News

TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators. In response to recent improvements to these indicators, Ontario will allow more outdoor recreational amenities to reopen, with restrictions in place, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

“As a result of the strict public health measures we introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants, we are seeing a steady improvement in our situation as ICU and hospital numbers begin to stabilize,” said Premier Doug Ford. “While we must remain conscious of the continued threat the virus poses, with millions of Ontarians having received at least their first dose of vaccine we can now begin the process of a slow and cautious re-opening of the province in full consultation with our public health professionals.”

Roadmap to Reopen outlines three steps to easing public health measures, guided by the following principles:

• Step One An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity.
• Step Two Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, overnight camps, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity.
• Step Three Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness; indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits.

The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If at the end of the 21 days, the following vaccination thresholds have been met, along with positive trends in other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move to the next step:

• Step 1: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose.
• Step 2: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
• Step 3: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses.

Based on current trends in key health indicators, including the provincial vaccination rate, the government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. The province will confirm closer to the expected start of Step One.

“While we know that now is not yet the moment to reopen, Ontarians deserve to know the path forward on what we will carefully reopen and when, starting with the settings we know are safest,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Brighter days are ahead and we believe this Roadmap represents a path out of the pandemic and will encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated and to continue following public health advice.”

The provincewide emergency brake restrictions remain in effect while the province assesses when it will be moving to Step One of the roadmap with the Stay at Home order expiring on June 2, 2021. During this time, the government will continue to work with stakeholders on reopening plans to ensure full awareness of when and how they can begin to safely reopen.

Due to the continuing success of Ontario’s vaccine rollout and the collective efforts of Ontarians in following public health and workplace safety measures to date, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the province will reopen outdoor recreational amenities with restrictions in place, such as the need to maintain physical distancing. These amenities include but are not limited to golf courses and driving ranges, soccer and other sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and skate parks. No outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake will remain in effect.

At this time, publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province will continue to operate under teacher-led remote learning. Data will be assessed on an ongoing basis and medical experts, including the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health officials will be consulted to determine if it may be safe to resume in-person learning.

“Due to the stringent efforts of Ontarians following public health and workplace safety measures, we have reached the point where we can begin preparing to exit the provincewide emergency brake and lift the Stay-at-Home order,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We must remain vigilant however, as the fight against COVID-19 is not over and our case counts, ICU capacity and hospitalizations are still concerning. It remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow all public health and workplace safety measures currently in place to help further reduce transmission and save lives.”

The government will continue to work with the Public Health Measures Table, Public Health Ontario, and other public health and scientific experts to determine public health guidance for Ontarians to follow, including protocols for masking and outdoor/indoor gatherings, after being fully vaccinated.

Quick Facts

• Based on the latest modelling data COVID-19 case, positivity and hospitalization rates are decreasing, and control of the pandemic is improving. Maintaining the current rate of vaccination and public health and workplace safety measures will help to ensure Ontario starts to safely and gradually reopen.
• Ontario has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over 58.5 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over. Over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ontario since the start of May, and the province remains on track to have administered first doses to 65 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by the end of May.
• The government has extended the provincewide Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021, and has maintained all public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives.
• The Stay-at-Home order currently in effect requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
• If passed by the Legislature, powers under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) will be extended to December 1, 2021 to ensure public health measures currently in place can be extended and adjusted as necessary, to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and support a gradual re-opening of the province. There are currently 29 orders in effect under the ROA. Orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time under the ROA, and the government must report on all order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.
• As of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, individuals aged 18 and over in 2021 across Ontario are eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, or directly through public health units that use their own booking system.

Article as originally published by the Office of the Premier

Globus Theatre Announces Youth Summer Performance Camps for 2021 

Bobcaygeon, May 13 – Globus Theatre has an exciting opportunity for youth this summer in Bobcaygeon! Registration is open now for kids ages 8-15. With COVID-19 safety measures in place, the Summer Performance Camps will give youth the chance to audition, create, rehearse, and perform in front of a live audience. The deadline to register is May 20^th! 

