Oakville North-Burlington News and Events-July 16,2021

Oakville North-Burlington Update – July 16th, 2021
“Ontario has continued to see improvements in key health indicators, allowing the province to move to Step Three of the Roadmap and safely resume more of the activities we’ve missed. While this is exciting news, we most still remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measures we know work and keep us safe.”  – Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
Ontario has Moved to Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen

With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve and the provincewide vaccination rate surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, and in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government moved the province into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Step Three of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 100 people with limited exceptions;Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted with physical distancing;Indoor dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect;Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to open subject to a maximum 50 per cent capacity of the indoor space. Capacity for indoor spectators is 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less. Capacity for outdoor spectators is 75 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 15,000 people, whichever is less;Indoor meeting and event spaces permitted to operate with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect and capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, (whichever is less);Essential and non-essential retail with with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;Personal care services, including services requiring the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;Museums, galleries, historic sites, aquariums, zoos, landmarks, botanical gardens, science centres, casinos/bingo halls, amusement parks, fairs and rural exhibitions, festivals, with capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity indoors and 75 per cent capacity outdoors;Concert venues, cinemas, and theatres permitted to operate at:up to 50 per cent capacity indoors or a maximum limit of 1,000 people for seated events (whichever is less)up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum limit of 5,000 people for unseated events (whichever is less); and up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum of 15,000 people for events with fixed seating (whichever is less).Real estate open houses with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres; andIndoor food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs and restobars, permitted up to 25 per cent capacity or up to a maximum limit of 250 people (whichever is less).Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step Three. This is in alignment with the advice on personal public health measures issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, while also accounting for Ontario specific information and requirements. Face coverings will also be required in some outdoor public settings as well.
Please view the regulation for the full list of public health and workplace safety measures that need to be followed.
VACCINE UPDATE – 17 MILLION+ Doses
 
Vaccines remain the best defence against COVID-19 and to date, more than 17 million doses have been administered in Ontario and over seven million Ontarians are fully vaccinated!!
Ontario Keeping Workers Safe as Province Reopens
 
The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years. The new Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will improve health and safety awareness to help prevent illnesses and injures by training health and safety representatives of small businesses on how to keep workers safe in the retail, construction, health care, accommodation and food services, and other sectors. Businesses will also be reimbursed for the time the representatives are away from work.
Ontario Helping Workers Start New Careers
 
The Ontario government is increasing financial supports available and simplifying the application process for individuals applying to the Second Career program. As the province’s economy begins to reopen, these changes will make it easier for laid-off and unemployed workers to pursue training and start new and better careers.
Ontario Updates Testing Requirements at Long-Term Care Homes

Ontario will be removing the requirement that fully-immunized and asymptomatic staff, caregivers and visitors be tested before entering long-term care homes. This update to testing requirements was made in consultation with Dr. Kieran Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and is based on the latest scientific evidence and expert advice. Updated guidance to retirement homes will also recommend exempting fully immunized people from routine testing. This change will coincide with Step Three of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, coming into effect on July 16, 2021.
Ontario Easing Restrictions in Congregate Care Settings

As Ontario moves to Step Three of its Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, July 16, 2021, the province is easing COVID-19-related restrictions in congregate care settings such as residences for adults with developmental disabilities, residences for children in care or with special needs, along with women’s shelters so residents can spend more time with family and friends.
With continued improvements in Ontario’s key COVID-19 related public health indicators, including an increase in vaccination rates, more outdoor and indoor visits will be allowed for both essential and non-essential visitors, along with recreational activities and overnight stays outside of the residence, with appropriate precautions.
Ontario Investing in New Opportunities for Children and Youth

The Ontario government is investing more than $13 million through the Youth Opportunities Fund to support 36 youth and community-led grassroots projects across the province that help build stronger communities.
The Youth Opportunities Fund is a grant program administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation that provides funding and capacity-building supports to local community-driven and youth-led projects that focus on improving the well-being of young people and families facing barriers to success. These projects will provide supports that help children, youth and families develop new skills, overcome barriers, and strengthen relationships within their communities.
Ontario Investing in Green Infrastructure to Help Smaller and First Nations Communities
 
