As we head into spring, I look forward to residents getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Another sure sign of warmer weather is the release of our Spring Leisure Guide. Starting early April, limited in-person and virtual recreation programming will begin, including fitness, kids programming, broomball and pickleball. Staff will also continue to provide municipal services in Red-Control. Staff are available by email, phone, virtual meetings and the drop boxes remain available at the back entrance. Please email mail@scugog.ca to connect directly with a staff member or to make a virtual appointment.
COVID-19 vaccinations are underway in Durham Region. All plans are subject to vaccine supply, and if all goes according to plan, three sites will be opening in the North Durham area. Clinics will open at the Uxbridge Arena, on March 29th, followed by clinics at Scugog Arena, 1655 Reach Street, Port Perry, on March 31st, and in Brock at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre Arena, on April 3rd. These clinics will operate on a rotating basis; every week there will be one clinic scheduled for Brock and two clinics each scheduled for Uxbridge and Scugog. All clinics will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Residents 75 years and older, or who will be turning 75 this year, may now book an appointment. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113.
Recently, Council approved the 2021 Capital and Operating budget. Your Scugog property tax bill is allocated across three service levels, Township of Scugog, Durham Region and the School Boards. Only 30 percent of the property tax bill is under the control of Scugog Council. This means only 30 cents of every dollar of property taxes is available to support services, provided by the Township and manage the $500 million of infrastructure owned by the Township. The total increase this year will be 2.58 percent, with 1.5 percent going to Scugog primarily to support investing in our roads and other infrastructure. The total average increase in dollars will be approximately $9.96 per month, with $5.71 being the Township’s share. Throughout the public engagement process, we received many questions related to the budget. Staff received questions ranging from how are tax dollars spent, user fees and services, understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on our budget and questions about how we manage our aging assets. Staff have also added an additional FAQ section to address an array of budget questions common in every municipality. To view the FAQs or to ask a question, be sure to visit my.scugog.ca/budget or emaicl budget@scugog.ca
Last week, MPP Park announced that Port Perry Place has been allocated 96 new spaces and 75 upgraded spaces in addition to the 53 beds previously announced for a net new 224-bed home. Please be aware of a few opportunities to support your community this spring. Lakeridge Health Port Perry launched the ‘Here for You’ campaign to raise $4 million to bring a CT and other essential equipment to the Port Perry Hospital. This Easter, please keep Operation Scugog in mind. They are in need of non-perishable items, toiletries and diapers.
As the weather continues to improve, I would like to thank our community for continuing to support our local shops and restaurants. Please follow COVID-19 regulations for the number of patrons allowed in a space; please wear your masks and be kind to business staff as they continue to serve the community.