Mayor's Message - May 2021

Premier Ford announced further lockdowns under Section 22 of the Emergency Act. These lockdowns have closed outdoor recreation (golf, tennis and pickleball), patios, hair salons and much more.

I have written the Premier on April 20 passing on your concerns to reconsider these closures, here is why. Every epidemiologist that I have seen or heard on the radio/TV are supportive of outdoor activity. Here are two samples. “If you’re outdoors and spaced apart, or wearing masks, the risk is low. This year has shown us how important it is to get outside, and it’s actually a nice thing knowing it’s safer outdoors”, Ashleigh Tuite an Epidemiologist, University of Toronto. “Closing golf courses, tennis and pickleball is not the answer. We know where the vast majority of transmission occurs, and we know it is not outdoors. Let’s focus our energy on where the vast majority occurs and that’s indoor environments”, Isaac Bogoch, Infection Disease Specialist, Toronto General Hospital. Physical health leads to good mental health. 

I have heard reports of a few people being unkind to our staff who are working in the field. This includes Public Works employees who are posting signs and erecting barriers and By-law Officers who are responsible for enforcing Provincial Orders related to COVID-19.

Everyone is tired and frustrated – I get it. The lockdown orders while tiresome and inconvenient were enacted by the Provincial Government to safeguard all of us from further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The reality is we must adhere to the safety protocols. Together, we will get through this. In the meantime, please be kind.  Please be respectful.  Town staff are just doing their jobs. It is our responsibility to carry out and enforce Provincial direction.

Congratulations to Halton Hills Hydro President Art Skidmore on his retirement. Art worked for HHH for over twenty years.  He was a tireless worker who was very public serving on many Boards, The Chamber and the Georgetown Hospital.

I was very saddened to hear of former Georgetown Citizen of the Year Dee Dee Haynes-Ridley’s passing. Dee Dee touched many lives. Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.