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Financial Impact - Education and awareness are paramount to

the success of this campaign and objective, as such Staff are recommending a robust communication and education plan, with a cost of approximately $12,000.00 for Phase 2 (first month) + $6,380.00 (Phase 3, per month cost)

Staff are therefore seeking an upset budget limit of $75,000.00 for two Municipal Law Enforcement Officer’s on six-month contracts. The total cost will depend on how long Council wishes the Phase 3 communications plan to continue beyond the first month (Phase 2); each subsequent month of Phase 3 communications carries a cost of $6,380.00/month.

Published by Riverside Press, Box 387 Thornbury, N0H 2P0 519-599-3345

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www.visitblue.ca

NOVEMBER 2020 Vol 6 Issue 32NOVEMBER 20TH EDITION

We have been seeing a deeply concerning trend of a significant increase in the number of cases locally, and in the number of close contacts of these cases. These findings are indicative of fatigue related to following public health measures.

It is important that we re-focus our energy on the basic measures that can keep us safe – the same ones that got us through the spring first wave, including: the 3 W’s of Washing hands frequently, Watching distance (ideally 6ft), and wear face covering correctly. https://publ ichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Town Seeks Public Feedback for Proposed Mandatory Mask By-law Special Committee of the Whole Meeting planned for Wed. Nov. 25, 5pm (virtual)

In an effort to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the community, the Town of The Blue Mountains Council is considering the approval of a Mandatory Face Covering By-law that aims to share the responsibility of wearing a mask equally between the business owner/operator and the customer or individual within the indoor public space.

If approved, the By-law would support and augment the existing Provincial Order (Ontario Regulation 364/20), which mandates that a face covering must be worn in all indoor establishments. The proposed By-law is very similar to the current Provincial Order; however, the By-law will add to the responsibility of wearing a face covering to include the customer or individual entering an indoor space.

Currently, the Provincial Order places the responsibility of customers wearing a face covering solely on the business owner/operator. Through the proposed By-law, the Town wants to clearly identify a shared responsibility to both the business owner/operator and the customer or individual entering an indoor space.

To ensure members of the public have the opportunity to understand the proposed Mandatory Face Covering By-law, a dedicated webpage has been created that features information resources for members of the public and business owners and operators. To view the dedicated webpage, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/masks.

“This proposed By-law serves to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor Alar Soever. “The intent of the By-law is to educate and promote current Provincial Orders and to share the responsibility of protecting the community’s health and safety.”

Members of the public wishing to speak at the virtual Committee of the Whole meeting are required to pre-register with the Town Clerk no later than 1:00 pm on Tues., Nov. 24.

To submit your feedback by email, in writing, or to pre-register to speak during the virtual meeting, please contact the Town Clerk, Corrina Giles.Mail or in person: 32 Mill St., Box 310, Thornbury ON, N0H 2P0Tel: 519-599-3131 ext 232 Fax: 519-599-7723; Email: townclerk@thebluemountains.caFor more information, please contact:

MANDATORY MASK OR FACE COVERING

MUST BE WORN IN THIS ESTABLISHMENT TOWN BY-LAW 2020-XX

www.thebluemountains.ca/mask

Schedule 'A'

Call For Appointments Sustainability Committee and Agricultural Committee

THREE (3) VACANT POSITIONSThe Town of The Blue Mountains are seeking

applications, in the form of letters of interest, from members of the public for appointment to the following Town Committees. The committee appointment runs concurrent with the term of Council, being 2018 - 2022:Sustainability Advisory Committee:

7 member Committee, 5 Committee members have been appointed2 public members being sought

Agricultural Advisory Committee:9 member Committee, 8 Committee members have been appointed1 public member being sought

Applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to a particular Committee. Applicants may apply for more than one Committee and are asked to submit separate applications for each Committee. Terms of Reference for the Committees can be found on The Blue Mountains website.

All Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, December 11, 2020 1:00 p.m. to:

Town of The Blue MountainsAttention: Town Clerk, 32 Mill Street Box 310Thornbury, Ontario N0H 2P0

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Publisher Linda Wykes, printed by Riverside Press, 22 Louisa St. E., Thornbury 519-599-3345. Your events, stories and photos of interest to our community can be emailed to info@visitblue.ca for inclusion in the newsletter by each Friday. Advertising rates are available by calling 519-599-3345 or www.visitblue.ca E-NEWSLETTER - Use the subscribe form on our website to receive the weekly E-newsletter. MAILED E-NEWSLETTER - You can also signup to receive the E- newsletter through Canada Post $50 for 25 issues MONTHLY NEWSLETTER This newsletter is mailed to residents in The Blue Mountains the first week of each monthDONATE - Through our website link; email transfer to info@visitblue.ca or a cheque can be sent to Riverside Press, Box 387, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: We ask that letters be no longer than 250 words, and adhere to standards of fairness, accuracy, legality and civility. Beyond that, we select letters on the basis of timeliness, relevance and diversity and reserve the right to not publish.ARTICLES are from media releases or those that are submitted acknowledge the author.

Blue Mountains Library UpdateFacebook @thebluemountainslibraryInstagram @bmplibraryCHD Facebook @CraigleithDepotYouTube: The Blue Mountains Public Library

Seniors Exercise - Mondays 10:00am BMPL FacebookKids Clubhouse - Tuesdays 4:30pm BMPL YouTubeWired Wednesday - Wednesdays 1:00pm BMPL Facebook & YouTubeBedtime Story Time - Wednesdays 7:00pm BMPL Facebook & YouTubeDigital Book Club - Thursdays 1:00pm BMPL FacebookVirtual Story Time - Fridays 11:00am BMPL FacebookTrivia Game Night - Fridays 7:00pm BMPL Facebook

New Landfill Hours & Yard Waste Collection8:00am to 4:00pm on both Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:00am to 12:00pm on Saturdays. Yard waste will be collected on your regular day of collection,

and a limit of 10 bags of yard waste will be collected per week per household until November 25th.. Residents can use standard compostable paper bags or small reusable containers (smaller than 90 cm x 42 cm). Each bag or container of yard waste is restricted to a maximum of 18 kgs. Operations Department 519-599-3131 x 276

Parking & Snow Plow Restrictions The Town prohibits overnight parking on Town streets from

November 1st, 2020 to April 1st, 2021 from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.Snow Plowing Restrictions

Please be advised that Town By-law No. 2014-65 indicates that no person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway, including those portions of the highway commonly referred to as the shoulder, sidewalk, walkway, pathway, boulevard or ditch, without written permission from the Director of Operations.Parking Restrictions

Please be advised that the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990 Chap. H-8 Section 170(12) indicates that no person shall park or stand a vehicle on a roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the removal or clearing of snow from the roadway.

It should also be noted that Town By-law No. 2003-11 prohibits overnight parking on Town streets from November 1st, 2020 to April 1st, 2021 from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. www.thebluemountains.ca

Operations Department, Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276

Town Council & Committee Virtual MeetingsIf you wish to provide a delegation to Council or the Committees, please contact the Town Clerk 519-599-3131 ext. 232 Agendas and Staff Reports for all Council and Committee of The Whole meetings are available to the public and are posted on the town site prior to the meeting. Minutes of these meetings are posted on the website after being adopted by Council and Committee of The Whole. Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are livestreamed.Special Committee of the Whole - Public MeetingMandatory Face Covering By-law

Wednesday, November 25, 5:00pm Leisure Activities Plan Steering Committee

Thursday, November 26, 2:30pmCouncil Meeting

Monday, November 30, 9:00amCommittee of the Whole

Tuesday, December 01, 9:00am Special Committee of the Whole - Proposed Budget 2021

Wednesday, December 02, 1:00 PM Monday, December 07, 8:45 AM Tuesday, December 08, 8:45 AM Wednesday, December 09, 1:00pm

Council MeetingMonday, December 14, 2020 9:00am

Call For Applications To The Town of The Blue Mountains Environmental Sustainability Fund

The Town of The Blue Mountains invites community organizations to apply for the Town’s Environmental Sustainability Fund.

This fund has an allocation of $5,000 that will be split between the successful applications which demonstrate a clear goal of advancing environmental sustainability within the Town.

This year’s fund looks to build on previous successful recipients including the Thornbury Community Gardens project and the Beaver River Watershed Initiative project. Both projects exemplify how the Town and community organizations can work alongside one another and foster social vibrancy and environmental sustainability.

