On Saturday, May 21st, 2022, a severe storm impacted Scugog with heavy rain and high winds, causing downed trees and hydro lines. Hydro infrastructure experienced significant damage with over 1,000 broken poles, downed power lines, countless trees, and large branches causing power outages. This damage necessitated some area road closures until downed power lines and trees could be removed from roadways. On Saturday, we were advised that all power had been restored to Scugog residents. I am so incredibly grateful to our staff from Public Works and Infrastructure Services, Community Services and Fire and Emergency Services areas, along with our energy partners Hydro One, Elexicon and others who assisted in the cleanup. There was a lot of work to clear the roadways and restore power, and I know that cleanup work will continue for many weeks. Thank you to our incredible community for their patience and neighbourly assistance offered to one another. Thank you to the Region of Durham Social Services, Emergency Management team for coordinating wellness checks and the Salvation Army for sending their mobile canteen truck to Caesarea last week, providing coffee and refreshments to residents without power.
We are thinking of our neighbours in Uxbridge as well, and we hope that all impacted by this storm receive the assistance they need and recover as quickly as possible.
Summer is fast approaching, and we are so pleased that Scugog will play host to many returning in-person events. Please visit scugogtoursim.ca for upcoming events. Be sure to register for the upcoming Canoe the Nonquon event on Saturday, June 4th, with proceeds going to support the Scugog Shores Museum and Village. Many significant proclamations and significant dates are coming up in June. June marks Pride Month, and the Township of Scugog is proud to wave the Pride Flag at our municipal office as well as new Pride banners along the waterfront. June also marks Parks and Recreation Month. June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and we are looking forward to commemorating a day of reflection and an official unveiling of our Land Acknowledgement at the municipal office.
Happy to announce that we will be hosting a Mayor’s Gala on November 3rd, 2022. Council approved an Ad–hoc Committee be established to help assist with planning. In the past, the community has supported the gala, and I am looking forward to bringing the community together again. All surplus funds raised will be donated to three charities: Oak Ridges Hospice of Durham, Port Perry Hospital Foundation, and the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project.
I am excited to bring on summer fun and see many of you enjoying all we have to offer, including the return of our Lakefront Farmers Market and music in the park on Sundays this summer. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy. All the best for a safe and happy summer.