DAN CEARNS The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog has joined other Durham municipalities in declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19. The decision was made during a special council meeting held on Friday, April 3rd. “Over the last few weeks, myself, the CAO, and senior staff have been operating under an amended delegation of powers and duties bylaw that provided legislative powers to me as your Mayor, and administrative powers to the CAO to plan, evaluate and execute emergency response measures. This was a first step in preparing and planning for coordinated response in Scugog for COVID-19,” Mayor Bobbie Drew explained. “The decision to declare an emergency now, further aligns us with regional and provincial emergency management guidance, and recent provincial orders, and unites us on our efforts to flatten the curve and protect residents.” She also further explained the purpose of declaring a municipal emergency. “The declaration of a municipal emergency provides ultimate emergency decision powers, above what the delegation of authority provided. The Township will operate under the legal authority established in the Scugog emergency plan.” CAO Paul Allore will lead the township’s emergency operations team, and fire chief Mark Berney will be the community emergency management coordinator. “I would like you all to know that the health and safety of our Scugog residents remains our top priority,” Mayor Drew said. Ward 5 Councillor Lance Brown encouraged people to support local businesses during this time. “In consultation with the BIA the other day, we’re aware of the gravity of the situation as best we can be aware, as it does change all the time. I would like to remind people that there are businesses in town that are still open, and in order for us to have a lifeline of some kind, it would be prudent to remind people that if you have the opportunity or desire to purchase something, whether it be food, or services online locally, that would be immense help to these people. They are very concerned about their businesses,” he said. The Township of Uxbridge had declared a state of emergency, on Tuesday, March 31st. “I see this declaration as having two benefits,” Mayor Dave Barton said, in a press release. “The first is that it underscores the seriousness of the situation and reinforces the need for everyone to continue to isolate to prevent the spread of illness. The second benefit is that it will provide administrative tools to enable the Township to quickly respond to emerging situations, as needed to support our community.” The Region of Durham declared a State of Emergency, on Tuesday, March 24th.