Interested community organizations wishing to apply must submit their application no later than December 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To learn more about the Town’s Environmental Sustainability Fund and to apply, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/our-sustainable-path.cfm

For more information, please contact:Jeffery FletcherManager of Sustainability and Solid Waste(519) 599-3131 ext. 238

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Ontario Communities Put at Risk by Changes to Conservation Authorities Act

The Province has introduced changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, under the 2020 Provincial Budget Bill, Bill 229, that will limit the conservation authorities’ ability to protect people, property, and the environment. Most of these changes have come with no warning or consultations and have raised concerns with Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA), who believes these actions by the Province lack transparency and will put communities across Ontario at risk. It is important for all Ontarians to understand how they may be impacted by these proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and know who they should contact to express their concern.

GSCA has identified several major issues related to these proposed changes that the public and municipalities in Ontario should be concerned about and prepared to act on.

Changes imposed by this Bill would allow the Province to determine which municipally or self-funded programs conservation authorities can undertake. This undermines the ability of local Boards and Councils to define the programs that are beneficial to their local watershed communities. This Provincial overreach may have significant impacts on public safety, the local environment and resilience to climate change.

Changes to the development permit process include permit appeals to be submitted directly to the Minister of Natural Resources & Forestry (Minister) and for power to be given to the Minister to issue their own permits. This has the potential for significant negative impacts on Ontarians as it lacks transparency and could add political motivation to permit decisions while removing the use of background information, local watershed knowledge, and scientific expertise on which conservation authority staff currently make these decisions. Further, this change would allow bypassing of the hearing process and could result in development in unsafe locations such as flood plains and the destruction of environmental features.

The Province has also introduced new fee appeal methods that may cause a significant administrative burden on staff and hearing boards, ultimately leading to delays in development reviews. Ontario’s conservation authorities are tasked with keeping local communities safe from the impacts of natural hazards. Amendments to the Planning Act that remove the ability of conservation authorities to appeal planning decisions will dramatically reduce the ability of conservation authorities to provide this service.

Tim Lanthier, Chief Administrative Officer for Grey Sauble Conservation Authority states, “The changes being proposed by the Province will effectively undo decades of thoughtful planning to keep our communities safe.” Further, Ontario’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change will be hampered by these changes that undermine the work of conservation

authorities to keep development out of high flood risk areas and for protecting natural infrastructure such as wetlands. These actions directly contradict the Made in Ontario Environment Plan that promotes building resilience for the costs and impacts of Climate Change.

The importance of safe and healthy communities, as well as access to nature for personal well-being has become extremely evident this year, which highlights the value that conservation authorities provide across Ontario.

“If you value the work of conservation authorities to protect the environment and to protect our communities from the impacts of natural hazards, it is vital that you speak up now. Contact your MPP, Jim Wilson (jwilson@ola.org) your councillors, (council@thebluemountains.ca) or go to GSCA’s website to advocate for the removal of Schedule 6 from Bill 229” – Lanthier.

Councillor Andrea Matrosovs is our member of the Grey Sauble & Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authorities.

amatrosovs@thebluemountains.caFor more information on these changes and to find out how to take action, visit: www.greysauble.on.ca Tim Lanthier, GSCA Chief Administrative OfficerEmail: t.lanthier@greysauble.on.caPhone: 519-376-3076 ext. 234 Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.

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Province Declared Grey Bruce Moved to Yellow Stage

On Friday November 20th, the provincial government announced that Grey-Bruce would be moving in to the Yellow Stage of their framework. The recommendation to shift to the yellow stage was made following consultation between the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, Dr. David Williams, and the local Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra. The recommendation was based on our local epidemiological data and trends.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit website will be updated on Monday November 23rd to reflect this change.

The change from Green to Yellow means greater restrictions and enhanced enforcement – including operational restrictions on bars and restaurants, sports and recreational facilities, personal care services, retail spaces and other businesses – an outcome that none of us desires. Collectively, it is in our control to change our designation back to Green as soon as we can – but it will take an effort from all of us.

For detailed information

on the Yellow category of the framework, please visit the provincial website. It helps to explain the changes resulting from the change from Green to Yellow. The Grey Bruce Health Unit will also have fact sheets available on Monday November 23rd to assist the public and businesses in understanding these changes.