Globus Theatre is producing a new immersive show called The Great Cottage Catastrophe. This show includes a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at The Lakeview Arts Barn AND a Downtown Detective Trail of clue scenes in different spots around Bobcaygeon’s downtown. Youth participants in our summer camps will perform in these shows during the week of their camp.  

Camp dates are the three weeks from July 21st to August 7th. Camps are ½ day sessions and participants can choose to come to the morning or afternoon session for 1 week, 2 weeks or all 3 weeks!  

Thanks to Globus Theatre’s funders and donors, the camp fees of $200 are subsidized in their entirety for all participants to ensure that this opportunity is available to everyone.  

Artistic Director, Sarah Quick says, “We are so excited to be able to offer kids (and their parents!) something to look forward to this summer. To be able to offer an outlet for their passion and creativity is so important right now and, thanks to our donors and funding from the Bobcaygeon Legacy CHEST fund, we are able to offer just that.” 

Registration Deadline is May 20^th 

Register online at www.globustheatre.com 

  

Globus Theatre is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization mandated to provide professional theatre to our local Kawartha Lakes community and visitors - making top quality Canadian theatre accessible to all. 

               

Media Contact: Monique Renaud, General Manager 

Email: info@globustheatre.com     |   PH: 705-738-2037   |   Social Media: @GlobusTheatreAtTheLab 

www.globustheatre.com   |   2300 Pigeon Lake Road, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0 

A vibrant neighbourhood with connected residents, robust services and beautiful public spaces can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. It takes a lot of work to build strong communities, and there are small things you can do to contribute.

1.       Plant something. Green spaces aren't just nice to look at—they also help create a calm, peaceful environment and make the air we breathe cleaner. Whether it's a tree at your local park or some flowers in your garden, planting greenery is a fun and easy way to improve your community.

2.       Volunteer your time. Even if you can only spare an hour a month, it can be very rewarding to give back. Clean up the shore at a nearby lake, visit a retirement home or help out at an animal shelter. These are all activities the kids can take part in and feel good about, too.

3.       Shop local. Be mindful about your purchases and make a conscious effort to support local businesses. Visit an independent grocery store for your weekly food shopping, check out a new restaurant the next time you eat out or buy that housewarming gift from a cute neighbourhood store instead of ordering a present online.

4.       Participate in the census. Information collected in the census helps determine where to build parks, schools, hospitals and more—all adding to the quality and livability of your neighbourhood. To make sure your community is represented, participate in the next census, which is coming up in May of 2021. You can even complete the questionnaire online.

5.       Start a club. It doesn't matter if it's a book club, curling club or travel club—having an excuse to share interests and spend time with people in your neighbourhood is a great way to foster a sense of community and to make new friends.

Find more information about the census on the census website.

The City of Kawartha Lakes is now hiring 3 Economic Development Summer Students.

For more information, head to the link below.

https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CITYOFKA&cws=43&rid=1215

TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is strengthening enforcement of the province's Stay-at-Home order while imposing new travel restrictions and further strengthening public health measures. These urgent actions are targeted at stopping the rapid growth in COVID-19 case rates and relieving mounting pressures on the province's health care system.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"As the latest modelling confirms, without taking immediate and decisive action COVID-19 cases will spiral out of control and our hospitals will be overwhelmed," said Premier Ford. "That's why we are making difficult, but necessary decisions to reduce mobility and keep people in the safety of their own homes. We need to contain the spread of this deadly virus, while getting vaccines in as many arms as quickly as possible."

To increase public compliance with the Stay-at-Home order and stop the spread of COVID-19, amendments to an emergency order (O.Reg 8/21 Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures) have been made that will provide police officers and other provincial offences officers enhanced authority to support the enforcement of Ontario's Stay-at-Home order.

Effective Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., police officers and other provincial offences officers will have the authority to require any individual to provide their home address and purpose for not being at their residence. In addition, police officers, special constables and First Nation Constables will have the authority to stop vehicles to inquire about an individual's reasons for leaving their home. This additional enforcement tool will only be in effect during the Stay-at-Home order and exclusively to enforce the Stay-at-Home order.

