 By Staff
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is hosting a public telephone town hall that will take place on Thursday, March 26 at 6:45 p.m. This one-hour town hall will be open to all members of the public and provide an opportunity to hear from a panel of leaders including members of council and senior staff, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and our City Manager, Tim Commisso. Newly confirmed to the panel is:
MPP Jane McKenna
 Eric Vandewall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Brant Hospital Eric Vandewall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Brant Hospital
Dr. Dale Kalina, Medical Director of Infection, Prevention and Control at Joseph Brant Hospital
Roger Wilkie, Deputy Chief of Halton Regional Police
Anthony Odoardi, Superintendent for Halton Regional Police
Any further updates to panelists for the March 26 Telephone Town Hall will be shared with the public.
How to Participate
Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. Residents who would like to be added to the telephone call list can email their name and telephone number to getinvolved@burlington.ca by the end of day March 25.
Anyone who does not receive a telephone invitation can call 1-800-280-9610 at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 to join the town hall. For those individuals calling in to the town hall, please be advised that more than one attempt may be required to connect to the call due to the high volume of traffic on the phone lines. If your call does not connect you to the town hall on your first try, please hang up and dial the 1-800 number again.
Information about the town hall will also be shared with residents through the City and Mayor’s website and social media channels as well as news media.
We ask our residents to share this information with their friends and neighbours so that anyone who is interested may participate.
Once the call begins, participants will be provided instructions by a moderator for submitting their questions to the leadership panel.
Any questions that are not answered within the hour-long call will be posted, with answers, to the City’s website at burlington.ca/coronavirus, along with an audio file of the call and a full transcript as soon as possible.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward “I am in complete support of today’s announcements from the Province. Their message to shut down all non-essential businesses to curb the COVID-19 spread echoes what we have been asking of our local businesses. This is a necessary step to protect everyone, customers, employees, families and friends. Closing down your brick-and-mortar shops doesn’t necessarily mean closing down your business for the time being – if you and your employees can work from home, do so.
We also strongly echo Premier Ford’s statement that people returning from outside the country MUST self-isolate at home for 14 days. Do not stop at the store first. There are volunteers willing to assist you. Check the City’s webpage at Burlington.ca/coronavirus for links.
I also applaud the Province’s announcement today of additional funding to support our food banks and homeless shelters. These are much-needed funds and making it directly accessible to municipalities gives us the ability to provide direct support to our most vulnerable in our community. I now ask our federal government to act and institute a larger lock down and enforcement of self-isolation. I look forward to hearing more details in coming hours.”
 By Staff
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Province has launched an enhanced and interactive COVID self-assessment tool.
This new easy-to-use tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.
The app can be found HERE
In a matter of seconds, this tool will help people determine if they are negative or it will provide them with guidance on where to seek care based on their needs. Critically, the enhanced tool provides the province with real-time data on the number and geography of users who are told to seek care, self-isolate or to monitor for symptoms. This data will help inform Ontario’s ongoing response in order to keep individuals and families safe.
 It is a relatively simple process – use it often. “I encourage anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms or may have travelled outside of Canada to first self-isolate and then take a few seconds to complete our new online assessment tool,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This easy-to-use tool, developed with guidance from Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is a great first step in that process. By answering a few questions, Ontarians will be able to make informed choices about what to do, while the province collects real-time data to enhance our ongoing response.”
The tool guides individuals through a series of questions and, based on their responses, users are provided clear direction on what action to take. These next steps could include: continue to practice social distancing; self-isolate; call a primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario; or in the case of symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing or severe chest pain, call 911 or go to the emergency department.
Those people whose self-assessment shows they may have COVID-19 will be advised to call their primary care provider, who can conduct a virtual assessment by phone or other technology. People can also call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (24/7), where they can speak to a health care professional about their symptoms. As announced last week, the province is rapidly expanding service capacity to ensure timely responses and has increased Telehealth’s line capacity to more than 2,000 to help manage the high daily call volume.
In some cases, based on the virtual assessment, individuals may be referred by their primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario to one of the province’s 58 assessment centres for an in-person assessment. These centres, which are by referral only, are helping to ease the pressures on hospital emergency departments using innovative care models, including in some cases drive-thru testing.
As part of the investment of up to $304 million to enhance the province’s response to COVID-19, Ontario will be establishing additional assessment centres across the province. The centres are located in dedicated spaces, which will facilitate high-quality care to protect broader patient populations. The 58 centres that have already opened are in several municipalities across the province.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
By Staff
March 23, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 Police vehicles blocked the entrance to the park – but they didn’t have the authority to physically prevent people from entering. The message was pretty clear – the Conservation Halton Parks were closed – shut.
The cars that lined the upper reaches of Appleby Line outside the entrance to Rattlesnake Park took up most of the space on the road.
It is behaviour like that that forces governments to put tough rules in place.
 All parked outside the entrance to Rattlesnake Park – Further up the road bylaw enforcement officers were diligently putting tickets underneath the windshield wipers.
 By Staff
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
City will meet on Tuesday to take care of some necessary business and revise the rules around meetings so that they can meet as a Council in a conference call.
There will be two Special Meetings of Council – they start at 12:30.
One to focus on the Burlington Hydro line of credit (The city owns the hydro operation) and a second meeting to make changes to the Procedural bylaw.
Due to COVID-19 and public health concerns, delegations will not be permitted at this time. The City Clerk will accept written submissions by email at clerks@burlington.ca. Received written submissions will form part of the public record, and be distributed to members of Burlington City Council.
