Date of Release: June 12, 2020

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR MAYOR:

The COVID-19 pandemic will not be eliminated at a particular point in time, but through a sustained effort by all of us.

As we work through the challenges of COVID-19, it has been extremely heartening to see how the Merrickville-Wolford community has pulled together to protect public health and safety, supporting one another - our neighbours, friends, local businesses, essential workers, and more.  We are one community.

It is critical that we all continue to work together in this way to overcome this threat, showing support, encouragement, compassion and flexibility to one another. We cannot lose sight of this. To beat the threat that COVID-19 presents to our physical and economic health, we have to stay united, fighting this virus together. Let’s stay focused on our ultimate objective.  This is a time when our individual and collective leadership to the entire community is vital and we will continue to communicate with you as things progress.

Thank you again for your continued diligence as businesses are allowed to reopen.  Collaboration amongst area municipalities is paramount during this unprecedented time.  I am pleased to advise that I am a member of the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Economic Recovery Alliance, a group formed to minimize the adverse effects on business and redefine our needs to support economic recovery, sustainability and growth. This Alliance will set broad priorities for economic recovery that will be acted upon by Recovery Task Force Teams over the recovery phases.

Counter to our natural instincts, in this situation working together means staying apart; abiding by the Provincial Emergency Orders and guidelines published by our public health officials to keep everyone safe. To the extent that we continue to achieve this, the number of confirmed cases will stay low and Premier Ford will be able to further ease restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus. It is very clear in this situation that “slow and steady wins the race”.

Most importantly, please continue stay safe and healthy!”                                   

                                                                                  -Mayor J. Douglas Struthers

Village and Recreational Facilities

• The Province has recently allowed for the opening of outdoor sports fields and facilities. Outdoor team sports may resume, if physically distanced, for training only and with no scrimmages or games.
• The Merrickville beach area is open, but social distancing rules still apply.
• Playgrounds and play structures remain closed.
• The 2020 Sizzling Summer Camp has been cancelled.

Canada Day

• All municipal Canada Day activities for July 1^st, 2020 have been cancelled. The Village may be able to plan celebrations at a future date should Provincial restrictions be lifted further.

Community Economic Development & Assistance for Businesses

• NEW DIGITAL MAIN STREET PROGRAMS:  As part of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, Digital Main Street announced three new programs to help small businesses create and enhance their online presence and reach more customers: 

• • ShopHERE provides small businesses and artists with a quick, easy and no-cost way to start selling online right away;
  • Ontario Grants Program provides main street businesses with $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants; and
  • Future Proofing Main Street assists businesses with identifying new markets, pivoting their business model, and developing and implementing a digital transformation plan.  Details on all three programs can be found at https://digitalmainstreet.ca/ontario/.

Building Department and By-law Enforcement

• COVID-19 Inspection Protocols remain in place. For example, no inspections shall be carried out within an enclosed or heated building or structure, within any building that is occupied, or in the presence of any person such as a building owner, occupant or representative. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Water and Wastewater Reminder

• Now more than ever, we need to focus our resources on supporting our community – rather than on fixing preventable emergency repairs. The only things that go down the toilet are the 3Ps: Pee, Poo & Toilet Paper. Even items labelled “flushable” should not be flushed, even when using a septic system, as they do not break down as easily as toilet paper.