"With our hospital system under significant pressure and the continued increase of COVID-19 variants, we are stepping up enforcement to ensure that people adhere to the Stay-at-Home order and follow public health measures," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. "This is a critical moment in Ontario's response to this deadly virus, that's why we are doing whatever it takes to stop the spread and protect our communities."

Both the provincial declaration of emergency and the Stay-at-Home order (O.Reg 265/21) have been extended for an additional two weeks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Stay-at-Home order currently in effect requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.

"Now, more than ever before, businesses need to take all measures possible to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Minister McNaughton. "We're in workplaces every day to enforce safety requirements and we won't hesitate to stop unsafe work and ticket offenders. Today, we launched an enhanced, targeted provincewide inspection campaign of construction sites, dispatching 200 workplace inspectors, supported by provincial offenses officers, to visit 1,300 constructions sites to enforce COVID-19 safety requirements. In addition, provincial offences officers will also be visiting over 500 workplaces this weekend in the COVID-19 hotspots of Ottawa, Toronto and York Region. Their visits will include big-box stores, food processors, manufacturers and warehouses."

In order to limit the transmission of the variants of concern, the government is also restricting travel into Ontario from the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec with the exception of purposes such as work, health care services, transportation and delivery of goods and services or exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights.

"The rising spread of variants means we must take stronger measures to limit transmission and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "As we continue to work to vaccinate those in the areas with the highest rates of transmission, everyone must adhere to public health measures and stay at home as much as possible to protect capacity in our health system and the health of thousands of Ontarians."

The government also intends to implement the following public health and workplace safety measures effective Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.:

• Prohibit all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household;

• Close all non-essential workplaces in the construction sector;

• Reduce capacity limits to 25 per cent in all retail settings where in-store shopping is permitted. This includes supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers' markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies; and,

• Close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses, basketball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds with limited exceptions.

In addition, effective Monday, April 19, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is limiting the capacity of weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 10 people indoors or outdoors. Social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions are prohibited, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone. Drive-in services will be permitted.

All other public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake (i.e., curbside pick-up and delivery only), will continue to apply.

To further support "hot spot" communities where COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted certain neighbourhoods, as part of Phase Two of the government's COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, the government is committed to dedicating 25 per cent of future vaccine allocations to the 13 public health regions with historic and ongoing high rates of death, hospitalization and COVID-19 transmission.

"As we see the trends in key health indicators deteriorate to levels far exceeding anything we have seen before, it is necessary to follow public health and workplace safety measures given this continued and rapid case growth," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "By staying at home and limiting travel for essential purposes only, such as getting groceries or going to a medical appointment or to get vaccinated, we can reduce mobility and help interrupt transmission of this virus."

Quick Facts

• Emergency orders currently in force under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act have been extended until May 5, 2021, as the province continues to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. In addition, orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, with the exception of O.Reg. 241/20 (Special Rules Re Temporary Pandemic Pay), have been extended until May 20, 2021.
• Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government issued a provincewide Stay-At-Home order that requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
• Based on the latest modelling data, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and ICU occupancy are continuing to increase rapidly and are now at their highest levels since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the province have increased by 29.2 per cent between the period of April 7 and 13, 2021. In addition, between April 8 and 14, 2021, Ontario has seen the number of patients in intensive care due to COVID related critical illness increase from 552 to 659, and admissions are projected to rise to over 1,000 patients by the end of the month. Over the past week, the positivity rate in the province is at 7.2 per cent, well above the high-alert threshold of 2.5 per cent.
• Today the government also confirmed that, as announced in the Budget, second payments of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant would start to be made early next week.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert App. Visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the nearest testing location.

Text originally from the Office of the Premier

TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"The Covid-19 situation is at a critical stage and we must act quickly and decisively to stay ahead of these deadly new variants," said Premier Ford. "By imposing these strict new measures we will keep people safe while allowing our vaccination program to reach more people, starting with our high risk population and identified hot spots. Although this is difficult, I urge everyone to follow these public health measures and together we will defeat this deadly virus."