First meeting:
Item 1 on the agenda:
Burlington Hydro Operating Line of Credit
Approve the increase to the Hydro operating line of credit from $10 million to $20 million and; Direct the Mayor and Clerk or other designated signing officer to sign any necessary documentation including agreements, subject to the satisfaction of the Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Counsel.
The Shareholder Direction to Burlington Enterprise Corporation is a document that sets out the accountability, responsibility and relationship between the Board of Directors and the Shareholder. Article 5 of the agreement deals with actions requiring Shareholder Approval. Under the agreement, the Corporation or any Subsidiary must seek Shareholder approval to borrow money in excess of $10 million over existing debt levels.
Burlington Hydro Inc is seeking approval to increase the operating line of credit from $10 million to $20 million as a precautionary measure against cash flow/liquidity issues that could arise if any of the corporation’s large customers experience issues in paying the hydro bills during the COVID 19 pandemic situation.
Item 2:
Remuneration and expenses paid to Council and appointees for 2019
Receive and file finance department report F-06-20 regarding remuneration and expenses paid to Council and appointees for 2019.
Items to be considered at the second Special Meeting of Council:
Amendment to Procedure By-law Remote Participation and Electronic Meetings
Staff are recommending a Procedure By-law amendment which enables Council, during a declared emergency, Provincial or Municipal (upper tier or lower tier), for its members to participate in Council and committees of Council remotely. The members participating remotely may be counted in determining whether a quorum of members of Council are present to conduct the meeting and may participate in meetings closed to the public.
Given the unique situation presented by COVID-19 and social distancing, the Municipal Emergency Act includes a provision which allows for a local council the authority to convene a special council meeting, to enact the necessary procedure by-law amendments electronically with members participating remotely being counted towards quorum.
Below are the highlights of these changes:
• New definitions for Electronic Meetings, Emergency, and Emergency Management Act.
• Ability to conduct a regular, special meeting of Council or a meeting of a Committee of Council, electronically with remote participation during an Emergency.
• Authority for a member to participate remotely, be counted towards quorum and to participate in voting.
• Ability to convene into Closed Session with remote participation.
• Confirmation that electronic meetings will have the same notice provisions as outlined for in-person meetings and the public will have access to the open portions of the meeting.
• Provisions on how the City Clerk will administer delegation request and written submissions.
How these meetings will be run:
Staff are proposing an alternative way of administering the Speaker’s list, that is simplified due to remote participation of members. Instead of queuing in, the Mayor/Chair would go through each ward and ask if they have questions or comments. Practicing this form of speaker queuing may streamline the process. Other municipalities are proposing several complex systems, which involve a member emailing or texting the Mayor/Chair or City Clerk/Designate during the meeting each time they would like to speak.
In an electronic meeting, the rules of procedure as outlined in the Procedure By-law will still apply, the guide is provided by the City Clerk as a simplified way of using the technology to conduct the meeting. Once the by-law amendments are approved, the Clerk’s Department will post the guide to the website and ensure that the posted document is kept up to date with any changes.
 By Staff
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The Food Bank operation in Burlington has some problems – not what you think.
They have funds on hand but the places they normally buy from don’t have quite enough in the way of supply.
Another problem is that the food they are given has to be quarantined for a bit because they don’t know what is being donated is totally totally virus free. Not that anyone would donate food that might be contaminated.
 Robin Baily – Burlington Food Bank Robin Baily, he runs the Food Bank did a video – it’s a little on the long side – six minutes – but worth listening to – try some of it.
Interesting insights – you’ll get to see your community in a different light.
Here’s the link: share it
 By Ray Rivers
March 23, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It is frustrating, feeling helpless as we watch the daily roll out of pandemic numbers continue to rise, with no apparent end in sight. The PM and our provincial and federal health officials conduct these daily press conferences if only to confirm that indeed, each day is worse than the day before. If only we could keep more social distance between us and wash our hands more often….
We act as if we are strangers to a pandemic, even though we’ve lived with some lesser viral epidemics, like SARS. And then there was the Spanish Flu back in 1918. My grandmother in Manitoba lost half of her children to that flu.
 Apparently a “must see” movie – it’s available on line. But if you really want to get depressed you can watch the 2011 movie Contagion, which is scarily similar to what we are experiencing today – life imitating art. It should have been required watching for our health officials. Then perhaps they would have sounded the alarm bell earlier.
On Thursday I finally did a grocery run. I had decided the crowds at Costco last week would jeopardize social distancing, so avoided that. Besides, I wasn’t sure I’d cope watching all those folks filling the back of their pick up trucks with hand sanitizer and whatever else they could get their un-sanitized hands on.
But I was bored with staying around the house and there was absolutely nothing worth watching on TV except those depressing press conferences and the re-runs of Contagion. It is a lot quieter out there in the city now.
The supermarket parking lot was half empty and customer traffic light. I had masked up before entering the store, making me only one of two customers who took that precaution. The store clerks were mostly wearing gloves and were keen to wipe down the cart handles as you entered. And some of them actually managed a smile, though nobody can be too happy these days.
This Wuhan Virus, COVID 19, is a respiratory disease so is most likely transmitted via one’s mouth or nose – sneezing, coughing or even the spray of moisture droplets as someone speaks to you. So I am always going to wear a mask when I go out to shop, especially where there are queues like in a supermarket.
When it came to pay I noticed that the cashier was easily within my one metre social space, and I couldn’t help thinking how much more comfortable I’d be if she was wearing a mask as she spat out “will that be debit or credit”. No doubt she probably would be more comfortable too. I was thankful for my mask, but wished I’d worn glasses as well.
