Hello summer! As the clouds float away and the sun shines on Meaford we welcome summer in full bloom. The beaches are lively, the parks and picnic tables are the scene of friends catching up, and there’s a tangible, happy atmosphere. It is exciting to see our downtown, harbour, and parks bustling with activity again.
Starting today Grey Bruce moves into a modified Step 3 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen. This will allow more businesses to operate at larger capacities, and facilities such as Meaford Hall, our Museum and the Community Centre to reopen with careful attention to distancing and hand sanitizing. While a step forward is welcome news, private social gatherings where folks tend to let down their guard, have been a source of increased infections, so the Health Unit recommends that smaller group sizes and the usual protocols stay in place for our region. In our eagerness for a “normal” summer of fun and socialization, we can’t lose sight of what still must be done to keep our families, friends and community safe. The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 is prevalent in our community causing a spike in cases – and regrettably, deaths. That reminds us to remain vigilant and to stick with the protocols that have worked so well over these many months: – Wash hands frequently, Watch your distance to others, and Wear a face covering where distancing is a challenge. Avoiding Crowds and Arranging activities outdoors instead of indoors is also helpful.
Public Health urges everyone to get both doses as the best defence against getting COVID-19. The number of scheduled clinics are increasing throughout the region. The list of these locations is found, and appointments can be made, by visiting the Grey Bruce Public Health website. There will be another drop-in vaccination clinic at our Community Centre on Tuesday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Booking an appointment will ensure an adequate number of vaccines are available, but if you attend a pop-up clinic remember to take a piece of government issued identification with you.
Summer also means construction and projects are underway around the municipality. Work on a section of Sykes Street North from Bayfield Street to Parker Street has closed the west bound lane and sidewalk. Work on the Nelson Street booster pumping station has reduced traffic to a single lane, but businesses and homes within the construction areas, including the hospital, are still accessible.
I want to give a shout-out to young Cleighton Carbert for starting Meaford’s rock snake that winds along the Georgian Trail. Cleighton, your creativity is inspiring and the messages of kindness, hope and community spirit written on the rocks has brought many smiles – and more painted rocks to the collection. Thank you.
We are so fortunate to live in this special place of natural and architectural beauty, spectacular scenery and kind, caring people. Let’s enjoy. Let’s continue to do whatever is necessary to fight COVID-19 and let’s keep the momentum going on the road to social and economic recovery.
Stay well everyone and play safe.
Mayor Barb Clumpus
Municipality of Meaford
