Brock Township has released a comprehensive timeline of key dates and actions associated with the emergence of the COVlD-19 pandemic.
The information is included in a report that will be up for discussion at Monday’s (May 11) meeting of council detailing the impact the health crisis has had on the municipality.
It reads:
January 30 – The World Health Organization declares the outbreak of COVID-19 a public health event of international concern.
March 11 – The World Health Organization declares the global outbreak of COVlD-19 a pandemic.
March 13 – The Province of Ontario announces the closure of all public schools for two weeks after March Break, and the Government of Canada recommends against non-essential travel outside of Canada (including the United States), and self—isolation for 14 days upon return.
March 13 – The Township’s senior management staff including the Executive Director of the Township of Brock Public Library met with Mayor Debbie Bath-Hadden to discuss the Township’s response to the pandemic. The group made the decision to cancel the March Break Day Camp Program; cancel Library programing for three weeks; cancel recreation programing; close all public facilities and arenas for three weeks. Closures were to take effect immediately and stay in place until April 6. Refunds were to be processed for any rentals or programs that would be cancelled due to the closing of these facilities and cancelation of these programs.
March 16 – The Township’s offices were closed to the public with staff practicing social distancing while in the building and Council meeting briefly to pass a motion allowing the CA0 and Mayor the authority to make certain decisions during this time without the need of a council meeting.
March 17 – The Government of Ontario announced it was declaring an emergency in the Province under section 7.0.1(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and has implemented measures to control the spread of COVID19.
The Province has since issued orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) that impact the Township. These include:
(1) the closure of all facilities providing indoor recreation programs, including community centres and libraries;
(2) the closure of all non-essential businesses (not municipalities); (3) a prohibition of organized events and social gathering of more than five people; (4) closure of all outdoor playgrounds and recreational areas; and (5) granting provincial offences officers including Municipal Law Enforcement Officers the ability to enforce provincial orders.
March 24 – The Regional Municipality of Durham and the Township of Brock both officially declared a state of emergency. The Township’s Emergency Operational Centre was official opened with regular virtual meetings being held to discuss the ongoing emergency and authorize actions need.
The Township has adapted the delivery of services across the Corporation to ensure compliance with the Orders. The adaptations include the following:
– Closure of all community buildings until further notice;
– Closure of playgrounds and outdoor amenities;
– Installation of signage specific to the closures in all locations impacted;
– Partnership with Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) and By-Law Enforcement Officers to enforce Provincial Orders;
– Re-deploying full time staff to other locations to facilitate social distancing; -Lay off of casual staff and part time staff not required due to facility closures;
– Adjustment to levels of service in response to COVlD-19 related closures; -Limiting the number of staff in the Administration building to allow for social distancing; -Allowing administration staff to work from home when possible;
– Implementation of a complete burn ban in the Township;
– Livestreaming Council meeting to ensure public access; and
– Implementing a new website section for communicating information related to COVID-19 and the Township’s response to the public.
Barta also provided members of council with some figures on the FINANCIAL IMPACT of COVID-19 on the Township as well as a comprehensive review of MUNICIPAL STAFFING levels during the pandemic.