At the height of the epidemic in Wuhan everyone in public had to wear a mask or they’d be arrested. And that, in concert with the quarantine, brought China’s epidemic to heel. Of course Asian populations are used to seeing people wearing masks. It protects them from the overwhelming pollution coming from cars and trucks and industry there.
 Columnist Rivers in costume? Western attitudes are rooted in stereotypes. Bank robbers, bandits, ninjas and storm troopers all wear masks to hide their identities. And while the courts are sorting out whether a Muslim woman can say her citizenship oath under cover of a niqāb, one pretty much has to go bare-faced to work in Quebec’s public sector. Medical, dental and industrial/construction trades mainly use face masks to protect themselves.
There is a lot of mixed messaging originating from our health experts about whether the public should be wearing face masks to help contain this new virus. They’ll tell you that it’s more important in public health for the infected person to wear one – which doesn’t explain the doctor’s mask. And some experts will tell you that an improperly fitting mask provides improper protection, which they imply is worse than no protection at all.
But more than likely they know there won’t enough masks to go around if we all start wearing them. Especially if we are all wanting to use the disposable single-use version. Ventilators, masks, gloves and hand sterilizer are all in short supply, so much so that doctors have been approaching veterinarians to raid the cupboards.
Why didn’t our health authorities anticipate this back in January, when we still had lots of time? Same reason they didn’t call for a travel ban until the virus started to be transmitted within the community, I’m guessing. Likely this is one of those compromises in public policy. Act too early and be called a panic artist or act too late and be labeled as dithering.
 Bus driver is protected from the passengers. But it’s not too late to call for everyone who serves the public to be wearing face protection. Nobody should catch this virus from a store clerk or bus driver. And you can’t practice social distancing for two or even one metre on crowded subway or bus. Fortunately some stores are installing plexiglass cashier shields to protect their customers.
Still, everyone needs to ensure that they’re neither infecting nor being infected. I’ll be proudly sporting a mask every time I go out, even if it means sterilizing and re-using my limited supply. Even if a mask won’t stop me being infected, it would show that I care about the health of all the people prepared to serve in these difficult times.
 Ray Rivers writes regularly on both federal and provincial politics, applying his more than 25 years as a federal bureaucrat to his thinking. Rivers was once a candidate for provincial office in Burlington. He was the founder of the Burlington citizen committee on sustainability at a time when climate warming was a hotly debated subject. Ray has a post graduate degree in economics that he earned at the University of Ottawa. Tweet @rayzrivers
Background links:
Contagion – Best and worst Cases – Sleeping at the Switch –
Masking – Experts on Masks – Supplies –
More Supplies – Dithering – Better than a Mask? –
By Pepper Parr
March 23, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It is really interesting watching how people respond to a crisis.
The innovative ideas bubble to the surface – there is a new Facebook page that you might find interesting and useful.
 This is a place where you can reach out and ask a question – offer some help.
One Mother needed adhesive for a child’s dental brace. Minutes later a different parent happened to have some she was never going to use. Done deal.
It works, some goofy stuff – which makes it kind of fun.
Link to this one.
By Pepper Parr
March 23, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Just what kind of power and authority does the Mayor have under the Declaration of Emergency Marianne Meed Ward put in place on Friday?
Here is what the statutes say:
4. (1) The head of council of a municipality may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality or in any part thereof and may take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9, s. 4 (1).
What this means is that a Mayor can take action just as long as she abides by the rules the Province has put in place.
Declaring a State of Emergency certainly captures the public’s attention – but there is more driving the message home needed. The lineup of cars outside the Rattlesnake Point Conservation park on Sunday (more than 60 cars) with enforcement officers on either side of the road writing up parking tickets.
By Staff
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The financial damage hits different sectors of the economy. Restaurants don’t have customers walking through the doors but they are coping with takeout business. Tim Hortons has all the chairs on the tables but you can get a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
There are private business operations that are service based – there isn’t much in the way of fallback support for them.
Here is the story of one private sector company. It is painful.
The morning was busy with some work ideas and talking with people (I’m actually losing track of what day it is); this afternoon I had a 2 hour nap (unheard of!!). My response to you would not be a simple – “all is OK” .
People give me food and I’m enjoying making meals. The rent is paid through the end of March due to a fluke cash opportunity. And interesting conversations with people about potential collaborations in the future seem to keep happening.
 If steps are not taken soon we could see the hollowing out of the small business sector. The flip side is that business would seem to be tough in the future – and I’m honestly unclear as to how that may unfold. One thing I do try to do is live my life from what unfolds naturally – and in this environment I need to be “impatiently patient” – since the way forward is completely murky.
Yes there is financing available – I spent all of Friday researching it and kind of wish I hadn’t – since by the end of the day it was a complete 180• degree change for me and was so disappointed in the government response.
Telling small business to apply for BDC support at rates between 5.05% and 17.05% doesn’t have an ounce of a creative solution in it. Harper did a better job in 2009 with the $10,000 Home Renovation Tax Credit bumped up to $14,000.
Yes there is EI for small business owners – although at this point I have no idea if I will qualify – although I will apply.
Reality is that the big pressure for small and medium business is rent and property taxes (which can be deferred yet still need to be paid). Forcing business to apply for debt to cover these two items when the government is the one who let months go before implementing any type of restrictions to people travelling and returning to Canada and are now forced into a crisis – leaves me speechless.
Add to that there are landlords with deep pockets who would like nothing more to get rid of some unattractive older leases – and it puts incredible pressure on tenants. It’s one thing for a business to own their building and defer mortgage payments. Landlords have a business to run – and they need to make their mortgage payments.
There needs to be a creative solution that explores ways of sharing the burden between landlords, tenants, municipalities for property taxes, and federal government on the rent (they got us into this mess).