We continue to be in this together, and only as a collective can we get back to Green. We simply need to get “Back to the Basics”• Wash your hands frequently• Watch your distance (6 ft)• Wear your face covering

correctly• Avoid Crowds• Arrange for outdoor activities

instead of indoors whenever possible

• Stay home if you are sick• Avoid close contact

(unprotected contact within 6ft of each other) with those from outside your household

• Avoid travel to areas with higher transmission and minimize non-essential travel

• Be kind, be calm, be safeDr. Ian Arra, Medical

Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer 1-800-263-3456 ext. 269 d.ferguson@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Grey Bruce Health Unit serves a population of 161,977: Grey County 93,830 and Bruce County 68,147 (2016)

&Printing, Signage, Banners, Flyers, Brochures, Postcards, Posters, Labels,Book Binding, Laminating, Fax, Copies,Wide Format, Scans

Tel: 519-599-334422 Louisa St.E., Thornbury

NEW LOCATION

www.riversidepress.caMonday - Friday 10am -5pm

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Building Community with Attainable Housing

Attainable housing can build healthy, vibrant communities. It can improve the quality of life for residents and the surrounding community, support the local workforce by providing well-constructed, quality housing while revitalizing neighborhoods, encourage social interaction, boost the town’s economy and build communities.

Attainable housing with community building in mind means it will meet the needs of families as well as individuals. All communities need teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, mechanics, electricians, retail clerks, chefs, restaurant managers and other service workers.

Attainable housing will also serve the needs of people in all stages of life by providing a range of housing options and affordability levels. From young adults who are just starting out their careers to retirees on fixed incomes, a stronger, more inclusive community will be built.

To learn more about The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation’s attainable housing strategy and to stay engaged, sign up for the BMAHC e-newsletter at https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca/

And if you are interested in registering as a future tenant, Register for The Gateway at https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca/register-gateway

Building Community with Attainable Housing

Attainable housing can build healthy, vibrant communities. It can improve the quality of life for residents and the surrounding community, support the local workforce by providing well-constructed, quality housing while revitalizing neighborhoods, encourage social interaction, boost the town’s economy and build communities.

Attainable housing with community building in mind means it will meet the needs of families as well as individuals. All communities need teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, mechanics, electricians, retail clerks, chefs, restaurant managers and other service workers.

Attainable housing will also serve the needs of people in all stages of life by providing a range of housing options and affordability levels. From young adults who are just starting out their careers to retirees on fixed incomes, a stronger, more inclusive community will be built.

To learn more about The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation’s attainable housing strategy and to stay engaged, sign up for the BMAHC e-newsletter at https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca/

And if you are interested in registering as a future tenant, Register for The Gateway at https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca/register-gateway

Delivering Broadband in Bruce & Grey Counties On Nov 16, the Province announced that all contracts are signed in

Bruce and Grey counties through the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project, ensuring that construction of up to $16 million in broadband infrastructure in Bruce County, and $17 million in Grey County, will now move forward.

When completed, these projects will connect approximately 5,220 more homes and businesses in Bruce County and 3,960 homes and businesses in Grey County, to fast, reliable internet.

The contracts to expand high-speed fibre-optic broadband services in Bruce County and Grey County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“We invested to connect nearly 400,000 households by 2023 through the Connect to Innovate program,” said the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. “Work is underway every day and in the next 18 months, we will connect 250,000 of these households. Our ambitious plan is working because we are working with our partners at the community level. We are about to open new calls for proposals to connect 100% of Canada’s communities to reliable, quality internet access. Our number one goal over the coming months will be supporting high quality plans and applications from every community who needs better access. Together, with partners like those involved here in Bruce and Grey Counties, we will achieve universal internet access so that geography does not determine any Canadian’s access to essential services, working from home and connecting with their loved ones. Congratulations to all the partners involved in this project by SWIFT!”

The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize how

important rural broadband access is for individuals, families and businesses. Work continues to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined investment of more than $191 million to bring fast, reliable internet to thousands of homes and businesses.

Creating more ways to strengthen rural economies is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Reliable and affordable broadband internet will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.

