Mayor’s Message June 25, 2020
On June 9th, 2020 Scugog Firefighters responded to a call that resulted in an explosion. I would like to acknowledge our Scugog Fire Service and say thank you to our incredible team of Firefighters. Firefighters were injured when responding and we are very grateful that they are all home and recovering. I would also like to say thank you to our neighbouring services from Uxbridge, Clarington and Kawartha Lakes for responding as well as Durham Region Police and Durham Region Paramedic Services for their assistance. Our firefighters are amazing and I am in awe of such bravery in the face of danger. We are truly grateful and thank you for your care and dedication to our community and fire protection services.
I would like to also thank the group Port Perry Stands With You for hosting peaceful demonstrations supporting Black Lives Matter in Port Perry on June 13th and 20th. They respected the physical distancing and requested all participants to wear masks. This is an important time in our history and an opportunity to affect change. We all have been greatly impacted by the events happening around the globe responding to systemic racism and discrimination. There is a need to build alliances and seek solutions to achieve safer and more inclusive communities. Scugog supports change to embrace diversity and inclusion and supports the efforts of the Durham Regional Police Service in their efforts to pursue equality, and embrace inclusion and diversity through their training and their Equity and Inclusion Unit.
The Township of Scugog continues to operate under a declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. I have had people share concerns as things begin to open up. We all have a responsibility to each other to be patient and kind during these very stressful times. Everyone has their own personal comfort level when interacting with people as well many of us may be in a vulnerable category or have a vulnerable family member. Please continue to practice physical distancing when out in the community, support our local stores, carry hand sanitizer and please, as a courtesy, wear a mask when shopping.
As we enter the Stage 2 openings, staff will be bringing a report forward to Council outlining a plan for the reopening of Stage 2 Municipal facilities and services on June 29th, 2020. The Township needs to ensure that we follow the guidelines established by the province and our health officials, protect the public and staff as well assess and report on the viability and financial considerations for reopening. I am happy to share the splash pad opened on Friday providing some relief from the extreme heat. Note there is a limit of 10 people in the splash pad at one time.
Township staff continue to work in combination of in office and at home. We are still providing service to the community for a variety of functions including permits and payments. Road, sidewalk and some capital projects are continuing to move forward.
A key project that is continuing is the Port Perry Waterfront Action Plan. There has been a release of three proposed options for the development of the lands along the waterfront based on extensive public consultation this past year. Please visit our new engagement site at my.scugog.ca to participate in an interactive survey of the options and design elements.
With Canada Day coming soon, we are proud to host a virtual Canada Day celebration on Wednesday, July 1st,, 2020. Our Scugog event begins with a pre-show at 1:30 pm on July 1st featuring local shout outs from businesses, kids’ corner videos with our Recreation staff and a special interview with NHL prospect and Gold medal winner for Team Canada, Ty Dellandrea. We then join the Region wide Canada Day the Durham Way from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. tune into Township of Scugog Facebook page to enjoy. The celebration will also air concurrently on Rogers Television. You can visit scugogtourism.ca/canadaday for a complete schedule of events and performances