Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and rules around social distancing, Quinte West City Council held its regular meeting virtually on Monday.
Here is a run down of some of the issues discussed:
Events on city property cancelled through Canada Day
Quinte West Council has decided to postpone or cancel all events on city property through to the end of June, including Canada Day.
Impacted events first include the Walleye World Fishing Derby, Kinsmen Carnival, Barks by the Bay, Ride for Paws, the start of the DBIA Summer Concert Series, Auto Odyssey Car Show and a Pentecostals of Quinte Concert.
Councillor Leslie Roseblade suggested that city-led Canada Day events on July 1 should also be cancelled.
The decision falls in line with what many other municipalities, including the City of Toronto, have decided to do in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and was made after consultation involving city tourism, events and parks staff, as well as third party event coordinators.
A further report on other potential events in July is expected at council’s next meeting in June.
Meanwhile, council also decided to continue to allow one free bag of garbage per household per week and continue feeless transit rides, through to July 1 as well.
Director of Public Works Chris Angelo says the loss in bag tag revenue is costing the city about $100,000 per month, while the loss in transit revenue is costing between $10,000 and $15,000 per month.
Municipal flags won’t be lowered due to COVID-19
Quinte West Councillors have decided not to lower municipal flags to half-mast to mark the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many councillors who made the decision, during a virtual meeting on Monday night, noted that lowering the flag should be reserved for honouring the loss of life during military conflict and the recent incidents in Nova Scotia.
Charges being laid for breaking social distancing rules
It seems not everyone in Quinte West is following the rules around physical distancing and social isolation.
During a virtual meeting on Monday night, Quinte West OPP Detachment Commander Christina Reeve told council that her officers have been working with by-law and public health officials to make sure people are following provincial guidelines, but that’s not always the case.
Further to that, council was told that city by-law officers will continue to help OPP in enforcing those rules as long as the provincial state of emergency continues, which for now is until at least May 12.
Victims of Nova Scotia incident honoured
A minute of silence was held during the virtual meeting, before Quinte West OPP Detachment Commander Christina Reeve spoke about the impact of the incident on policing here in our area.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Whelan noted that flags at the fire hall are being flown at half mast.
He also says a burn ban remains in effect, mainly in the interest of protecting firefighters from COVID-19.
Community groups helping residents through COVID-19
Along with the frontline medical professionals and emergency responders, a number of community groups are helping the residents of Quinte West get through the COVID-19 crisis.
Councillor Sally Freeman noted that the United Way has set up a hotline for anyone who needs help with things like groceries, or getting medications during this time and urged people who need that help to call 613-962-9531.
Councillor Leslie Roseblade says various other groups in Frankford are helping out as well including Frankford United Church, Frankford Christian Reform Church, or the Frankford Legion.
Council cuts one meeting from May calendar
Quinte West Council has decided to cut its number of meetings next month to one in the interest of following physical distancing guidelines.
A report from Clerk Kevin Heath says staff feel like one meeting, instead of two, will be adequate to handle all of the city’s business in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
Council decided to scrap the May 4 meeting as an effort to reduce “any unnecessary risk” around the outbreak and will now meet on May 19, likely by a virtual conference.