Case rates, hospitalizations, and ICU occupancy are increasing rapidly, threatening to overwhelm the health care system. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the province have increased by 28.2 per cent between the period of March 28 and April 5, 2021. In addition, between March 28 and April 5, 2021, Ontario has seen the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care escalate by 25 per cent. While every action possible is being taken to increase capacity and continue daily surgeries and procedures, the province is reaching a tipping point.

Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. As Ontario's health care capacity is threatened, the Stay-at-Home order, and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will work to preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations and save lives.

Retail

In addition, the province is also strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. Measures include, but are not limited to:

• Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions;
• Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes, including access for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, with one single designated location inside the shopping mall, and any number of designated locations outside the shopping mall, along with other restrictions;
• Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only;
• Permitting the following stores to operate for in-person retail by appointment only and subject to a 25 per cent capacity limit and restricting allowable hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. with the delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.:
  • Safety supply stores;
  • Businesses that primarily sell, rent or repair assistive devices, aids or supplies, mobility devices, aids or supplies or medical devices, aids or supplies;
  • Rental and leasing services including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;
  • Optical stores that sell prescription eyewear to the public;
  • Businesses that sell motor vehicles, boats and other watercraft;
  • Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services; and
  • Retail stores operated by a telecommunications provider or service, which may only permit members of the public to enter the premises to purchase a cellphone or for repairs or technical support.
• Permitting outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, to operate with a 25 per cent capacity limit and a restriction on hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

These additional and strengthened public health and workplace safety measures will be in effect as of Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. 

Education

Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.

In addition, beginning next week, education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs across the province, and all education workers in select hot spot areas, will be eligible to register for vaccination. Vaccinations will commence during the April break starting with priority neighborhoods in Toronto and Peel, then rolling out to priority neighborhoods in other hot spot regions, including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. This will be followed by a rollout across the province as supply allows.

 "While our government took decisive action by implementing the provincewide emergency brake, more needs to be done to protect against the threats to our health system resources and the continued health and safety of individuals and families across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "By further strengthening public health and workplace safety measures, we can work to reduce transmission of the virus while we work to rollout Phase 2 of our vaccine distribution plan, and put more needles in the arms of Ontarians."

"The rapid and increasing spread of COVID-19 and the variants of concern pose significant threats to our health care system and the well-being of Ontarians, requiring immediate and decisive action," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. "The declaration of a third provincial emergency is necessary to provide the government with the tools needed to help protect the public, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives."

Vaccinations

As part of Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, people living in regions with the highest rates of transmission will be prioritized to receive a vaccine, starting with the most at-risk in the Peel and Toronto public health regions. This initiative will be expanded to additional "hot spot" regions based on established patterns of transmission, severe illness, and mortality.

To support this expanded vaccination effort, mobile teams are being organized to administer vaccines in high-risk congregate settings, residential buildings, faith-based locations, and locations occupied by large employers in hot spot neighbourhoods to individuals aged 18 or over. Pop-up clinics will also be set-up in highly impacted neighborhoods, including at faith-based locations and community centres in those hot spots, in collaboration with public health units and community organizations within those communities. The province will provide additional resources to support these mobile and pop-up clinics in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods.

The government will also extend booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to more age groups through its provincial booking system, for public health regions with highly impacted neighbourhoods, on Friday, April 9, 2021. Booking eligibility will be extended to include individuals aged 50 and over for COVID-19 vaccination appointments at mass immunization clinics in high-risk areas as identified by postal code, using the provincial booking system.

Workplace Inspections

Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job. There have been 19,500 COVID-related workplace inspections and investigations across the province since the beginning of 2021. During those visits, over 450 COVID-19 related tickets have been issued and OHS inspectors have issued over 14,446 OHS orders and stopped unsafe work related to COVID-19 a total of 24 times.

