As a Council, we met on Monday evening offering live-stream options for the public and electronic participation by Council representatives. We are making adjustments so that we adhere to social/physical distancing recommendations while maintaining access for the public. I know that I speak for Council when I once again thank our CAO and our Senior Management Team for their leadership and diligence and all staff for their co-operation and for coming together as a team to get through this ever changing time in order to keep the business of the township moving. Our Regional CAO’s, Clerks, Finance Directors and Communications staff meet via teleconference to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and with their combined expertise they have been developing strategies and plans to move our communities forward in a consistent manner across the Region of Durham. A huge shout out to our front line workers, our first responders and our health care workers. We are beyond grateful that you are there to meet the needs of our community. We are fortunate to have a medical system that is second to none. Keep well and keep safe. Another shout out to Operation Scugog and their wonderful volunteers. The shelves are emptying, and the demand is ramping up. If you are able, please drop off monetary or food donations at the door on the east side of the Victory Christian Centre on Wednesday afternoons (preferably) or drop in to the Church office. To the businesses of Scugog Township, thank you for being innovative in providing service and necessities such as home deliveries. Please continue to exercise extreme caution for the safety of yourselves and your customers. To the residents of Scugog, as I take my daily walks I take heart at the friendliness of those out enjoying the fresh air and exercise and who from a distance of at least 2 metres offer a wave and a greeting. The resilience of our community is heart-warming. BUT, there are some people who still don’t get it! Self-isolation is required after returning from out of the country, and that means you don’t stop for groceries on the way home from the airport or border. I have been told the Lakeside Park was full and children playing on the equipment and folks gathering in the park. We don’t have the resources to police the playgrounds we have signed with safety warnings. In addition, staff added caution tape around the structures as an added barrier. While getting fresh air, exercise along with rest and a balanced diet which are good for you and will improve your health. You do have to keep your distance and avoid touching hard surfaces. All levels of government are working hard to combat COVID-19, and we all have to be diligent and do our part to knock the heck out of that curve so we can get back to normal living sooner. Thank you to all in the community who are doing the right thing. Together we can beat this.
~Mayor Bobbie Drew