We can’t let our guard down on COVID, warns Midland mayor

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what we have. The prime minister, the premier and medical advisers are asking us to limit our gatherings to no more than 10 people indoors.

After all, smaller is safer. A virtual Thanksgiving dinner is one alternative, with less cleanup for you.

As infection rates rise and a second wave looms, remember that we are all in this together, and together we will stop the spread of COVID.

Simple things will keep us safe: Wash your hands frequently, keep a social distance, and wear a mask! Now is not the time to let our guard down.

Sept. 14 saw the municipal office fully reopen to the public. Except for a one-hour daily cleaning, between 1 and 2 p.m., we are open, but we are advising that you book appointments for in-depth services, such as planning, building services, marriage licences and commissioning of documents.

Council voted on Sept. 16 to eliminate the ward system in favour of an at-large vote for your council representation starting in 2022. This means that you can vote for all nine council seats. Councillors will no longer represent specific wards — they will represent the entire town.

A public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 to hear from you on this matter, prior to council considering the proposed bylaw.

Remember, the extension for COVID-19 relief on property tax and utility bills ends Oct. 31. The relief measures waiving budgeted penalty/interest also ends. Rent relief continues for tenants at the NSSRC, who are negatively impacted under the provincial emergency closures.

hosts our Customer Experience Survey, your chance to provide feedback. Our Budget 2021 Survey is also online.

I was reminded recently of the remarkable generosity of the Georgian Bay Gals. They have gifted almost $138,000 to Georgian Bay General Hospital, Hospice Huronia, Georgian Bay Cancer Support Center and Huronia Transition House.

The Guesthouse Shelter and Community Hub are the focus of their Oct. 19 gathering. For more, visit .

Stewart Strathearn is mayor of Midland.