NEWSLETTER UPDATE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020 

Below you will find this week’s updates on the COVID-19 situation and other important news.

My team and I are monitoring the situation closely and sharing resources and information here in my newsletter, on our COVID-19 Information Hub, on Facebook.

Our goal is to help you have the latest facts at your fingertips during this challenging time.

NEW THIS WEEK

• Ottawa Public Health Updates
  
  • OPH – Dr Vera Etches COVID-19 and Stigma
  • Attestation Letter for Return to School for Students Following Illness
  • Ottawa Public Health is calling on all businesses to be COVID Wise Together and Mask Up Outdoors
  • Closure of OPH Dental Clinics
• City News
  
  • City of Ottawa COVID-19 cases
  • Voting Day for the 2020 Cumberland By-election will take place on Monday, October 5, from 10 am until 8 pm.
  • The Ottawa Police Services Board Survey
  • Reminder: Important tips to protect your vehicle from car thieves
  • Community Stakeholder Survey September 2020
  • Audit Committee receives six follow-up reports
  • Committee approves changes to encourage new small businesses
  • The 14th annual Trick or Treat with the Mayor event has been cancelled
  • GottaGo! Campaign, Ottawa's Public Toilet Map
  • Indoor public skating will be available at five City arenas starting October 1
  • City’s fall recreation and arts eGuides are now online
• Federal Updates
• Provincial Updates
  
  • Ontario Releases Updated COVID-19 Modelling for Second Wave
  • Ontario Providing over Half a Billion Dollars to Protect Vulnerable Seniors against Second Wave of COVID-19
  • Ontario Provides $461 Million to Temporarily Enhance Wages For Personal Support Workers
  • Ontario Recognizes Third-Annual Rowan's Law Day
• Community and Ward News
  
  • Count-Cillor’s Halloween Decorating contest
  • The Walk for Kelly
  • Metcalfe Community Association Meeting
  • Free shrub giveaway in Findlay Creek and Osgoode Ward
  • NROCRC

Ottawa Public Health Updates

OPH – Dr Vera Etches COVID-19 and Stigma

• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rise in stigma and prejudice against people who have the virus.
• This stigma can provoke discriminatory behaviours because of a perceived link with the disease.
• OPH has developed a position statement on stigma and COVID-19 to address the stigma and prejudice in our community against those who have the COVID-19 virus, people who are thought to be carriers of the virus based on appearance and people who are thought to be from areas where the COVID-19 virus originated. 
• Instead of referring to a COVID case, we say “individual who has tested positive for COVID-19".
• More ideas can be found within our statement which is available on our website. Let’s work together to keep our community free from stigma.
• OPH continues to work with the health care sector and community partners to ensure we support the needs of populations at higher risk. 
• We welcome your input into how to best meet the needs of your constituents.

Attestation Letter for Return to School for Students Following Illness

• We know families are frustrated with the experience regarding the return to school for children who have experienced non-COVID related symptoms or illness, or who recovered from COVID-19.
• Many schools or childcare providers are denying entry to service without a medical certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which is not recommended by OPH. 
• At Ottawa Public Health (OPH), we are continuing to learn through our experience and are working to refine our processes, where possible, to help make it easier for everyone involved.
• OPH has received many examples of children being denied entry to school or childcare without a medical certificate because they had been identified as having an illness that has similar symptoms to that of the COVID virus.
• In response to this issue, OPH has developed and made available a standardized Attestation for Return to School for Students Following Illness template letter for families with children returning to school following symptoms of illness.
• The letter can be downloaded by parents and guardians on the OPH Supporting Schools during COVID-19 webpage and, if one of the four conditions is met, can be used to allow their child to return to school .
• Please note OPH does not require a negative test result or a medical certificate for those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to go back to school, childcare or work after the isolation period has been completed and symptoms are no longer present. 
• Please continue sharing the OPH Supporting schools during COVID-19 webpage with residents, as it is continuously updated with new resources for families.