Rapid Testing

Rapid testing continues to be deployed in workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. Approximately 5.4 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 100 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program. To encourage the use of these tests under the program, additional outreach will occur to employers in regions with highest rates of transmission to increase access to testing, and the process for enrollment in the screening program will be streamlined to allow for quick access to these supports.

"As we continue to see COVID-19 variants of concern drive this third wave of COVID-19, it is evident stronger public health and workplace measures are needed to help interrupt the spread of the virus," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "By all of us staying at home, while still taking some time to enjoy the outdoors with the people we live with in our local neighbourhoods and maintaining two metres physical distance from others, we can reduce our mobility, minimize transmission, protect our loved ones and our communities, safeguard health system capacity, and save lives."

Quick Facts

• Over the past week, the province’s positivity rate is 5.1 per cent, well above the high-alert threshold of 2.5 per cent, and as of April 6, 2021, there has been a total of 2,483 cases with one of the three variants of concern (VoC). The percent of cases in the last week that tested positive for a mutation or VOC was 63.1 per cent.
• On Saturday April 3, 2021, in response to an alarming surge in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province and in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the government imposed a provincewide emergency brake, implementing additional time-limited public health and workplace safety measures, including encouraging remote work in all industries to the greatest extent possible and the closure of additional workplaces, further capacity limits on some essential businesses which are able to remain open, and strengthened advice on limiting trips outside of the home for essential reasons.
• On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, or exercising outdoors with members of their household in our their communities. Individuals should remain in their local communities and avoid all non-essential travel – even within the province – and to stay home when ill even with mild symptoms. Employers in all industries should make every effort to allow employees to work from home.
• To ensure that every person who requires care in a hospital can access a bed, the government has invested more than $5.1 billion to support hospitals since the start of the pandemic, creating more than 3,100 additional hospital beds and 500 critical care and high intensity medicine beds. This includes $1.8 billion in 2021–22 to continue providing care for COVID-19 patients, addressing surgical backlogs and keeping pace with patient needs through its Ontario's Action Plan: Protecting People's Health and Our Economy.
• The Ontario government continues to implement its High Priority Communities Strategy to provide targeted supports to communities hardest hit by COVID-19. In these communities 1,000 Community Ambassadors have been mobilized, 30 community testing sites have been opened and nearly 36,000 PPE kits have been distributed to community members.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert App. Visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the nearest testing location.

Information provided via Ontario.ca

Does your business have an effective energy strategy? To meet its sustainability targets by 2030, Canada has set a bold climate action plan, including a carbon tax that puts a price on pollution. For businesses, this requires ambitious emission reduction goals and effective sustainability plans. 

As Canada's energy transition happens before our eyes, having a cost-effective renewable energy strategy is rapidly becoming a must for organizations, both small and large. 

With the addition of Anova Energy to the Canadian Chamber’s Chamber Business Services offerings, you can now access exclusive green energy rates that are only available to members. Anova Energy is a leading Canadian energy brokerage that advises organizations in developing and implementing energy strategies. That includes Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), Carbon Offsets, and other strategic energy solutions. 

How Anova Energy can help you reduce your carbon emissions 

• Review REC quotes — Renewable energy certificates enable you to offset your carbon footprint and support renewable energy generation. Purchasing RECs means you're buying your electricity from renewable sources and thus reducing your carbon emissions.  
• Review Carbon Offset quotes — Carbon offsets are ideal to compensate for your business' carbon footprint. When you buy these credits, you're directly investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Both RECs and offsets can be used for CO2 compliance purposes.

Why Anova Energy?

• Get tailored, unbiased advice — Anova Energy works as an independent broker and ensures our clients are provided with unbiased information allowing our partners to make a fully informed decision on their long-term energy strategy. 
• Get the best rates — With extensive experience and long-term relationships in the Canadian energy market, we offer incomparable market intelligence and depth of knowledge in strategic energy solutions. 

To review the comprehensive energy solutions Anova can offer your business, contact the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce's Anova contact at siddha.mahajan@anovaenergy.ca or by calling (780) 628 1857, remember to say how you heard about them!  

