Year in review – part 4 – April

Continued from “Year in Review – Part 3 – March” (https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/year-in-review-part-3-march/)

Lindsay Exhibition plans KAWARTHA LAKES: This September, residents will most likely be able to attend the Lindsay Exhibition (LEX). Recently, the Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) announced plans to hold the 2021 edition of the exhibition in person, from September 18th until September 26th.

Ontario back in lockdown DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario provincial government has imposed another province-wide COVID-19 lockdown. The lockdown went into effect on Saturday, April 3rd, and is expected to last for about a month.

Stay at home order imposed DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The province of Ontario has been placed in its third state of emergency and has also implemented a stay-at-home order. Provincial officials announced these measures on Wednesday, April 7th. The stay-at-home order went into effect on Thursday, April 8th.

Lockdown concerns Kawartha KAWARTHA LAKES: A couple of residents are concerned about the ongoing cycle of COVID-19 lockdowns in Ontario. At a Committee of the Whole meeting, on Tuesday, April 6th, councillors saw a letter from Peter and Laura Wells, outlining their concerns with the provincial government’s recent lockdown announcement.

Ops arena repurposing KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ops Community Centre arena space could be changed to offer different recreational services to the community. At a Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, April 6th, councillors voted to have city staff, “initiate a feasibility review of repurposing the former arena facility space for other community recreational uses, including cost estimates, and report back to Council.”

Armed robbery at pharmacy SCUGOG: One person has been arrested after an armed robbery occurred at a local Scugog pharmacy. According to Durham Regional Police (DRPS), on Wednesday, April 14th, at about 4:30 p.m., North Division officers were called to Pharmacy Associates of Port Perry. 32-year-old Paul Hansen is being charged with robbery, disguise with intent and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Brock investigates staff BROCK: The Township of Brock is investigating after multiple township staff members allegedly disregarded COVID-19 protocols. On Thursday, April 15th, Mayor John Grant released a letter to residents regarding an alleged incident. “The Township has been made aware that three firefighters and one works employee were involved in helping someone in the community move [from] their residence on the Easter Week. We also understand at least four people who attended this residence have since tested positive for COVID-19. At this point, we know our four employees have tested negative, and we are also aware the three firefighters have received both of their vaccine shots,” Mayor Grant’s letter read.

Street name list now includes former mayor BROCK: The Township of Brock is rejoicing after learning former Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden’s name has been approved by the Region of Durham for use as a future street name. At a meeting on Monday, April 19th, Brock councillors saw correspondence from Region of Durham Planner Carla Acosta stating their request made in late February to add Debbie Bath-Hadden to the street name reserve list had been approved.

New Life Centre pauses service SCUGOG: Rising cases of COVID-19 have caused Lakeridge Health Port Perry hospital’s New Life Centre to pause baby deliveries there. “As the pandemic develops, Lakeridge Health has surge capacity plans in place, to ensure we have space to accommodate the increasing COVID-19 and acute care admissions we are seeing in our hospitals. At this time, Lakeridge Health has made the very difficult decision, to temporarily suspend routine obstetrics services at Port Perry Hospital’s New Life Centre. Pregnant patients under the care of Family Medicine at the Port Perry Hospital will be transferred to the care of Family Medicine at the Oshawa Hospital. However, any pregnant patient in North Durham, who needs emergency obstetric care, will still be able to receive care at the Port Perry Hospital,” a press release from Lakeridge Health, sent out on Wednesday, April 14th, explained.

Scugog makes Covid enforcement related hire SCUGOG: With COVID-19 cases continuing to add up in Scugog, the Township of Scugog is cracking down on gatherings. During a virtual meeting on Monday, April 12th, Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew announced the township has hired a new staff member to enforce COVID-19 related rules.

PJHL cancels 2020/2021 season NORTH DURHAM: There will be no Port Perry MoJacks or Uxbridge Bruins games this season. The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) recently announced the cancellation of the 2020-2021 season.

Andy Letham won’t run again KAWARTHA LAKES: Kawartha Lakes will have a new mayor after voters go to the polls next year for the municipal election. “I have decided I will not be seeking a third term as your Mayor, so [I] will not be running in the next municipal election,” Mayor Andy Letham announced, at a meeting on Tuesday, April 20th.

Allan’s Place issues in Brock BROCK: After hearing concerns about the same facility for months, councillors are looking for answers from Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation with respect to how they will make Allan’s Place safer. Allan’s Place is a 50-unit residence building in Cannington for seniors and people with disabilities. The building is run by Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation (DRNPHC). At a meeting on Monday, April 26th, councillors saw a petition from residents regarding security concerns at Allan’s Place.

Uxbridge Fall Fair to continue UXBRIDGE: The Fall Fair in North Durham’s Uxbridge will be continuing this year. Although the preparations for the annual Uxbridge Fall Fair are underway, things will be happening a little differently this year. Covid-19 precautions will be put into place during this year’s fair.

Sunderland Arena project funding BROCK: The Township of Brock will receive funding for the Sunderland Memorial Arena and Community Centre renovation and expansion project. On Thursday, April 29th, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schmale announced the funding, which is coming from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Township of Brock is set to receive $2,992,000 in federal funding and $2,493,084 in provincial funding for this project.

Durham Non Profit Housing responds to concerns BROCK: Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation (DRNPH) has responded to remarks about Allan’s Place, made by Brock Township Ward 3 Councillor Walter Schummer at a meeting last week. Durham Region Non-Profit Housing CEO Tracy Greig panned the councillor’s comments, and said DRNPH is working with the township and the councillor to clarify the issues raised. “We feel some of Councillor Schummer’s comments were erroneous and misleading. We’re attempting to work with Councillor Schummer and the Township of Brock to clarify this, at this time,” she said.

#yearinreview