Ottawa Public Health is calling on all businesses to be COVID Wise Together and Mask Up Outdoors

• Please consider supporting the COVID Wise Together and Outdoor Masks campaigns and share the following information with your local networks and businesses. 
• COVID Wise Together is a campaign to support businesses to implement health and safety measures and promote their actions to help prevent transmission of COVID19 to help build consumer confidence in our local businesses. 
• COVID Wise Together has been developed in collaboration with the City of Ottawa’s Economic Development Services. 
• Participating businesses are asked to commit to implementing the following COVID Wise measures

Closure of OPH Dental Clinics

• As of Wednesday, September 30, 2020 and until further notice, Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) Dental Clinics on Merivale Road, St. Laurent Blvd., Cobourg Street and Montreal Road (Wabano Clinic) will be closed in order to redeploy staff to assist with the COVID-19 response.
• For the duration of this closure, Dr. Hoan Nguyen, Supervisor of Dental Clinic Operations, has requested assistance from the Dental Emergency Service (DES) dentists to provide care for OPH patients who are in pain.
• OPH Dental Clinic patients with dental pain can call the Ottawa Dental Society’s Dental Emergency Service at 613-523-4185.
• Anyone looking for information on accessing dental care can call the Dental Information Line at 613-580-2424 ext. 23510.
• Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact our dental information line at 613-580-2424 ext. 23510.

City News

City of Ottawa COVID-19 cases

Interesting study of the covid19 pandemic cases in Ottawa. Check out the link for details.
https://www.neighbourhoodstudy.ca/covid-19-in-ottawa-neigh…/

Voting Day for the 2020 Cumberland By-election will take place on Monday, October 5, from 10 am until 8 pm.

• Voting places will offer anywhere voting, meaning that electors can vote at any voting place regardless of their address. Electors may cast a ballot at any of the following locations on Voting Day:
  • Bearbrook Community Hall, 8720 Russell Road
  • Carlsbad Springs Community Centre, 6020 Piperville Road
  • François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Boulevard
  • Navan Memorial Centre, 1295 Colonial Road
  • Redeemer Alliance Church, 4825 Innes Road
  • R.J. Kennedy Arena and Community Hall,1115 Dunning Road
  • Sarsfield Community Hall, 3585 Sarsfield Road
  • South Fallingbrook Community Centre, 998 Valin Street
• Voting places are also listed on Voter Notification letters and can be found using the Where Do I Vote? tool on ottawa.ca/vote.

The Ottawa Police Services Board Survey

• The Ottawa Police Services Board, in collaboration with the Ottawa Police Service, has developed this survey to better understand perceptions of crime, neighbourhood concerns and satisfaction with police services in the city of Ottawa.
• Your participation in completing the survey will assist us to determine future directions and police priorities. 
• The information collected will be used to better address the needs of residents, to enhance service delivery, and to strengthen community relations. 
• The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete.
• It is completely voluntary and anonymous. 
• You are not asked to identify yourself, and all information collected will remain confidential. Please complete by October 4, 2020. 
• Start
   

Reminder: Important tips to protect your vehicle from car thieves

• The Ottawa Police reminds the community that the risk of thefts, and repeat thefts, of high-end Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Ottawa is still very present, particularly with larger SUVs, RX350, 4 Runner and Highlander.
• We remind car owners of the following tips to protect their vehicle:
  • Make your vehicle less vulnerable to theft by parking it in a locked garage and or by blocking it in tightly with a second vehicle. Exterior lighting and video surveillance around the driveway can also serve as a deterrent.
  • Consider installing an after marker electronic immobilizer devices which can interfere with the starting of the vehicle.
  • Be vigilant that there is no damage to the door locks mechanisms as this could be an indicator that your car has been targeted.
  • Consider protecting your vehicle with devices such as car alarms or steering wheel locking devices such as "The Club".
  • GPS tracking devices have become increasingly popular. Some even allow the vehicle owner to electronically "fence-in" their vehicle whereby an alarm cue would occur if the vehicle were to leave the fenced-in area without authorization.
  • Locks to restrict access to the on-board diagnostic plug exist and when applied can impede a thief from re-programming a key.
  • If you are selling your vehicle, be wary not to let anyone have access to your car keys and do not let your vehicle out of your sight. This prevents a thief from copying your key during a “test drive” so they can return to steal it.
  • Finally, good old fashioned neighbourhood watch is a great deterrent. Be vigilant and call 911 to report any suspicious vehicles in your neighbourhood.  Most thefts occur between midnight and 5am in the morning.
• More safety tips are available online.