Ontario is protecting people’s health by bringing infrastructure investments to small communities to help them improve the quality of their drinking water. Starting Tuesday, July 13, eligible municipalities, First Nation communities and Local Services Boards can begin applying for funding through the second intake of the Green Infrastructure stream.
The Green Stream is part of the joint federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Up to $240 million in joint federal and provincial funding is available for this intake, including $110 million from the Ontario government.
“Hate Has No Home Here” Campaign
 
Thank you to the Interfaith Council of Halton for your efforts to launch the “Hate Has No Home Here” campaign for Oakville. We need to take a strong approach to combat hatred and racism in Ontario. I would also like to thank Halton Regional Police for their generous donation in support of this event.
Canada Day Drive-by Parade

Thank you to all volunteers, elected officials and residents who took part in the Canada Day Drive-by Parade and all staff and residents in long-term care who watched and participated!
Effie in the Community
 
Had a great discussion with my colleague and friend Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips. As Parliamentary Assistant at long-term care, I look forward to working together to deliver on the government’s commitment to provide resident-centred quality care for our seniors. 
It was my pleasure to visit Bandology band camp in Oakville, a week-long day camp for young musicians aged 6-18 from across Halton who want to carry on with music during the summer. Bandology is a local non-profit that strives to provide, support and advocate for the power of music education and was founded by parents of kids who loved music class. Thank you for advocating about the power of music education and inviting me to come visit your camp!
On Canada Day my good friends Don and Pam took me on a walking tour to see how the Millcroft community displayed its love of Canada. We had a great time exploring the streets filled with Canadian patriotism!
Oakville North-Burlington Spirit Awards
 
In recent months, I have been proud to honour a number of volunteers who have contributed to our community during the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you for your community spirit. If you would like to nominate a member of our community who has gone above and beyond to contribute to the community during the pandemic, please contact my office and let me know.
Tuesday, January 28th – Coronavirus UpdateFriday, March 13 – COVID-19 Coronavirus UpdateWednesday, March 18 – COVID-19 Coronavirus UpdateFriday, March 20 – Learn at Home Portal Launched for Ontario StudentsWednesday, March 25 – Ontario’s Action PlanFriday, March 28 – Joint ONB COVID-19 UpdateMonday, March 30 – Ontario Support for Small Business and Combating Price GougingWednesday, April 1 – School and Child Care Closures ExtendedFriday, April 3 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateThursday, April 9 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, April 17 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, April 24 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, May 1 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, May 8 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, May 15 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, May 22 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, May 29 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, June 5 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, June 12 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateMonday, June 15 – Ontario Opens More Businesses and Services in Halton RegionFriday, June 19 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, June 26 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateWednesday, July 1 – Canada DayFriday, July 10 – Summer NewsletterFriday, July 17 – Summer NewsletterFriday, July 24 – Weekly Oakville North-Burlington UpdateFriday, July 31 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, August 7 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, August 14 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, August 21 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, August 28 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, September 4 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, September 11 – Oakville North- Burlington News and Events Friday, September 18 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, September 25 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, October 02 – Oakville North- Burlington News and EventsFriday, October 09 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, October 16 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, October 23 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, October 30 – Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, November 6- Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsSaturday, November 7, Special Edition: Ontario Budget 2020Friday.November 13, Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, November 20, Oakville North-Burlington News and Events Friday, November27, Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday December 04, Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, December 11, Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, December 18, Oakvile North-Burlington News and EventsMerry Christmas, December 24, Oakville North-BurlingtonFriday, January 08, 2021, Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Breaking News: Second Provincial Emergency in Response to COVID-19 Crisis January 13,2021.Friday, January 22,2021, Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday, January 29, 2021, Oakville North-burlington News and Events.Friday, February 5, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events. Friday, February, 12,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News And Events.Friday, February, 19,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events. Friday February, 26,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday March 5, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday March 12, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday March 19, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events. Friday, March 26, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday, April 01, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday April 09, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday April 16, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday April 23, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday April 30, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday May 07,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events. Friday May 14,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday May 21,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday May 28,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday June 04,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday June 11,2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday June 18, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events.Friday June 25, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and EventsFriday July 9, 2021 Oakville North-Burlington News and Events