With the Provincial stay-at-home order lifted on June 2nd, things are looking up as we head into the summer months. Although many restrictions remain in place until June 14th when the new Provincial Roadmap to Reopening comes into effect, the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter as vaccination numbers rise, and hospital admissions drop. It is encouraging to know that as our progress continues, we have much to look forward to in Step 1 of the reopening plan. For now, though, we are limited to outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 people, with indoor get-togethers still prohibited.

Today, I want to give a shout-out to our dedicated staff who have provided the services they can over these many months, and particularly right now, the parks crew who have been hard at work getting the outdoor recreation facilities ready for the hot, sunny weather that is predicted for this weekend. Thanks to approval from the Health Unit, the Splash Pad at McCarroll Park will open this weekend, as will the public washrooms in all our parks. You may have noticed the abundance of in memoriam public benches and picnic tables along the waterfront that will welcome folks to pause awhile and enjoy the spectacular view. When we move into Step 1 of the Provincial Roadmap, the Blue Dolphin Pool will open with capacity limits in place, retail store restrictions will ease and patio dining will become available. Memorial Park will welcome campers on June 14th, and outdoor gathering limits will increase from 5 to 10 people.

It has been imprinted on our minds how effective following the health unit protocols has been in keeping the transmission rates of the virus low in our community, so to ensure that restrictions will ease soon, let's continue to wear masks where required, wash our hands, and watch our distance when in public spaces. Together, we have survived three waves of the pandemic with relatively few cases of infection, thanks to your commitment and determination to keep our families and community safe. Let's continue that fight by getting vaccinated when your turn comes. We look forward to a summer of second doses, and having all ages protected, by booking their vaccinations through the provincial online system at http://www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine. This will prepare us to reconnect more fully in September, with the community we love.

Stay well, everyone.

Mayor Barb Clumpus
Municipality of Meaford