touching faces should be strictly followed. Parents and caregivers are advised to pack hand sanitizer as well as sunscreen.
Anyone using the playground equipment should still practice physical distancing of two metres with anyone not from their household or their social circle.
If a playground structure is busy, residents may want to consider one of Burlington’s many other parks or come back at another time.
Other Summer Activities
• Parks are open for casual use, such as exercising, picnics, kicking or throwing a ball
• Mountainside, Nelson and LaSalle Pools are open for leisure swims and lap swims with online pre-registration and payment only. Splash Parks at Nelson and Mountainside Pools are now open as well
 Kids + water = fun and noise. • Spray pads at parks are open
• Lowville Park is open. New, as of July 30, entry to Lowville Park will require pre-registration through parkvisit.ca/burlington. Reservations and use of the park remain free
• Redesigned summer camps are open. The next registration date is July 27 at 9 a.m. View camps at burlington.ca/summer
• Redesigned Adult 19+ and Adult 55+ programs are open. View programs at burlington.ca/summer.
Safety Precautions
• All City recreation programs are operating with public health safety precautions including increased cleaning (outdoor amenities like playgrounds are not sanitized), screening and reduced program capacities in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19
• Permits for picnics will not be issued in an effort to mitigate large gatherings at this time
• Physical distancing of two metres is still in place on public property with anyone not from your household or social circle and in groups of less than 10.
The Regional Public Health Unit will issue a report at the end of next week – we can expect a bit of an increase iin the number of people reported to be infected. If that number is very high the provincial government may decide that we are not yet ready for Stage 3 and roll us back to Stage 2.
The virus is transferred from person to person – it is up to us to do everything we can to ensure that we each, individually, are not part of that transfer process.
Or are we going to be really, really stupid and drink the KoolAid?
 By Staff
July 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Oakville has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Halton this year.
The Public Health Unit is swamped with COVID19 matters – then we are reminded that West Nile Virus has returned.
 “Halton is committed to reducing West Nile virus in our communities through education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Until the hard frosts of fall set in, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites.”
Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, tires and other locations that hold water.
Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
By Staff
July 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Joseph Brant Hospital is increasing its COVID-19 testing capacity by opening a new drive-thru clinic.
The clinic is dedicated to testing individuals who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, but who are concerned they may have been exposed or require testing. The Joseph Brant Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Centre will continue to operate as a testing centre for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
 Drive thru clinic is accessed via the North Shore Road entrance The Drive-Thru Testing Clinic is located on the hospital grounds, easily accessed off of Joseph Brant Hospital’s entrance on North Shore Blvd. Appointments are required and can be booked online by visiting covidtesting.josephbranthospital.ca or calling 905-632-3737 x 6550.
To fast-track appointments, we encourage people to book their testing online. Testing is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The clinic will operate as follows:
• Signage will direct patients upon arrival
• The health care team will perform the COVID-19 swab test while you are in your car
• Patients will be sent home with information on self-isolation and how to view their test results
• If heat warnings are in effect on clinic days, out of precaution, we ask patients to not bring children and frail adults in cars who are not being tested, as well as pets
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it is recommended that you book an appointment at the Assessment Centre calling 905-632-3737 ext. 6550 or booking online. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department:
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Severe chest pain
• Feeling confused or unsure of where you are
• Losing consciousness
Children under one year will not be swabbed at the drive-thru clinic and should be referred to their family health-care provider for testing.
COVID-19 test results are available within 3 to 7 days, and can be accessed in the following ways:
• Go to covid-19.ontario.ca and select “Check your lab results” (you must have a valid Ontario photo health card to use the website)
• Register for MyChart using your Ontario Health Card
• Contact your family doctor
By Pepper Parr
July 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We are busy enough with the six feet thing; we’ve never washed our hands as often and there is a leeriness about going out for dinner and being inside the restaurant.
Can we invite friends of long standing over for dinner – perhaps sitting outside on the patio and cooking on the BBQ would be Ok.
Add to all that the concern with getting the kids back to school.
Are the schools going to open? What will the class schedule be and how am I going to find dare care if I need it.
 Parents are frustrated – they want information – but the school boards don’t have much in the way of information they can share.
The Halton District School Board met in a Special Session yesterday. In a four part series, this being Part 1, we will tell you what we have learned.
The Halton Board is to meet with the Ministry of Education on Tuesday of next week (they have a two hour time slot) to present to the Ministry how they have responded to the three scenarios the province set out.
They are Conventional, Remote and Adaptive – Conventional being kids in the school, in classrooms all day with fewer kids in each class; Remote being everything will be done on-line with close teacher involvement in what is being called synchronous learning – everyone learns the same thing at the same tome – on-line.
 These are the models the Ministry set out. HDSB prefers the Adaptive and will be taking their ideas to the Ministry next week. The school boards now have all kinds of technology to manage teaching in this manner.
