MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Bobbie Drew, Township of Scugog
I hope you all had an enjoyable summer and that the fall and school year brings a sense of renewed optimism and good health. We had a wonderful summer offering camps, the new Park and Play, bringing camp fun to local parks, swimming lessons and safe outdoor activities at the museum. We welcomed close to 600 children this summer, and I thank the camp, aquatic and museum staff, our community partners and parents, and kids for a very successful season. As the province continues the Step 3 Reopening Plan and as vaccinations increase, we are hopeful to see an improvement. Scugog municipal services continue to be offered by phone or virtually, and the document dropbox remains available. Senior staff are reviewing the logistics and provincial guidelines to reopen in-person services this fall safely. To connect with staff, please continue to use the staff directory at scugog.ca/contact or call 905-985-7346 for assistance. If you have an appointment, please ensure your COVID-19 screening form has been completed to show staff.
On September 22nd, Ontario’s proof of vaccination requirement came into effect for select public settings such as restaurants, meeting and event spaces and facilities used for sports and recreation. In Scugog, all patrons 12 years and older must provide proof of vaccination along with identification on each visit. Proof of vaccination does not apply to youth 12 to 17 years old who actively participate in organized sport (training, practices, games and competitions). Please review the provincial COVID-19 website for full details on proof of vaccination and information on medical exemptions.
Individuals can provide proof of vaccination by downloading or printing their vaccine receipt from the province booking portal or by calling the Province Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. When visiting these select locations, remember to leave yourself a little extra time to show your receipt. Please treat those following the provincial mandate to check vaccine receipts with respect, patience and kindness.
On Thursday, September 30th, our country recognizes the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It also provides all of us an opportunity to learn more about indigenous peoples and cultures, including the painful truths related to the Residential School system. We have added some educational resources related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on our website, scugog.ca.
Coming up on October 3rd will be a celebration in the culmination of the events and specials offered for Port Perry’s 150th birthday! All year long, the Port Perry 150 committee has organized many activities, events and commemorative swag to mark the sesquicentennial. Recently, the Port Perry Pedals raised close to $2,000 in support of the Hospital Foundation campaign. The October 3rd birthday event is being planned with provincial and regional health regulations in mind. The day’s event includes a Sunrise Church Service, Pancake Breakfast, Craft Brewery/Winery/Cider house event, Kid’s Zone, Music, Artisan Market, Town Hall Performances, Art in the Alley, and so much more. This outdoor event will take place in Palmer Park and along Water Street and Queen Street. Health guidelines recommend that even when outside, have your mask ready to put on should you come closer than 2 metres (6 feet) from others. I extend my warmest thanks and gratitude to the dedication and hard work of the Port Perry 150 committee volunteers and sponsors.
Finance staff are working on the 2022 budget. An information package and budget feedback survey is available at my.scugog.ca/budget. Please send in your questions to budget@scugog.ca to be included in the upcoming public engagement sessions.
Resident input is vital to many initiatives like the budget planning process and recently our new park design. I thank those who have submitted their feedback. If you would like to give your opinion or suggestion to the township, please visit our engagement site My Scugog to submit your thoughts and/or ideas.