Sorry if this email sounds grumpy – I’m simply sad that there isn’t one ounce of creativity in leadership.
We are not identifying the company or the owners – that’s not the important part; what matters is the hollowing out that might take place.
Bromides from the support groups staffed by people who are going to be paid for the duration of this crisis isn’t enough.
By Pepper Parr
March 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s now a new reality for all of us.
Getting used to living differently is going to take some time – something we don’t have a lot of.
 A snapshot at 5:45 am March 23, 2020 We used to look for the sports scores – now we look at reports that tell us just how bad things are around the world: COVID-19 is now amongst us – with the medical people scrambling to keep ahead of it.
Front line people are beginning to be personally infected; we can’t afford to lose access to these people.
Things like gowns for the front line workers; masks as well and ventilators we are going to need if (or is it when) this virus hits the seniors.
Burlington has more seniors on a per capita basis that any other community in Ontario – and they are at risk.
The deaths in the province are relatively low which doesn’t make it any easier to bear.
Spring Break is over (it did take place didn’t it?) The schools won’t open today; parents now know that for the next two weeks at least they are going to have to keep their children occupied.
The Province has put some tough rules in place.
As the Gazette toured the city on Sunday we could see changes in public behaviour. There were people out on the Pier, a number of retail operations were open.
The supermarkets weren’t crowded and, while there were shortages, there was no sense of panic at those we toured.
Sobeys was out of 1% milk; the aisle with flour was close to barren. Couldn’t buy a bag of flour anywhere. Toilet paper shelves were not empty.
Butcher counters were closed but packaged meats were plentiful.
Produce was fine in the stores we toured.
Physical distancing is now the phrase being used –social distancing appears to be going out of practice.
By the way – whatever happened to Climate Change?
For those who want to keep an eye on the global picture – here is the link.
By Staff
March 22, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In a Statement issued at noon the Mayor expanded on her decision to declare a State of Emergency in the city.
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward Yesterday I declared a State of Emergency for the City of Burlington.
I have received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from our community, along with many valid questions and concerns about what this means for our day to day living, businesses, and parks. I am glad to see this declaration has caused people to more deeply consider their decisions and actions. That was the intended outcome and I know it will help our city through this crisis.
Today, the City of Burlington has made the decision to close Lowville Park to the public, effective Monday, March 23. This is part of the City’s continuing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by following the advice of our public health officials to increase social distancing.
Lowville Park has been very busy with visitors using the closed playground and picnic areas. Although many of our visitors have respected social distancing, there are reported concerns with crowding in some areas, parking lot capacity and people entering areas that are marked as closed. The Province prohibited gatherings of 50 people or more when they declared a provincial State of Emergency last week. As a result of similar concerns, Conservation Halton has already closed all their parks to the public.
 Lowville Park seen from the steps of the schoolhouse Considering these challenges, Lowville Park will remain closed indefinitely as of Monday. Any vehicles parked in the Lowville Park lot will be towed. We are considering additional park closures on a daily basis. While we want our residents to get outside and stay active, we have to make tough decisions when we do not see the social distancing behaviours our public health officials are recommending.
I know there are many additional questions out there, and to help you better understand what a State of Emergency means to the people of Burlington, to our local businesses, and to our essential services, I have put together the following FAQ.
Why did you declare a State of Emergency?
With the support of Council, senior City staff, our Emergency Control Group, and senior staff at Joseph Brant Hospital, this declaration helps send a message to our community that times are serious and people’s lives are on the line. It aligns us with the Province of Ontario’s declaration earlier last week, and we are seeing many communities across North America do the same to ensure people understand the serious nature of what is going on, to support self-isolation and social distancing, and help to focus our city on essential services and activities.
Can I still go for a walk with my family?
Yes, you can still go for a walk or bike ride and get outside to stay active and get some fresh air, as long as you are doing so with the people from within your own household. As far as other family, friends and neighbours go: no play-dates, no baseball games, no dinner parties or poker nights even with close friends, and no pick-up games of hockey in the street. If you encounter others while out for a walk, employ social distancing techniques and maintain at least a 6-ft distance from everyone except those in your own household and/or immediate family. These steps are critical in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, especially by those with mild or minimal symptoms. Ensure children stay off public playground equipment as it is not disinfected, and we know this virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 days. If you are sick or have been advised to self-isolate due to recent travel, stay home until you are fully recovered or have passed the 14-day self-isolation period with no symptoms.
What is an essential service or business?
An essential service is defined in Federal terms as any service, facility or activity of the Government of Canada that is or will be necessary for the safety or security of the public or a segment of the public.
Examples of government services or activities that may be considered essential include but are not limited to: border safety/security, correctional services, food inspection activities, accident safety investigations, income and social security, marine safety, national security, law enforcement, and search and rescue.
The Province of Ontario’s defined Critical Infrastructure Sectors include food and water, electrical power, gas and oil, financial services, our healthcare system, and transportation networks.
At City Hall, we already closed facilities last week and asked staff to work from home with the exception of services that need to be delivered under one of the following categories:
• Are required to meet certain legislative requirements;
• Support employee and public health, safety and security;
• Enable critical community services and supports, including COVID-19 mitigation and recovery;
• Support services necessary to keep essential services operating;
• Protect and operate vital infrastructure; and
• Fulfill contractual, legal and financial obligations.
It’s common sense. We need law and order, we need emergency services, we need groceries and home maintenance items, we need banks and telecommunication services, we need gas, and we need a supply chain of those products including trucks and drivers to deliver them. Our hospitals and emergency workers need equipment and supplies. We need continuity of government, and we need public safety and security. It’s not as easy as coming up with one definitive list, but we need to use good judgement and give our decisions a second thought.
