Over last weekend, the province extended the stay-at-home order and placed additional limitations on retail, recreation amenities and outside gatherings are only permitted with people from your household. I do encourage families to get out and enjoy the fresh air, but I implore you to do so in a safe manner that follows the health guidelines. Our recreation areas and playgrounds are open with limitations, while other recreation areas like tennis courts, picnic shelters and skate parks have been closed. Please visit Scugog.ca/covid19 for the latest impacts to Scugog Recreation amenities.
COVID-19 vaccinations are underway through Durham Region Public Health and now through our local pharmacies and Medical Associates of Port Perry. Vaccine appointments are subject to the provincial vaccine supply and we thank residents for their patience. I am happy to share that the eligibility age for the Astra-Zeneca vaccine has now been opened to those 40+ years of age or turning 40 this year. Visit your local pharmacy website or if you are a patient of Medical Associates, visit their website to book your appointment. To book an appointment with Durham Region Public Health under the Phase 2 eligibility level, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113.
Durham Region has partnered with community organizations to offer seniors free transportation options to get to a vaccination appointment. Visit the transportation section of the Durham Region vaccination page for details. Additionally, Durham Region Transit (DRT) On Demand bus service is now offering complimentary transportation to the Scugog Community Recreation Centre (SCRC). Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has generously stepped forward, supporting this initiative to temporarily fund the rides to assist in getting Durham residents to their vaccination. The On Demand service will pick you up at any bus stop or in front of your home in the rural areas, it will then take you to the temporary stop at the SCRC entrance for your scheduled vaccination appointment.
I would like to thank OPG for providing funding that will assist residents across the Region to access vaccination appointments.
As well, thank you to DRT, who addressed the issue and has implemented a temporary stop at the arena entrance during the vaccination clinic. Book your On Demand trip using the DRT On Demand app, visiting durhamregiontransit.com or by calling a booking agent at 1-866-247-0055. Direct service to clinics is available during clinic hours only.
This year is Port Perry’s sesquicentennial. The plans to celebrate Port Perry’s 150 birthday will look different from past celebrations. Although planned through a COVID – 19 lens, the committee is underway planning a yearlong celebration with activities, contests and expected to showcase our town, reflecting our history and appreciating all the unique things Port Perry has to offer. To start the celebrations a flag/banner design contest is underway. The planning committee is calling on the public to create a design for a commemorative flag/banner for Port Perry’s 150 birthday. Details of the banner design contest are available at
my.scugog.ca/portperry150. The designs will be judged by the Scugog Historical Society and the raising of the winning flag will be held on June 9th, 2021. Do you want to get involved in this celebration? Contact the Port Perry planning committee at PP150@scugog.ca or by phoning 905-986-4602.