Effective Monday, November 23rd, the province moved municipalities within the Region of Durham to the Red–Control level for COVID-19. Sadly, over the last few weeks, the numbers in Durham Region are trending up, including three active cases in home isolation in Scugog. The changes from level Orange to Red targets specific restrictions to numbers in gatherings, public spaces, fitness centres, restaurants and businesses. Active COVID-19 assessments and contact tracing records are expected. I urge local establishments to visit the province of Ontario COVID-19 page for details. Our staff have outlined what the changes mean to Scugog and our municipal services. The main areas impacted are some cancellation of programs through Scugog Recreation, reduction in numbers for ice programs and in meeting and event spaces. Our Municipal Office and Fire Administration staff will provide services though other options like telephone, email and online meetings. However, if an in person meeting is needed, staff will arrange an appointment. The drop box system for payments and applications remains available and may be accessed through the back door at 181 Perry Street. I encourage you to visit Scugog.ca/covid19 for full details. If you need an in person appointment, please call 905-985-7346 or email mail@scguog.ca. All visitors with an appointment must check in with staff and answer a COVID-19 assessment questionnaire. Reservations are required to visit the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. Please call recreation at 905-985-2697. Scugog services remain available and many projects and initiatives will continue to be delivered. On November 24th, the project team for the Port Perry Waterfront Action Plan facilitated three virtual workshops to provide an overview of the design concepts for our waterfront lands and take feedback from the public. If you were unable to participate, please visit My.scugog.ca/waterfront to view a copy of the presentation and leave your feedback. Many families and businesses are now preparing and embracing this year’s holiday season. Despite COVID-19, I am very impressed and thankful for our community groups coming forward with positive ideas and options to enjoy the holidays. Please keep in mind COVID-19 provincial restrictions are in place and activities may be subject to change. I would like to share a few options for your family to partake in. • Virtual Santa Claus Parade–December 5th at 5 p.m. on Scugog Chamber YouTube, scugogchamber.ca, Rogers TV, Cable 10 in Scugog. • Christmas Lights Contest–Register by December 5th. Judging December 15th to 21st, Winner notification December 23rd Visit scugogchamber.ca for details. •Horse Drawn Carriage Rides–December 5th & 6th, December 12th & 13th, December 19th & 20th, December 24th–Pick up at Titlers on Queen Street. Visit discoverportperry.ca for details. • Santa Visits–December 3rd, 12th and 19th–Titlers on Queen Street, front porch. Visit discoverportperry.ca for details. •Scugog Arts Christmas Market–November 14th to January 2nd Visit scugogarts.ca for details. •Bakersville Virtual Gingerbread Houses–Calling for your photos to be enjoyed through their Facebook page. I commend each and every one of you for doing your part in the fight against COVID-19. It is no surprise that some individuals went above and beyond in their efforts to support their community. Each January, we usually host a Mayor’s Levee and Honour Roll Award Ceremony to recognize outstanding individuals in the community. This year, we have created the ‘Celebrate Your Community Hero’ initiative. I call on my fellow Councillors, residents and business owners to send to us the name, picture and story of a special person. Maybe it is a front line healthcare worker; a young volunteer that delivered groceries; or business owner that went above and beyond. There are so many everyday heroes that emerged through COVID-19. Through the month of December, visit My.Scugog.ca to submit your community hero story. Every hero will be recognized by the Township. Please remember to stay local and support local this season. Shopping locally from the comfort of your home can be done through Durham Region’s new online marktplace at shopdurhamregion.ca. Many wonderful Scugog shops and vendors are listed there and ready to serve you. Thank you Scugog for staying vigilant with COVID-19, keeping to your immediate families and heeding public health guidelines. Be well and keep safe.
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