I still see businesses open that I don’t think are essential – what should I do?
As part of the Orders issued by the Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 17th, 2020, relating to the enforcement the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA), the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are initiating a planned response to ensure community safety and well-being.
Should police receive concerns relating to complaints of violations of any of the aforementioned orders, they will consider a progressive response of dialogue, education, warning, and enforcement (if required). The HRPS will work with the Region’s health department to assist them in conducting their investigations as well. See the attached link for businesses on the list of the Province’s mandated closures.
As part of Burlington’s State of Emergency, and in addition to the Province’s list of mandated closures, I have encouraged all local businesses to voluntarily close except those that deliver essential goods and services. Neither myself nor the City of Burlington has the power to force a business to close. All I can do is ask.
Please keep in mind that it may not be obvious to the general public what each business does – they could provide rental equipment for essential city services or supplies for our local hospital, for example.
They may have a skeleton staff on-site and be able to maintain social distancing inside their building.
Let’s trust people to make the right decisions and remember to be sympathetic of the significant financial impact it will have on them and their employees to close as we encourage them to prioritize the health and well-being of our community at this time.
What about take-out and drive-thru restaurants? Are they still safe?
We know food is an essential. Whether you are picking up food from the grocery store or a take-out restaurant is not significantly different. As I mentioned before, the virus can live on surfaces for 2 days.
The same can be said for picking up essentials from our local food banks, or accepting at-home deliveries from grocers, Wal-Mart or Amazon. We are relying on both types of business to exercise precautions in their food handling and staff hygiene, and to ensure sick employees and customers stay home. The most important thing is to use good judgement, employ social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home if you’re sick.
I saw my neighbour at the grocery store and he just returned from a trip? Is that allowed?
As part of the State of Emergency, I have asked all our residents to stay home unless they are going to work, to a medical or other essential appointment, or to get essential supplies. Further, the Federal Government has mandated that all individuals who are returning from travel outside of Canada self- isolate for a period of 14-days and self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. That means that recent travelers have additional restrictions and should not be going to work, the grocery store, or other appointments. They must rely on delivery services or ask healthy friends and neighbours to drop off supplies for them. We can help them by offering our support so that they don’t feel the need to go out.
If you are concerned that someone who should be self-isolating is not following those guidelines, or that someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 is not self-quarantined, you can reach out to our local police at 905-825-4777. As I mentioned above, should police receive concerns relating to complaints of violations, they will consider a progressive response of dialogue, education, warning, and enforcement (if required). Please remember that this shouldn’t be a time to shame others or try to catch people doing something wrong. Before reaching out to police, think about alternative ways to support good behaviour. This is a time to constructively spread awareness and offer help to others so that people don’t need to put our community at risk.
How long is this going to last?
Honestly, I don’t know. From what we have seen in other countries, it could be weeks and it could be even longer. The most important thing we can do to help slow the spread of this virus and mitigate the impact it has on our community and our healthcare system is stay home. It only stands to reason that the more we do right now, the better off we will be later.
What else is important to know right now?
The most important thing I want everyone to know right now is to be thoughtful, responsible, and kind. Follow the advice of healthcare experts and local leaders. Avoid the temptation to blame others and treat people the way you would like to be treated. We are all in this together.
This past year I had the pleasure of meeting some of our local WWII veterans as part of the 75th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in France. I heard their stories of sacrifice and understood the bravery and courage it took to fight for our freedoms and safety. It gives me perspective in these challenging times. We are not being asked to leave our families and go overseas to storm a beach. We are being asked to be responsible, to stay home, and be patient. I think it’s the least we can do for each other and our country.
Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our residents. We are committed to keeping you informed in clear and timely manner and encourage you to stay updated via the City’s dedicated website. Additional information on all COVID-19 related matters can be found at the Halton Region website, the Ministry of Health of Ontario’s website, and the Federal Government’s website.
Stay healthy, stay calm, and be kind to one another.
 By Pepper Parr
March 22, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Premier Doug Ford has said time and again that he will do “Whatever it takes” and for the most part he has lived up to that statement.
As Premier he is looking pretty good. Confident, forthright; no flip flopping. Perhaps a little bragging about the province’s industrial might – but Ontario is the economic engine of the country. I can put up with Doug Ford’s briskness: no forced empathy from this guy.
We are in the midst of a crisis and Ford appears to be doing what needs to be done.
 Regional Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Meghani – not a politician in sight as she addresses the public. The Regional Medical Officer of Health (MoH) is learning to be less bureaucratic and explaining the decisions she has made. She is making the right decisions. She will be a stronger MoH when this crisis ends.
Burlington’s Mayor is doing her best – my own view is that her pleading for the public to be more sensible and responsible isn’t going to do the trick.
The Mayor declared a State of Emergency in the city. It isn’t clear to me just what kind of power she has to force people to do what needs to be done.
Large numbers of people were reported in Spencer Smith Park on Saturday, and at Mt Nemo – people who didn’t seem to know what “social distancing” is – if they did, they ignored the need to social distance.
Our City Councillors seem to have parked themselves on the side lines, letting the Mayor do all the talking.
During the flood in 2013 then Councillors Sharman and Dennison went door to door asking people if they were all right. Hundreds had flooded basements.
 Wearing sandwich boards might be a bit much for some of our Councillors – if they care about the people they represent they will get out there with them – at a socially acceptable distance of course City Councillors can’t knock on doors with this crisis but surely they can summon some of the innovative ideas they used to get elected.
