Monday, June 21st, marked National Indigenous Peoples Day. I was joined by members of Scugog Council and Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations (MSIFN) to dedicate a Land Acknowledgement. The Land Acknowledgement recognizes the Township of Scugog is situated on the Treaty and traditional territory of the MSIFN, and a plaque will be permanently installed at the front of the Township of Scugog Municipal Office. I would like to thank the local school children who also participated and residents who have placed shoes on the front steps of the municipal office. The dedication opened with church bells, followed by a moment of silence to honour all of the children and their families who suffered due to the residential school system. Please visit scugog.ca/MSIFN to read the full Land Acknowledgment and a brief history on the official MSIFN flag that has been proudly flown for almost 10 years.
COVID-19 vaccinations are well underway through Durham Region Public Health. Vaccine appointments are subject to the provincial vaccine supply, and we thank residents for their patience. Durham Region Health indicated shipments for Pfizer are currently delayed. The Moderna vaccine continues to be available for those 18+ in Durham Region. To book an appointment with Durham Region Public Health, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113.
The Township of Scugog is preparing for the province to move to Step 2. Birdseye Pool and the splash pad are open. Summer camps begin July 5th. For details on the available camps, service level changes and registration information, visit scugog.ca. All camp, aquatic and recreation programs are subject to change based on local and provincial health directives.
Staff are hard at work applying for provincial and federal grants to support capital projects like the Blackstock Recreation Complex Phase 1 build. When applications for grants are announced, we look at our projects and see what would apply. We recently received $100,000 from a joint federal and provincial funding to repair our popular Joe Fowler picnic shelter located on our waterfront. Small municipalities rely heavily on funding opportunities from the upper levels of government, and we thank them for their investment in Scugog. Canada Day will be a virtual celebration this year. To help get you and your family in the spirit, Scugog is offering complimentary Canada Day Celebration Kits. They will be available at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. Each kit will include pancake mix and maple syrup, sweet treats, a mini Township of Scugog beach ball, Scugog Tourism sunglasses, a set of five historic postcards to commemorate Port Perry 150th, and a limited-edition Doors of Port Perry poster. Please email events@scugog.ca for information. As things start to open up and we head into summer, you can feel the excitement in the community.
The businesses are opening, and I would like to remind you to shop local and support our local businesses. As June comes to a close, I hope everyone stays safe and has a wonderful summer; you all deserve it!