January has been quite a month. Last week we experienced a significant weather event with heavy snowfall and drifting conditions; in fact, one of the largest storms to impact Scugog in years. The Township Public Works and Parks staff did an excellent job in clearing our roads and sidewalks. Thank you to all our great snow clearing operations staff.
January also brought the return of restrictions and capacity limits in light of high rates of infections impacting hospitals along with staffing shortages in many workplaces. These restrictions will remain in place until January 31st, 2022. On January 31st, we will see an easing of these restrictions. Staff are reviewing the provincial information and working to reopen at the end of January. Details on facilities, programs and services will be made available on Scugog.ca/covid19.
Committee and Council meetings were busy this month with presentations on the draft Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP) as well the Scugog Environmental Advisory Committee presenting on steps to potentially implement a Tree By-law in Scugog.
The ITSP provides the Township with an important roadmap to fully modernize our service delivery that will help us increase/meet customer and service delivery expectations in today’s technology-focused world. This plan has been approved by Council, and we look forward to the next steps towards implementation. We are excited about our first major application update, which is CloudPermit this will provide access to several services related to Building, By-law and Planning online. This project is a cooperative approach with Brock, Uxbridge and Scugog working together to bring this service to our residents.
As indicated, members from the Scugog Environmental Advisory Committee (SEAC) presented to the Planning and Community Affairs Committee regarding establishing a Tree By-law for the Township of Scugog. We are fortunate to have such an active community of volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference. Staff will now review and work with the SEAC on this initiative.
Another dedicated community member, John Mackey with Port Perry Marina, has volunteered to create a skating oval on Lake Scugog in front of Palmer Park again this year. This is an exciting project that will allow people to get outside and enjoy a skate on the lake. A big thank you to staff and John Mackey for working together to make this outdoor skating oval a reality.
On February 7th, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., we will host a Virtual Open House to obtain your input on the Township of Scugog Draft Operating Budget. This is an important opportunity for the public to provide input on priorities for you, your family and the community. We will be discussing the valued services affecting residents daily, along with service delivery and plans to take care of our infrastructure (roads, bridges, facilities, and vehicles). You are requested to submit any questions or comments about the budget in advance of the Open House to my.scugog.ca/budget or email budget@scugog.ca. This will help to have responses shared during the presentation.
With the uncertainties during the start of 2022, we continue to do all we can to ensure our staff and public are safe. Visit scugog.ca for updates regarding the pending reopening of our facilities. Be kind to each other and yourselves. Stay safe and stay well.