Mayor’s Message – December 20, 2021

I can’t believe it…2021 is almost over! As we enter the holiday season, we know that we must remain diligent in our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. To control the spread, the province issued new orders for capacity limits and social gatherings. Recreation facilities and amenities have been reduced to 50% capacity. As well, outdoor gatherings have been reduced to 25 people and indoor gatherings have been reduced to 10 people. The province has indicated that we should avoid gathering over the holidays and if we do, everyone should be fully vaccinated. I know these changes can be difficult and many are determined to see loved ones. But, with the numbers increasing at such a rapid rate, we all need to pull together once again, limit our gatherings, limit our visits into the community to essential needs only and get your vaccine or booster.

The Omicron variant is in Durham Region, reports indicate Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta variant. Although being fully vaccinated will not prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will reduce hospitalizations. As we know eligibility for COVID-19 boosters has been extended to those 18+ years and older. I encourage all residents to please contact durhamregion.ca/covidvaccines to book a vaccine or booster appointment. On a positive note, in Scugog 87% are fully vaccinated and 41.6% of the 5 to 11 age group have received their first does.

At times, our Scugog Arena is hosting both the Durham Region clinic and the North Durham Family Health team vaccination clinics. We also have community clinics at the Scugog Library and at our Nesleton Community Centre. A note to please review your appointment confirmation message that indicates what location your appointment is at. There are pop-ups and walk-in clinics serving various eligibility groups from 18+ and kids 5 to 11. Please visit durhamregion.ca/covidvaccines or portperrymedical.ca for clinic hours and appointments. Sometimes clinic hours and operations need to change. Please have patience and remember our facilities are happy to host clinic sites, but we do not run them, and we do not have control on operational changes. Remember to confirm your appointment location and before you attend, check the website for any changes to your appointment.

Winter weather has arrived in Scugog with cold temperatures and snow. Winter maintenance of our roads and sidewalks are now in operation. Crews will be out during winter events to clear over 400 kilometres of roads as well as key sidewalks along busy routes. Please have patience this winter and give crews plenty of space when plowing. Due to COVID-19 public works may become short staffed at times. It this occurs during a winter storm event; a public notification will be issued to communicate should service levels change for winter maintenance.

At this time, the Mayor’s Levee scheduled for January 9 is still proceeding with a free family skate. The event attendance will be first come, first serve, limited to capacity regulations and all participants must wear a mask. As of January 4, all those 12 and older must present the provincial QR code version as your proof of vaccination. Please note that this event is subject to change.

I wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season. Be sure to respect COVID-19 health and safety measures. The municipal office will be closed over the holidays reopening on January 4, 2022. I encourage residents to use our online, virtual, and drop-box services in lieu of in person. Due to COVID-19, delivery of services may change, and we encourage residents to check scugog.ca for updates. All the best for a happy and health 2022.

#mayorBobbieDrew #MessagefromtheMayor