Happy November everyone. The days seem darker now, and we’ve already had a brief glimpse of that first snowfall, a reminder of what’s ahead. Time to pop on those winter tires and cruise down the newly completed Sykes Street. It has been a very long wait for our downtown business community, and I know the restaurants and interesting shops will be delighted to welcome everyone back – still, of course, mindful of health protocols and distancing but excited to build a new normal. We urge you to shop local, support our local economy.

Speaking of snow, a reminder to everyone that overnight parking restrictions take effect on November 15th. This means no overnight parking on in-town streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when the Transportation services department will be clearing the snow and keeping our roads safe for travel.

The Province is expanding eligibility for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, beginning with those over 70 and those at high risk. This will provide an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. Beginning November 6th, these individuals can book their booster dose appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the provincial vaccine contact centre. Visit www.covid-19.ontario.ca to find out more about eligibility and booking.

November 11th is Remembrance Day across the country, a time to reflect on the freedoms and the way of life we enjoy in Canada which were won at great cost and sacrifice by our men and women in military service. While public participation will be limited, wreaths will be placed at the cenotaph, a short service will honour the fallen, and the traditional parade and military participation will hopefully be back with us next year. But, as proud Canadians, we can pay tribute and pray for peace in our world by holding them in our hearts and privately observing two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. A longstanding tradition is a nostalgic relevant performance in Meaford Hall on November 10th, and I look forward to attending “100 Years from Now”, a folk musical of love, sacrifice, and the Great War, presented by Meaford Hall. Tickets are available at meafordhall.ca.

Be well, everyone.