Quick FactsThe governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing

more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund of the Investing in Canada plan.

SWIFT Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario that will support the critical expansion of broadband to underserved areas.

The Ontario government is making a historic investment of nearly $1 billion over six years to improve and expand broadband and cellular access across the province. On November 4, Ontario announced $680 million on top of the $315 million to support Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan. This funding will create jobs, and connect unserved and underserved communities during COVID-19 and beyond.

The Ontario government will continue to expand access to broadband and cellular service through the Improving Connectivity for Ontario program (ICON). It has doubled its investment in the program to $300 million. This multi-year program aims to support approved projects as early as 2021.

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Please call to schedule your new or postponed appointment.

Our dental hygiene team is welcoming patients. They look forward to seeing you and your family.

Cleaning Your Oven the Green WayBy Diana Dolmer, CANN (Climate Action Network Now)

My oven seems to be gleaming clean one day, and a baked-on, caked-on mess the next. If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven it’s tempting to let the oven go until it catches on fire and the grease and grime just burn off, but that’s probably not the safest idea. Plus, my smoke alarms are heart attack inducing.

Now, I find the easiest way to keep my oven clean is to not use it but sometimes I really want scalloped potatoes and they always spill over. If you have ever looked at the ingredient list on a commercial oven cleaner you will know it is a laundry list of chemicals. The smell alone probably kills off your brain cells. But there is a natural and much more economical solution.

First scrape off the bits that you can. Then make a paste of 3 parts baking soda and one part water. Spread this paste over the oven top, bottom, sides and door. Now spritz with a little cleaning vinegar. Let this sit for about 20 minutes. Scrape the heavily soiled spots, then wipe with a rag and water. Now spray with a little water or vinegar and water and wipe for the final time. Stubborn spots can be scrubbed with a pumice stone and you can use the pumice on the racks as well. Ready for more scalloped potatoes. Yum!

Seniors Centre Without Walls (These activities are with your phone, no internet required)

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m. Bingo

Thursday, Nov. 26, 1 p.m. Finances in Challenging Times! Learn about: Scams to avoid, types of financial abuse, the functioning of Powers of Attorney and resolving a complaint against financial service advisers. Presenter: Rob Paddick, Deputy Ombudsman for the  Ombudsman for Banking Services and InvestmentsThursday, Nov. 26, 2 p.m. Feedback about BVO’s SCWW program. Give us your suggestions about programs you’d like the SCWW to organize. Music? Chats? Games? Information?

To sign into these activities CALL 1 866 279 1594. When Prompted by the recorded message: Enter Passcode 852340#, Say your name, followed by #November

For information and to register for the monthly calendar of events, call Answers4Seniors 519 599 2577, ext. 6

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Josh Dolan BM Review 2020.qxp_JOSH REVIEW AD 2019-12-30 10:48 AM Page 1

10"-14" Urn Inserts • Decorated Wreaths24" Window Boxes • 12" Hanging Baskets

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturdayfrom 10am - 4pm

November 21st to December 19th

RIVERSIDEGREENHOUSES

Intersection Upgrades at Grey Road 19 and Crosswinds Blvd.

Grey County is moving forward with upgrades to the intersection of Grey Road 19 and Crosswinds Blvd. Installation of traffic lights will be completed by November 30, 2020, as part of the subdivision agreement with Georgian Communities. The intersection will include a sensor light. Traffic turning left off of Crosswinds Blvd. will trigger the green light. Grey County will also be installing a pedestrian crossing at the intersection. The road will remain open during the upgrades.

62 New Long-Term Care Spaces Approved for Grey Gables

The Ontario government is moving forward with a new long-term care home project in Markdale to help reduce local waitlists and improve the quality of care and quality of life for our seniors. This initiative is part of the 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, a comprehensive action plan to respond to the serious health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

Grey Gables has been approved for the development of 62 new spaces. Together with the upgrade of 66 spaces by the municipality, this project will result in a 128-bed home in Markdale. This project will involve the construction of a new building and will be part of a campus of care.

Across the province, the Ontario government is moving forward with 29 new long-term care projects, which will lead to an additional 3,000 new and upgraded long-term care spaces. Among the 29 new long-term care projects, 19 will include campuses of care where multiple services are provided for residents on the same site.