All we are seeing at this point is their repeating what the Mayor is saying – which is good as that keeps the message consistent.
The Mayor speaks for the city and to her credit she is doing a good job.
 How about each Councillor buying half a dozen signs – putting a clear message on them and setting them out in different places in their ward. Real Estate agents do it all the time. The city Councillors represent the people in their wards and it is incumbent upon those Councillors to get out as much as they can – yes, at an acceptable social distance – and communicate.
They are basically sitting at home, collecting very good pay cheques and waiting this out.
Get out there and communicate. If they are stuck for ideas – try this: Spend some of the expense money you have and buy some sandwich boards – put a message on them and move them around the ward.
Do something!
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
March 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The public has not paid enough attention to the requirement to maintain a social distance between people they come into contact with.
Conservation Halton made the decision to close all parks indefinitely as of March 22nd.
 Made for pleasant outdoor walks – people using the park on Saturday did not stay far enough apart. This social distance stuff is serious. On March 13, we reduced staff in our parks and gatehouses, cancelled all programming and closed some of our parks, while leaving others open for people to engage in passive recreation. We also suspended our regular fees and encouraged visitors to pay what they can. The parks were still served by Park Rangers and other park operations staff with no direct contact with customers. They were monitoring conditions, parking, and visitor safety for adherence to social distancing related to COVID-19.
Our parks were extremely busy on Saturday March 21 with a spike in hiking visits from 12pm onward. Although many of our visitors have respected social distancing, our Rangers observed and reported concerns with crowding in some areas, parking lot capacity and illegal parking, and people entering areas that are marked as closed.
 Now closed o the public Considering these challenges, all Conservation Halton parks will remain closed indefinitely. These include Kelso, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls and Robert Edmondson Conservation Areas. All sites will be monitored for illegal access and trespassers will be charged.
“These are extraordinary times and we are not in a position to use staff resources to manage non-compliance with park rules or control crowding proactively. Our collective response to COVID-19 has to be all or nothing when it comes to social distancing.” said Hassaan Basit, Chief Administrative Officer.
 People were not staying far enough apart on Saturday – trail now closed. “Unfortunately, while most people have been very responsible, some have demonstrated a complete disregard for the health advice we must all follow. This leaves us no choice but to close the parks indefinitely. We can not risk the safety of any member of our staff or the broader community.”
“For parents with children at home, Conservation Halton has prepared some online resources to support learning about nature without leaving your home. You can find them on our website at conservationhalton.ca/nature-home-learning-resources.”
Important related news story:
Why is social distance important?
By Staff
March 21, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 St. Matthews-on-the-Plains Church, through a Partnering Aldershot, helping our neighbours have food initiative, are trying to make it easy for people to donate food safely without personal contact, while helping to keep the Aldershot food distribution agencies’ shelves from being completely depleted.
 At St. Matthew’s driveway drop-off, there is also a list of needed items and a chart of a lot of the places in Burlington where those in need can get food. All the agencies have instituted ‘safe distance’ policies.
There has also been a group of volunteers formed, who are willing to deliver Food Hampers from the Aldershot distribution agencies to the front door of those in need and who can’t or shouldn’t go out.
Aldershot is a true ‘village’ pulling together to help each other.
By Pepper Parr
March 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
We received the following from a trusted source:
I am told on good authority Spencer Smith Park was full of people today (Saturday March 21) and they were like 6 inches not 6 feet apart.
Secondly this past week, on several evenings’, soccer teams were holding practices at city parks.
I would think aside from being dangerous these likely violate provincial rules on Social Distancing.
Sad people aren’t better than this.
There are some people who are not yet getting it. Those of you who do get it – reach out to those who don’t understand what we are up against. Be blunt if you have to.
Mayor Meed Ward is doing her best.
 By Staff
March 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The following was first published by the Globe and Mail earlier today under the headline: Deciding when to end social distancing won’t be easy.
It looks like the effectiveness with which people distance themselves is going to have a huge impact,” said Caroline Colijn, a professor at SFU and Canada 150 Research Chair in mathematics for evolution, infection and public health.
To examine what that means for Canada, Dr. Colijn tested a range of possible futures. Each begins in mid-March with a tiny fraction of the population infected by the virus.
Importantly, the scenarios show the high level of uncertainty that is built into models of this kind.
Based on a slight difference in how easily the virus can be transmitted from one person to the next – a number that is not yet known to high precision – the fraction of the total population that is infected during the peak of infections can vary by as much as 15 per cent.
Another unknown is whether the virus will become less active during the summer months. This is what happens with seasonal flu, another respiratory virus, but the same effect can’t be assumed for a virus to which the human population has never been exposed. However, even if there is a seasonal effect, it would likely only serve to delay the trajectory of the outbreak rather than significantly change it.
Where the scenarios can provide some clarity is in the comparisons between different options for how much social distancing should be applied and for what length of time. Those comparisons are captured here.
Why distancing matters
The basic strategy is simple. If everyone in the population is isolated from everyone else, the virus has nowhere to go and infections die out over the course of the incubation period of 14 days. In practice it doesn’t work that way. Families will isolate together and it could take a number of weeks for a virus to move within a family group. And there is still a need for at least some people to be out and about performing essential services, including caring for the sick.
THE POWER OF ISOLATION
Three scenarios show the impact of different levels of social distancing on a population that is susceptible to COVID-19. In the final case the wave of infections stretches out to nearly a year but peak infections and total number of cases are both significantly reduced.
