Dear North Grenville:
We are hearing news that the pandemic curve in Canada is beginning to flatten. We are not there yet but it appears that our efforts throughout the country are working. Now we need to keep it up, so we can ensure we are successful and continue to protect our most vulnerable.
I’ve been so encouraged by the many gestures of support in our community. Recently, the Leeds and Grenville Fire Services did a drive-by to both the Brockville and Kemptville Hospitals in a show of solidarity. The Bishops Mills Community Association has raised over $400 and donated baked goods and masks for staff at Bayfield Manor. Local businesses are kindly donating meals to staff at our local hospital.
On Easter Sunday, Council made our own visit to the Bayfield Manor Nursing and Retirement Home Kemptville. Of course, we didn’t go inside, but instead held up messages at the windows during Easter Dinner. We wanted to wish residents and staff well during what is obviously a difficult time.
Inspired by Burritts Rapids’ own Jayne Couch, Council invites residents throughout North Grenville to “make some noise” every Monday at 7:30 pm. Churches in several hamlets plan to ring their bells, and residents can join in with pots and pans from their front porch. Here’s some video clips from the first North Grenville wide event last Monday. Here’s some video clips from the first North Grenville wide event last Monday.
Finally, we encourage you to tune into next Tuesday’s virtual Council meeting on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to connect to the livestream via our website.
We live in such a wonderful community. Thank you to each and every one of you for commitment to keeping our community safe. Please continue to be kind, stay home and connect virtually.
What's New in North Grenville
Make Some Noise for Healthcare and Frontline Workers on Monday, April 20: Join us on Monday at 7:30 p.m. to ring bells, clap your hands or bang pots and pans on your front porch to thank front line healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store, daycare, retirement and nursing home staff as well as other essential employees who keep our community safe, each and every day!
2020 PITCH-IN Week – Social Distancing Edition (April 19 - 26): Everyone is welcome to participate in this year’s PITCH-IN Week event, where members of the community help beautify North Grenville. This year, participants are asked to choose a public area in or near their neighbourhoods and stay with immediate family members only, at a safe distance from others of course! The event coincides with Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22). For more information and to register, please call 613-258-9569 ext. 133 or email the Public Works Clerk.
Provincial and Federal Government Updates
Province of Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to May 12
This week, the Province of Ontario extended the Declaration of Emergency until May 12 to continue the fight against COVID-19. The extension “allows the government to continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic”. Read more here.
Highlight of Important Provincial Emergency Orders
Learn about the province’s Support for families: a one-time payment of $200 per child aged 0-12 years. Visit: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus to subscribe to or view the latest information.
Government of Canada:
Reminder: Local Community Supports are Available
If you are struggling during this time, please know that many community supports are available to help. Whether it’s for food, transportation, to feel less isolated, or you are in danger, please connect with one of our local agencies who are here to support you.
Support for Local Business Owners
Our Economic Development Team has put together a list of resources for local businesses – including provincial and federal government financial initiatives. Please visit our website for more details: www.investnorthgrenville.ca/covid19
Through our #LoveNG Business Support campaign, here’s the most up to date list of businesses who remain open to serve you. Many have launched online stores. Check them out!
Remember, the COVID-19 Emergency Orders are the Law
You can help the Municipality support the OPP and public health inspectors to ensure provincial orders are being followed. If you have a concern or complaint, let us know:
You can also contact the Grenville OPP Detachment (for non-emergency calls) at 613-258-3441.
Thank you Council
My Council colleagues and I continue to reach out to community partners, businesses and residents to show our support and give assistance where we can. I thank Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman, and Councillors Barclay, O’Sullivan and Strackerjan for their dedication during this time.