The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to join the Chamber Partnership Initiative to Support Business Growth and Student Career Development across Canada 

The Chamber Partnership Initiative brings together local chambers and boards of trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, job seekers, and post-secondary institutions to support economic recovery and opportunities for student job seekers from coast to coast, across Canada.

The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce is among the local chambers and boards of trade across Canada that will partner with Magnet and the Talent Opportunity Program (TOP) to connect chamber members to the Magnet platform, a digital social enterprise at Ryerson University. Through Magnet, businesses can connect with new talent, access business growth opportunities and tools to navigate the impacts of a changing labour market and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed Canada’s social and economic landscape, leaving a significant impact on hiring capacity, operations, and business growth opportunities. The partnership is part of a nation-wide effort to connect local chambers and their members to a network of hiring tools and business growth resources in a single digital space.

Key to the partnership between Magnet and local chambers is connecting businesses of all sizes and industries to opportunities to hire young talent and access wage subsidies through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).* Funded by the Government of Canada, SWPP allows employers to access wage subsidies of up to $7,500 when they hire Canadian post-secondary students for work integrated learning experiences.

“Ensuring a strong economic recovery depends on the success of our students and youth. Programs like the Student Work Placement Program exist to provide post-secondary students with the chance to grow professionally and develop new skills while working in sectors that are in line with their interests and field of study,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough. “Our Government’s investment in Magnet will go a long way in helping young Canadians gain meaningful placement opportunities in a variety of disciplines including health care and other high demand sectors, all of which play an especially important role in responding to the current pandemic.”

“The combination of a national recruitment platform and the SWPP wage subsidy will be an important resource for our members,” says Denise Benning-Reid, Manager of the Bobcaygeon Chamber. “The Chamber Partnership Initiative represents an innovative and necessary approach to helping small businesses grow, connecting early talent to new opportunities, and emerging from this challenge stronger and better.”

Whether businesses need to access specialty skills such as digital marketing, bring on flexible workers or inject fresh, innovative thinking, tapping into the next generation of talent from Canada’s post-secondary schools is a great way to boost business. As businesses work toward recovery, SWPP will be a valuable resource in not only supporting new hires, but helping businesses offset costs.

The Chamber Partnership Initiative will support access to the following key features through Magnet’s platform:

Nationwide student recruitment: Hiring a student? Use the Outcome Campus Connect functionality to reach student job seekers across 85+ post-secondary institutions with one click.

Financial support for student hiring: Wage subsidies of up to $7,500 available to employers to hire post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).

Intelligent job matching: Employers can target job postings directly to job seekers based on skills, experience, education, and industry-specific certifications.

Diverse hiring: Employers know the value of a diverse workforce. Build more inclusive and equitable hiring practices with the Hire Immigrants and Discover Ability resource hubs. Magnet’s platform also enables diverse and inclusive hiring with tools that target LGBTQ candidates, newcomers, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, women, and visible minorities.

Customized business growth content: Access to export-related opportunities and business growth information from Magnet content partners, including OCC, Export Development Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Global Affairs Canada and the Future Skills Centre.

Working with chambers and boards of trade across Canada, the Chamber Partnership Initiative will support businesses in all sectors in accessing Magnet’s intelligent job matching technology.

Local businesses are invited to create their free Magnet account today at their Chamber Portal and instantly connect with a national network of job seekers, employers, and post-secondary institutions.

For more information, please contact:

Denise Benning-Reid
Manager, Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
manager.chamber@bobcaygeon.org
416-710-3899

Luke Nixon-Janssen
Senior Manager, Industry Engagement
Magnet
luke.nixon@ryerson.ca
416-436-8846

Louie Di Palma
Vice President, SME Programs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
louiedipalma@occ.ca
647-243-3539

About Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce

The Bobcaygeon Chamber is the busiest service provider in our community with responsibilities that involve business advocacy and support, Service Ontario licensing and tourism information. We are committed to providing leadership, support and communication for a healthy business community, and to ensure a high quality of life for all. 