Community Stakeholder Survey September 2020

• The Ottawa Police Services Board, in collaboration with the Ottawa Police Service, has developed this survey to better understand perceptions of crime, neighbourhood concerns and satisfaction with police services in the city of Ottawa.
• Your participation in completing the survey will assist us to determine future directions and police priorities. The information collected will be used to better address the needs of residents, to enhance service delivery, and to strengthen community relations. 
• The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete. It is completely voluntary and anonymous. 
• You are not asked to identify yourself, and all information collected will remain confidential. Please complete by October 4, 2020. 

Audit Committee receives six follow-up reports

• The City’s Audit Committee today received six follow-up reports from Auditor General Ken Hughes on the following topics:
  • Follow-up to the 2015 Audit of Ethics
  • Follow-up to the 2016 Audit of the ByWard and Parkdale Markets
  • Follow-up to the 2017 Audit of Child Care Services
  • Follow-up to the 2017 Management of the Lansdowne Contract
  • Follow-up to the 2017 Investigation into the Giver 150 Playground at Mooney's Bay Park
  • Follow-up to the 2017 Review of the Management of Emergency Shelter Providers – Contract Management
• Follow-ups are part of a complete audit process. They are conducted to ensure the recommendations, as committed to by management and approved by Council, have been effectively implemented.
• These reports will be before City Council on Wednesday, October 14.

Committee approves changes to encourage new small businesses

• The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today approved changing how the City defines minor zoning amendments in the Planning Fees By-law. Minor zoning applications are subject to a lower fee and the change aims to reduce costs for new small businesses and help existing businesses to grow.    
• The City’s Economic Recovery Task Force endorsed this initiative to help small businesses in the wake of COVID-19. 
• The Committee also approved a zoning amendment to reduce the required amount of parking for warehouses and industrial buildings.  
• Minimum parking rates for these buildings are calculated based on the assumption that a greater floor area means more employees.
• Changing the parking rate would permit unused parking areas to be converted to more appropriate uses, such as trees or amenities.
• The City’s Planning Committee will also consider this item at its meeting on Thursday, October 8.  
• Recommendations from the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, October 14. 

The 14th annual Trick or Treat with the Mayor event has been cancelled

• Due to the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 14^th annual Trick or Treat with the Mayor event, scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at City Hall, has been cancelled.

GottaGo! Campaign, Ottawa's Public Toilet Map

• The City of Ottawa site hosts a public map plotting out the locations.
• This information is incorrect as most of these buildings and toilets are closed due to COVID, or accessible by appointment only
• Hours and accessibility status of public toilets and porta-potties at this link: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space#park-locations
• We have contacted 3-1-1 for more information and request that the map be updated as this information is critical for public health and accessibility.

Indoor public skating will be available at five City arenas starting October 1

• Indoor public skating will be available by reservation at five City arenas, starting Thursday, October 1:
  • Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans
  • Sandy Hill Arena
  • CARDELREC Recreation Complex – Goulbourn
  • Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven
  • Bell Centennial Arena
• Skating schedules will be available online at ottawa.ca starting September 29.
• Since skating capacity will be limited to 25 skaters on each rink, you can reserve your 50-minute skate time up to two days in advance.
• Payment options for the admission fee vary at each arena. Please check ottawa.ca for more information. 
• Hockey programming, including shinny and adult pick-up, are included in the fall recreation e-Guides at ottawa.ca/recreation. Registration opens October 5 at 9 pm.  

City’s fall recreation and arts eGuides are now online

Registration begins on Monday, October 5 at 9 pm, and it is easy. Explore the eGuide to select the program that interests you and follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Ottawa.ca/recreation and click on fall 2020 recreation programs.
2. Click the relevant barcode – it will take you to Join.ottawa.ca and the course page, with details about the number of spaces available, fees and dates.
3. Add the class to your cart and then proceed through the check out. We’ll email you your receipt.

Visit ottawa.ca to see the COVID-safety protocols and measures that are in place – including mask requirements, frequent cleaning, reduced capacity and physical distancing.