These three scenarios compare the trajectory of the pandemic when no measures are taken with what happens under medium and strong levels of social distancing. The measures are interconnected in complex ways. For example, school closings and work-from-home recommendations greatly reduce the spread of the virus between students and co-workers, but increase the potential for household and local community contact as people spend more time in their own neighbourhoods. Shutdowns of social venues, including restaurants and cafés, can reduce contacts still further.
With no measures in place, infections rise quickly and reach their peak by about June. At that point, up to one quarter of the population could infected at the same time. In a large Canadian city, this would amount to hundreds of thousands of cases, many of them severe.
In the medium scenario, schools and some businesses remain open but social contact is reduced by up to 40 per cent. Here the peak is lowered somewhat and shifted by a month or so. The bigger difference comes if social-distancing measures are strong, with most places where people gathered closed for the duration of the pandemic. Then the height of the peak could be cut by more than one half and it doesn’t arrive until the early fall, by which time health facilities may be better able to meet the flood of new cases.
All three scenarios end with a significant fraction of the population having been infected one year from now. With no distancing, that amounts to more than 70 per cent of the population before the virus burns out. With strong distancing, it’s more likely to be less than half the population.
GOING THE DISTANCE
Here, the scenarios show what happens when strong social distancing measures are lifted after one month, three months and six months. The first two cases only delay the pandemic, the third significantly lowers its impact.
These scenarios show what happens when the strong distancing measures are lifted after one month, three months and six months. Whether distancing ends abruptly or gradually, there appears to be little benefit to ending the measures before the peak of the pandemic is over.
For example, ending after one month merely displaces the steep infection curve that occurs with no distancing by roughly the same amount of time. Ending after three months – about July 1 – spreads the peak out a bit more, but it still reaches 20 per cent of the population infected by the end of the summer. Only the six-month interval, which means lifting measures around Oct. 1, significantly breaks the shape of the infection curve. Here the range of uncertainty is greatest, with a few per cent to 15 per cent of the population infected late in the year.
PLANKING THE CURVE
If even stronger levels of social isolation are enforced, this scenario suggests that the number of infections within the community can be suppressed during the initial weeks and held to less than 50 cases per million people at any one time. However, the curve might still rise gradually, propelled by a few cases, and there would remain a constant risk of infection re-entering from other locations. When enforcement stopped, infection rates would be expected to rise quickly.
On Thursday, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said the country must not only flatten the infection curve but attempt to “plank” it. That means pursuing every possible measure to its fullest, including social distancing and rapidly identifying new cases and isolating anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.
In that scenario, the pandemic does not take off. While the cumulative number of cases may run into the thousands, it only amounts to a tiny fraction of the population. In the model, this means reducing all contacts outside of the household by more than 90 per cent. If it works, community infections could be kept relatively low.
This option would require even harsher measures than Canadians are already practising. And since the vast majority of the population still has no immunity to the virus, there remains a strong likelihood that the infection rate will soar as soon as measures are lifted. And even if the virus is extinguished within the community, there remains the risk of it being reintroduced from elsewhere.
 By Pepper Parr
March 21st, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward declares a State of Emergency for the city.
Asking the malls to close.
Notes there is still some complacency in our community around the need to self-isolate, to engage in social distancing
In her Statement the Mayor set out and explained her decision.
With the support of Council, senior City staff, our Emergency Control Group, and senior staff at Joseph Brant Hospital, I have decided it is time to declare a State of Emergency for Burlington.
The next few days are critical in our ongoing efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and I encourage our residents to continue taking every precaution in protecting yourselves.
Some of you may be asking why now, what has changed over the past few days?
While I thank our many residents who are heeding expert medical advice, we have noticed there is still some complacency in our community around the need to self-isolate, to engage in social distancing and to only go outside for essentials, such as food and medical needs or appointments.
With the end of March break, many people are returning home over the next few days and may need to restock their shelves. I urge these residents to self-isolate in your homes for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to safely drop off supplies for you.
Earlier this week, there was the tragic death of a Milton man. On behalf of Council and the City of Burlington, our hearts go out to his family and we send them, and those who knew him, our deepest condolences. While it is still unknown exactly how he contracted COVID-19, our Halton Region Public Health Department has said there is evidence the virus is spreading through community contact. This increases the urgency around the need for social distancing and self-isolation.
We need to keep each other safe and healthy and must do everything we can to “flatten the curve.”
By declaring a State of Emergency, we want to send the strongest possible message to our community to stay home. Self-isolation means not visiting friends and family, not organizing playdates for your children or pick-up games in our parks and neighbourhoods, and not congregating on the street.
I am also asking all local malls and non-essential businesses to close for the time being.
 Mayor wants the malls to close completely. Our healthcare workers are here to support you all. We need to stay home not only for ourselves and loved ones, but for our medical professionals so that they can continue to be healthy enough to care for the members of our community who do get sick.
Declaring an emergency is a necessary step in the right direction to effectively slow down the spread of this pandemic throughout our city.
I continue to appeal to our residents to resist the urge to hoard. Clearing out your local grocery store of all its frozen and canned foods, and essential supplies is neither necessary nor helpful to others. Take what you need and remember that restocking will happen. I ask anyone who owns or manages an essential service to please consider setting per-person limits on essential items and to ask customers to engage in social distancing while they are shopping in your stores.
I know this has been a trying time for our community and we will likely continue facing these difficult times ahead, but we are all in this together and the only way we will get through this is together.
Related news story:
Science suggests the Mayor has good reason to declare a State of Eamergency
By Pepper Parr
March 21, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
In Burlington we are served by four levels of government.
The Federal government – they have decided that access to the United States – to the US and from the US – is now very limited. Trucks with supplies only – no recreational travel.