The Board at this point doesn’t have much to go on other than trying to read the tea leaves and figure out where the Ministry of Education is going to go.
 Once the Board knows which students are going to return – and then which form of instruction they prefer classes can be organized. The Halton Board’s understanding is that they will know very early in August which model the Ministry has approved. August 4th was a date mention – but nothing is carved in stone at this point.
With the model in hand the Board then needs to know what parents plan to do. Will their children return to school orwill they opt for remote learning.
If they plan to attend what is their preference – conventional classes or the adaptive model.
The Board also needs to know how many teachers are going to return to a classroom. Director of Education Stuart Miller did say that the Board has a solid list of occasional teachers they can call upon.
French is likely yo be limited.
Extra curricular and co-curricular are likely to be limited as well.
The Board and the trustees are critically aware of how important the “extras” are – they are concerned at this point in opening up classrooms and teaching students with mathematics and literacy being the focus.
 This is student life. How do you change it? This group represents what a classroom size is likely to be. Among the unknowns: are teachers going to have to wear PPE? Will students be expected to wear masks? What happens if an infection hot spot develops? The Board is in constant contact with the Medical Officer of Health.
Classroom cleaning has to be included in the schedules. The additional costs can only be guessed at today – but they are very real.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that at this point – most questions don’t have an answer – nothing can be decided upon until the Ministry approves the teaching model.
Until then, treat all this as background and begin thinking about what you are your family want to do.
By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 We are approaching something that is a little closer to normal.
Burlington enters Stage 3 of the Emergency Measures on Friday with a bylaw in place that makes face masks mandatory.
What can you do – what can you not do?
What will we see in the way of new infections in ten to 15 days? Will there be an increase? How severe will the increase be?
Much of this depends on how we behave individually.
The disastrous situation at the Long Term Care Centres is pat. Hard lessons have been learned and hopefully plans are being prepared to ensure that never happens again.
The lesson that the civic leadership is pushing very hard – and spending a lot on to get out to the public – is that we are not at normal yet.
 Data from June 25th: The number of infections is increasing – even while we were in stage 2.  July 16th, 2020. This is the most recent report before we moved in Stage 3 – now that we are in Stage 3 how big an increase will there be. If it gets too big the province could push us pack into Stage 2 Far from it. Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health commented during a recent Regional meeting at which the wearing of masks was heavily debated that she felt we were going to be dealing with this pandemic well into 2021.
We have the traditional fall flu season to deal with – along with COVID 19 – the two viruses can apparently live together.
The province is about to have in place a much more sophisticated tracking application in place that will allow the public heath people to quickly identify any hot spots and be able to take quick action.
 Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health The balance of July, all of August and the early parts of September might lull us into a false sense that we have this virus beaten.
The truth appears to be that we are far from beating it – the scientists are learning something new about the dynamics of the virus and the way different demographics are impacted.
By Pepper Parr
July 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor is taking a bit of a break but is steps away if an issue arrives. A Gazette reader called the Office of the Mayor to follow up on an issue that the Mayor had expressed some interest in – but was told that the Mayor would not be making appointments for two weeks.
We popped a note off the Mayors Communications person asking if the Mayor was taking some vacation; the Mayor’s Office sent our note along to the city administrations Communications department who said the following.
“The mayor will have some upcoming hours/days off but continues to work on all emergency related and time sensitive matters.
“The deputy mayor schedule is published, and we have two deputies serving whenever the mayor is not available.
Q3 deputy mayors are Councillors Nisan and Sharman.
Mayor Meed Ward is not in quarantine.
So there you have it – the Mayor is healthy and apparently taking a break.
By Staff
July 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Donning nose and mouth coverings are now a must on GO Transit and UP Express. Here’s what you need to know, as everyone does their essential best for the safety and health of fellow customers and transit staff.
Covering up is now a must on GO Transit and UP Express.
Starting today (July 21), all passengers on GO trains and buses, as well as UP vehicles, must wear face coverings.
The change isn’t expected to be too daunting, as many customers – as many as nine in 10 – were already routinely wear the added layer of protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metrolinx officials say there will be some riders who will not be able to wear face coverings due to pre-existing conditions, as well as children under two. The transit agency is asking everyone to understand those situations and says no customers will be left behind.
 From Station Attendants to Transit Safety Officers to even Commuter Train Operators, all Metrolinx staff wear face coverings on the job. (Anne Marie Aikins Photo) Transit staff will be on board trains, buses and in stations informing customers about the need to wear a face covering.
Mandatory face coverings are the latest part of a comprehensive health and safety strategy at Metrolinx.
On-board safety measures continue to expand and evolve as the province moves through a phased return to normal.
They now include rolling out dividers between train and bus seats, hand sanitizer dispensers, and a comprehensive vehicle and station cleaning regiment that has staff constantly wiping down touch-points.