About the Chamber Partnership Initiative

The Chamber Partnership Initiative is part of a suite of programs funded by the Federal Government to support economic recovery across Canada, in partnership with chambers of commerce and boards of trade, small and medium-sized businesses, post-secondary institutions, and communities from coast to coast.

Magnet is a digital platform with a mission to accelerate inclusive economic growth across Canada by advancing careers, businesses and communities.

Magnet and the TOP, in partnership with provincial and regional chambers and boards of trade from coast to coast, will deliver a range of supports targeted at employers, students and local communities, through Chamber Portals across the country.

*Funded by the Government of Canada

Temporary Bridge Closure: Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge 

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Peterborough, Ontario, October 13, 2020 – Parks Canada would like to inform the public that the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge on Main St. (at Canal St.) will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic over the winter months. The bridge will be closed on or after October 26, 2020, pending the approval of Contractor submissions, and will open in the spring of 2021, prior to the opening of navigation on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

A temporary, accessible pedestrian bridge will be installed across the canal near the downstream lock gates. The area around the cenotaph will remain outside of the construction site.

Public safety is a priority for Parks Canada. Residents and visitors are advised to follow detour signage and to exercise caution.

Engineering inspections in recent years have indicated that this bridge requires intervention. Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

To ask questions or register to receive updates about any Trent-Severn Waterway construction project, please contact us at Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca and include the project name in the subject heading. More details about this work, or other construction work in your region, can be found at www.pc.gc.ca/tswKawarthaLakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Lindsay, ON) April 6, 2020 - Businesses across Kawartha Lakes are showing tremendous leadership by pledging over $70,000 since the fund announcement last week to help with the urgent needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. “We’re so grateful that those who can in the community have stepped up and come together to help support the patients, loved ones, and healthcare workers dealing with the devastation of the virus. I want to personally thank the companies and individuals who have already donated,” said Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Stewart Morrison Insurance president and founding director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. Local businesses, including Kawartha Dairy, Whitney Plastics Limited, British Empire Fuels and Bigley Shoes and Clothing, are opening their hearts and wallets to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund.  “This is a very tragic time at Pinecrest Nursing Home and for our community of Bobcaygeon. It is very sad and our hearts go out to all the Pinecrest residents, employees and family members associated with this unfortunate situation. This is a small town and many of us have relatives, friends and neighbours who have been impacted. Our prayers are with them. In an effort to help, Kawartha Dairy is making a $10,000 donation to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund aimed at helping those affected by the outbreak," said Allison Shaw, Kawartha Dairy Donations Committee Coordinator. Morrison Nicholls and the Community Foundation are appealing once again to companies and individuals for much-needed donations as the Pinecrest Nursing Home continues to be the site of one of the worst known outbreaks in the province. “This is truly a great start and these generous donations show we are stronger together. Today, I hope others will join in and give what they can to help our neighbours, friends, and families through this crisis,” added Morrison Nicholls. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes will oversee the fund. The new fund was started to champion inclusion, innovation, and prosperity by connecting people, partnerships, projects, and philanthropy. The Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide immediate support including food, transportation, technology, and metal wellness counselling. To donate, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at 705-731-9775 or by email info@kawarthafoundation.ca. We are encouraging the use of e-transfer to the email - info@kawarthafoundation.ca. In a separate email, please provide your full name, address and date of deposit for the benefit of a tax receipt, as well as the answer to security question. Otherwise cheques can be mailed to: Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, c/o Stewart Morrison Insurance, 158 Lindsay Street South, Lindsay ON K9V 4S1 For more information about the relief fund and to set up an interview via phone or video conference, contact:

On behalf of Marlene Morrison Nicholls Sophie Wotten, Marketing and Events Coordinator Stewart Morrison Insurance sophie@stewartmorrison.ca 705-324-6681 stewartmorrison.ca

Margaret Cunningham, Foundation Coordinator, Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes margaret@jacksgroup.ca 705-879-2719 kawarthafoundation.ca