Ministry of Labour investigates accident at local workplace
KAWARTHA LAKES: An investigation has begun after someone was injured at a Lindsay workplace. According to Kawartha Lakes Police (KLPS), on Wednesday, March 2nd, at 10:56 a.m., members of the local police service, along with Kawartha Lakes firefighters and paramedics, were called to a “Kent Street West address for a workplace accident.” “A 72-year-old male was transported to [the] hospital with unknown injuries after falling into an open pit,” a statement from KLPS read. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has confirmed, to The Standard, they are looking into the incident.
Scugog brings back in person meetings
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is working on a plan to bring councillors back into council chambers. At a recent meeting, Scugog Council voted to have Council, General Purpose, Administration, and Planning and Community Affairs meetings return to an in-person format on Monday, March 28th. However, the motion also stated, the April 11th meeting will be held virtually, due to “construction in Council Chambers.”
Ontario lifts masking rule
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: The Ontario government has confirmed the masking requirement will be lifted for most settings in the province, later this month. “With continued improvement in trends, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings, on March 21st, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings,” a statement, released on Wednesday, March 9th, from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore read.
MSIFN, Township agreement
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) signed off on a new municipal services agreement on Tuesday, March 8th. The agreement sees the Township provide the MSIFN with road maintenance, fire and emergency services at a fixed cost of $1.5 million. The Township will allocate those funds to the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project.
Jason Ward withdraws from race
KAWARTHA LAKES: Jason Ward has taken himself out of the race to be Kawartha Lakes’ next mayor. In a social media statement to residents, posted on Tuesday, March 8th, Mr. Ward announced he was withdrawing from the mayoral race.
DDSB removes masking rule
DURHAM: As the mask mandate lifts in most settings across the province, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) has confirmed they will no longer require their students to wear masks. “Further to Wednesday’s announcement, on changes to province-wide public health and safety measures and yesterday’s Board of Trustees meeting, we are writing to confirm, as of March 21st, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will no longer be required to wear a mask while at school. The Durham Region Health Department has also indicated they are following the provincial guidance released on Wednesday and are not recommending additional measures for schools or daycares at this time,” read a letter to parents from Education director Norah Marsh.
Military exercises in Uxbridge
UXBRIDGE: Members of 32 Territorial Battalion Group (32 TBG) exercised their communications and logistical capabilities on Saturday, March 19th and Sunday, March 20th, 2022. A Headquarters element was set up at Markham Fairgrounds, which communicated between one Command Post in Tottenham, and another Command Post in Uxbridge, at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. Members of the public saw military vehicles on roads and highways in and around Markham, Tottenham, and Uxbridge, as 32 Service Battalion conducted a Driver-Wheeled course. Military vehicles were driven between these three locations in support of exercise activities, as soldiers earn sufficient mileage towards their qualifications.
Kawartha Lakes salary increase
KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes council has approved a salary increase for councillors, effective at the start of the next council term. At a meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd, councillors approved a motion to adjust council members’ salaries, “by the lesser of two [percent] annually or the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” effective at the start of the 2022-2026 term of council.
Town Hall 1873 funding
SCUGOG: The board of directors of Town Hall 1873 and the Township of Scugog are excited to announce they have received funding from the government of Canada's investing in Canada Program (ICIP): community, culture and recreation stream. The project will include restoring the historic bell tower, renovating the main floor spaces, and installing a fully accessible freight and passenger elevator to all levels of the theatre. Work for this project has already commenced and will continue into 2027.
First Influenza case in two years
KAWARTHA LAKES: The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) has their first lab-confirmed case of Influenza in the health unit area in nearly two years. The first confirmed case of the 2022 flu season was announced in an HKPR press release, sent out on Thursday, March 24th, which stated, “No flu activity was reported across the Health Unit region during the 2020-2021 influenza season.”
Councillor Ashmore pay suspension
KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes has decided to sanction Ward 6 Councillor Ron Ashmore, after an Integrity Commissioner determined he had violated multiple sections of the council's code of conduct. At a meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd, it was announced Councillor Ashmore's remuneration would be suspended for 14 days.
Bobbie Drew not running again
SCUGOG: Mayor Bobbie Drew announced she would not be seeking re-election in the 2022 municipal election. “After 31 years in locally elected positions, l would like to share that I will not be seeking re-election this fall. It is time to embrace life, explore the world and enjoy new activities. Most importantly, it is a promise I made a few years ago to my family and loved ones to spend more time together. With the support they have given to me over the years, they now deserve to have more time devoted to them,” Mayor Drew wrote.
Many local names on Sunshine list
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA: Many municipal officials and staff members made it onto the Ontario government’s 2021 public sector salary disclosure list. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Sunshine List’, the list annually reports on all public sector employees who make $100,000 or more.16 Township of Scugog employees made it onto this year’s list. Eight Uxbridge Township employees were also featured on the list. Several Kawartha Lakes officials were on the list as well.
Jesse Michel headed to Israel
SCUGOG: Port Perry native Jesse Michel takes his hockey talents to the Israeli Elite Hockey League. However, he will be doing so in an entirely new role. Michel, who has previously suited up as a goaltender throughout his career, will be playing as a left winger for the Jerusalem Capitals.
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