Federal Updates

Provincial Updates

Ontario Releases Updated COVID-19 Modelling for Second Wave

• The Chief Medical Officer of Health says Ontarians must be vigilant in adhering to public health measures to reduce the number of new cases and the spread of the virus.
• Cases are currently doubling approximately every 10 to 12 days.
•   Forecasting suggests that Ontario could be around 1,000 cases per day in the first half of October.
• In order to reduce the spread and the number of new cases, it remains critical that Ontarians continue to adhere to public health measures, including avoiding large gatherings, physical distancing and wearing a face covering.
• Testing is available to those within provincial testing guidance at any of the province’s assessment centres and participating pharmacies. To find your closest assessment centre or pharmacy, please visit ontario.ca/covidtest.
• Ontario Releases Updated COVID-19 Modelling for Second Wave

Ontario Providing over Half a Billion Dollars to Protect Vulnerable Seniors against Second Wave of COVID-19

• The Ontario government is investing close to $540 million to protect residents, caregivers, and staff in long-term care homes from future surges and waves of COVID-19.
• The funding is part of the province's COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19.
• The province will also be making changes to its visitor policy to long-term care homes, to ensure that long-term care homes in areas of highest community spread are able to continue to keep residents safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within their homes.
• Effective Monday, October 5, 2020, visitors to long-term care homes in these areas will be restricted to staff and essential visitors only, which includes essential caregivers.
• https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/58590/ontario-providing-over-half-a-billion-dollars-to-protect-vulnerable-seniors-against-second-wave-of-c

Ontario Provides $461 Million to Temporarily Enhance Wages For Personal Support Workers

• The Ontario government is supporting personal support workers (PSWs) and direct support workers in the home and community care, long-term care, public hospitals, and social services sectors by investing $461 million to temporarily enhance wages.
• This investment will help the province attract and retain the workforce needed to care for patients, clients and residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The province is providing a temporary wage increase effective October 1, 2020 to over 147,000 workers who deliver publicly funded personal support services:
• The temporary wage enhancement will be reviewed on a regular basis and could extend through March 31, 2021, in connection with regulations made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.
• https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/58627/ontario-provides-461-million-to-temporarily-enhance-wages-for-personal-support-workers

 Ontario Recognizes Third-Annual Rowan's Law Day

• As of July 1, 2019, athletes, parents, coaches, team trainers and officials are required to review the concussion awareness resources and their sport organization’s concussion code of conduct, where applicable.
• Beginning January 1, 2021, Rowan’s Law will require amateur sport organizations to establish removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocols.
• This is to ensure that an athlete is immediately removed from sport if they have sustained a concussion or are suspected of having sustained a concussion.
• The law will also require athletes to get medical clearance from a physician or nurse practitioner before they are permitted to return to training, practice or competition.
• Ontario Recognizes Third-Annual Rowan's Law Day

Community and Ward News

Count-Cillor’s Halloween Decorating contest

The Walk for Kelly Wade

• YOUR INVITED to walk/run 1k or 5k on SUN. OCT. 4th @time & location of your choice - OR -
• WALK/RUN in the village of METCALFE - Kelly’s home town
• FRIES FOR CHARITY will be @Hicks Insurance Brokers (2666 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe) from 11:00-3:00 to support the cause!!!
• The ‘HMTT4K’ banner will be displayed @8032 Craig Farm Drive, Metcalfe, from 11:00-3:00
• A refreshment & bumper sticker awaits you!!! (OPH physical/social distancing protocols including sanitizing and mask wearing practiced at both locations)
• ADDED BONUS: Metcalfe Fair Drive-thru Classic Car Show is on from 12:00-3:00 @Metcalfe Fair Grounds!!

Metcalfe Community Association Meeting

• A reminder for all residents: your Metcalfe Community Association is hosting our Annual General Meeting on October 8th at 7pm. If you would like to attend, please send us a message and we will get you the login information.
• https://www.facebook.com/Metcalfe-Community-Association-201057093241328

Free Shrub Giveaway In Findlay Creek and Oogoode Ward

• Attention Osgoode Ward: If you are interested in the free shrub giveaway from SNC, please fill out their form and send it back to them.
• Shrubs will be dropped of at the Metcalfe Ward Office for distribution outside to registered residents only.  Please see the following post for more inforamton:
• SNC will be distributing free native shrubs to rural residents in the City of Ottawa Findlay Creek community and Osgoode Ward (including Greely) are eligible to receive a free shrub.
• Limited amounts of free potted shrubs can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the form to reserve your shrub (one per household): https://bit.ly/33gWBVx
• If you managed to successfully reserve a free shrub, you will be contacted soon with a pickup date and location.

NROCRC

NROCRC is once again providing support to any residents in the City of Ottawa who would like to apply to OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program) and are unable to do so online.

More information is available about OESP at www.ontarioelectricitysupport.org