Metrolinx says that while they are closely monitoring ridership throughout the network and making every effort to adjust services to give customers space to spread out, there is going to come a point as the province moves into Stage 3 and more people travel to work and play, when physical distancing is just not possible.
Since late May, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has asked everyone in the province to wear a face covering in areas where physical distancing isn’t always possible, such as on public transit.
So today is the day, no matter the weather, to add that extra layer of protection, before heading on the GO – or to UP Express.
By Staff
July 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton is one of seven regions in the province that will move into Stage 3 of the Emergency measures on Friday.
The decision was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and is based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower or low transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.
 Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. The details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance.
The following public health units will be allowed to move into Stage 3 on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.:
• Durham Region Health Department;
• Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit;
• Halton Region Health Department;
• Hamilton Public Health Services;
• Lambton Health Unit;
• Niagara Region Public Health Department; and
• York Region Public Health Services.
Toronto Public Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and Peel Public Health will remain in Stage 2 until local trends of key public health indicators demonstrate readiness to move into Stage 3:
“Entering Stage 3 does not mean the fight against COVID-19 is over” said Deputy Premier Christine Elliott. We all must remain vigilant and continue following public health advice to ensure the progress we have made so far in stopping the spread will not be undone.”
“I’m impressed by how seriously business owners are taking the public health advice and how easy they made it for their customers to take precautions,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. “By providing plenty of space to physically distance, keeping hand sanitizer by the door, and maintaining records for contact tracing, they’re playing a vital role helping fight COVID-19. We’re all doing our part and making it easy for others to do the same.”
As the province carefully reopens, the health and well-being of Ontarians remains a top priority. The government is strongly recommending everyone to continue following public health advice, including practicing physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
For regions in Stage 3, gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people indoors and a maximum of 100 people outdoors, with physical distancing in place. Gathering limits apply to all social gatherings and events, as well as some higher risk activities and venues. Gathering limits do not apply to settings such as beaches, parks, restaurants and bars, but measures to enable physical distancing may limit capacity at any given time.
Some municipalities have implemented additional restrictions or requirements, such as mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments and all indoor public places.
The province has set up a Workplace PPE Supplier Directory, where employers can find suppliers who sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to support a safe reopening of their workplaces.
Testing is available at any of the province’s 144 assessment centres currently open. To find your closest assessment centre, please visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus.
For questions on restrictions that will remain in place during Stage 3, review the Stage 3 Emergency Order on the emergency information portal or call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
 By Pepper Parr
July 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Premier Doug Ford at a Press conference It is not yet “official” but the word is that Halton Region, that is Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills will be moved to stage 3 which usually includes allowing lager groups to gather and restaurants to serve meals inside.
The full story after the Premier speaks at 1:00 pm
By Pepper Parr
July 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Today the temporary bylaw requiring people to wear a face mask becomes effective.
The first thing to appreciate is that requiring you to wear a mask is serious.
Washing your hands frequently. Keeping that six foot social distance between you and people who are not part of your bubble and keeping away from locations where there are likely to be large numbers of people
Those are the essentials.
 Late in June ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stole took it upon herself to convince her council colleagues to implement a face mask by law.
After many, many hours at city council and many more the Regional council two bylaws were passed.
Both basically the same with Burlington setting aside $10,000 provide masks for people who could not afford them – the Regional Council took a pass on that one.
Last Friday Canadian Tire Fairview announced they were going to donate 14,000 masks – we assume the donation is to the city but have not been able to conform that.
Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director, Corporate Communications & Government Relations informed the Gazette that “we are working on a plan for free masks. We will announce that plan once it’s complete.
“In the meantime, we have let residents know that many bricks and mortar stores and online retailers sell masks, and many small businesses that sell them on social media platforms like Facebook.”
So – as of now there is a bylaw requiring you to wear a mask and no known program on enforcement and no known program to distribute masks to people who can’t afford one.
Why isn’t there a program in place?
The drive behind the need for the masks was ward 4 Councillor Stolte and the Mayor.
Not a word from either of them on how this is going to play out.
The bylaw puts the onus on the commercial sector.
The politicians appear to expect the commercial and retail sector to require you to wear a mask before you enter their premises. There are a lot of exemptions in the bylaws.
The pandemic has been tough enough on the commercial sector – the city now expects them to turn people away – really?
Walmart is sending emails to their customers telling them they have to wear a mask.
  
Marylou’s is reported to be requiring people to wear a mask and selling you one for $2 if you don’t have one.
Longo’s took the position that you had to wear a mask if you wanted to shop in their supermarkets.
Let’s see how things work out at the end of the day.
Burlington is still at Stage Two of the Emergency regulations – many had expected to be at Stage 3 which would open up a lot of the commercial sector.
We will learn later today what the province decides to do – whatever they decide to do will be based on the number of new infections and that number is determined by you and me.
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