That level of government also chartered an aircraft to pick up Canadians who were stranded overseas – they were unable to get home using commercial airlines. The charter wasn’t free – the cost was a reported $1200.
The Provincial government closed schools for two weeks, they declared a state of emergency which orders us all to do things differently.
Restaurants have been told not to serve people inside the premises. Whatever the provinces tells us to do – we have to do it.
We have a Regional government – they take care of waste management and the water system – the pipes that bring us drinking water and water to flush toilets. They also set out a lot of the rules that apply to the four municipalities that make up the Region of Halton.
Late yesterday, the Regional Municipality of Halton set out what they are doing and advising on what the public has access to during the COVID-19 crisis.
To support the containment of COVID-19, many Halton Region buildings will be closed to the public as of Monday, March 23 until further notice. While buildings are closed, the Region will continue to provide critical services, such as waste collection, Halton Waste Management Site drop-off services, water and wastewater services, road operations, housing and paramedic services to residents and businesses.
 The development,, known as The Gallery, opposite city hall has construction crews on site during the shutdown of almost every thing else – Region says it is a “critical construction project vital to our local economy”. Many services will be available online, by phone or by appointment. Critical construction projects that are vital to our local economy will also continue until further notice.
“The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, and we are taking all necessary measures to protect the health of our community,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “While our buildings are closed, Regional Council and staff are continuing to ensure that critical services are delivered to residents and businesses to maintain a high quality of life. I want to thank them for their commitment to serving the public during this unprecedented time.”
Halton Region Public Health is continuing to focus fully on the response to COVID-19 and protecting the health of our community.
The two big messages are: Stay at home as much as you can and wash your hands often.
 Dr Meghani at news conference in Hamilton earlier this week. Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health, Halton Region has decided that front line health workers are where she wants to focus the COVID-19 testing resources. She is the professional – it is her job to make those calls and she has.
However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms you call 911 and they will handle the problem. The people you talk to at 911 are brisk and direct.
It is a little confusing – and for people who are actually very ill it can be frightening.
The MoH people are being run ragged. Their ability to meet the public need will get better day by day.
Dr. Meghani is in a situation she has never been in before – she is well supported by Dr. Neil Rau, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Halton Healthcare. Give them a bit of room and they will get the job done.
Meanwhile, stay home as much as you can, talk to your neighbours and support each other – and wash your hands.
The Region and the municipalities are relying heavily on social media to get their message out. The limitation with social media is that it is a one way conversation.
The Region’s website, halton.ca, will continue to be updated and service information will continue to be available via phone (311, 905-825-6000, TTY 906-825-9833) and email accesshalton@halton.ca.
 Doors are locked – but there is a Drop Box that you can use to leave documents. A drop-box is available at the Halton Regional Centre (1151 Bronte Road, Oakville) for residents and businesses to drop-off any necessary documents. Signage will be posted at Regional buildings with service access instructions. However, residents are encouraged to delay all non-essential business and consider accessing Halton Region through the website, phone or email wherever possible.
As the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves, please visit halton.ca regularly for any updates on building closures and impacts to programs and services. For regular updates on the COVID-19 situation, including when to contact public health, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.
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By Pepper Parr
March 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
The ward 2 resident got a call from a Public Health nurse:
We did receive a call from a Public Health Nurse in the past hour; my wife and I will be going for COVID-19 Testing. Someone from Joseph Brant hospital will be contacting us with an appointment time soon.
You can almost feel the anxiety in the words a ward 2 resident sent us early this morning.
Give a listen:
 Why don’t we qualify for a COVID-19 test
Myself and my Family Returned from Epicentre Spain March 17th.
– We are self-isolating
– We have since developed symptoms of COVID-19
– We were in direct contact with Sick persons in Spain
– Yesterday we had a Tele-Appointment with our Family Doctor (Dr. Adam Grezslo) He prescribed us ‘Puffers’ for our breathing conditions and advised we get tested.
We informed the Doctor we called 311 who informed us we don’t qualify as they are concentrating on Health Care workers. He was amazed by this change of strategy.
I am reaching out to you our representatives at the City, Regional, Provincial and Federal Levels – If the persons you represent, residents such as me and my family with all of the COVID-19 red flags aren’t being tested – who is?
We would really like to follow our Doctors advice and get tested. I’m hoping you can help get us through the red tape.
If high risk families like us are not being tested: You have no idea if the number of cases you are dealing with in Halton. The numbers we are tracking on the news are irrelevant.
 Gary Carr: a resident put the ball in his court – what will he do with it? Minutes after receiving the email from the ward 2 resident we were copied on an email from Regional Chair Gary Carr who is passing the matter along to his staff, which includes the Medical Officer of Health and that will probably get the resident the test he wants.
The concern is that Gary Carr can’t stick handle every concern.
Sticky.
By Pepper Parr
March 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
A reader wrote is yesterday. He is well known, respected, held a very senior position before he retired.
He is not a nut case prone to extremes.
He wrote saying the following.
 I have been in constant contact with my cousin in Northern Italy since Feb 23.
At that time and in her words, they were “panicking”. The covid19 virus has a life of its own. I do not believe for a minute what is coming out of China. There is no way you have a curve such as the one attached, that suddenly goes to zero. I will be tracking the situation here in Canada and hope our efforts will flatten the curve (fingers crossed).
We are self-isolating, (a) as we don’t want to contract the virus and (b) we would not want to pass it on if we have Covid19.
When our self-isolating time is up in 12 days, we will not re-integrate as we feel we will be free but have little confidence that our neighbors are not carrying.
That last sentence is unfortunate – we are going to have to trust each other to get through this.
We have attached a link that gives you a world wide picture.
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