Ian C. Boddy, Mayor of the City of Owen Sound

To the citizens of Owen Sound and area,

Yesterday, we received a rather stark message from Premier Ford regarding COVID-19.

It is now confirmed how much worse the spread will be before it gets better, and it is going to take longer than any of us were hoping. Each of us has a part to play to change the province's outcome. The message to stay home and leave only for essentials is not a request. It’s a direction that requires respect and cooperation to help reduce the spread of this virus and reduce the number of deaths it will cause. Keep a safe distance from other people when you have to be out. Each of us must do our part. We can look after each other by looking after ourselves.

The number of deaths in Ontario would have been greater if we had not made the sacrifices we have to our daily lives over the past few weeks. The numbers in our own community have remained relatively low. For that, I say thank you to all of you who have stayed at home and have maintained your distances from each other when you have to be out. We have to keep going.

The City will do its part. We will maintain essential services to protect you. Our police, fire and Grey County paramedics are prepared. We will continue to follow the lead from the Federal and Provincial governments and Public Health Officials, and request you do the same.

If you require essentials, I ask that you continue to support our local businesses. They are our friends and neighbours. Please use the phone and call them.

Our community is an active and vibrant community with little shortage of things to do to keep us engaged – but for now we have hit pause because that’s what society requires from us. By buying into what is required and doing our part now, sooner rather than later, we will be able to #hitplay.

Thanks!

Ian C. Boddy Mayor of the City of Owen Sound