United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
July 26, 2021
Re: Declaration of Emergency – Terminated
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (Counties) has made the decision to terminate the “Declaration of Emergency” under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as of July 22, 2021. Following are the considerations that informed this decision:
- Ontario entered into Step 3 of the Provincial Re-Opening Plan on July 16, 2021.
- The supports required to continue to manage during the pandemic can be met with existing resources within the Counties.
- Active recruitment and oversight of volunteers is not required by the Counties to continue operations under the current pandemic situation.
- Declared emergencies are designed to heighten public awareness to an impending danger. Awareness of the pandemic is well established within the community.
- Provincial and Federal financial programs have been designed and implemented relating specifically to the pandemic. Provincial disaster relief funding does not apply to Counties’ operations or our local ratepayers for the pandemic.
The Counties is encouraged by how the members of our community continue to adhere to public health guidance and are doing their part to become vaccinated. It is through these efforts that we continue to see progress in milestones in the fight against Covid-19. For more information on current provincial emergency orders, please visit, https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information
Terminating the declaration of emergency does not mean the hard work is done, there is so much still ahead. We celebrate that more than 271,386 vaccinations have been administered by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit; this means that of the population age 12+, 87% have had a first dose and 67%, two doses. It is important that our community continues to make vaccination a priority. The following information has been provided to assist anyone seeking vaccination.
How can I get vaccinated after August 31st?
COVID-19 vaccine will be available for a first or second dose through pharmacies, primary care, or a mobile health unit vaccine clinic.
- Book an appointment using the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark online booking portal.
- Contact the Call Centre at 1-844-369-1234, open Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm.
- Contact a local participating pharmacy.
- Contact your health care provider.
Although the Emergency Declaration has been terminated, the Counties remains vigilant as the pandemic situation can change, and other jurisdictions have encountered a fourth wave. We encourage everyone to remain committed to practicing good hygiene and follow Public Health guidelines. Should our local situation change, the Counties will determine appropriate future actions required including the potential implementation of a new declaration.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://healthunit.org/covid-19-vaccine/ or call 1-800-660-5853.
Sincerely,
Roger Haley, Warden
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
Posted July 27, 2021
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
Sept 29, 2020
More Pop-Up Testing in Lanark County this Week
Building on the success of local pop-up testing last week, paramedics from the Lanark County Paramedic Service will once again be performing COVID-19 testing at pop-up (temporary) testing centres in Carleton Place on Wednesday, September 30, and in Perth on Friday, October 2. The pop-up testing centre in Carleton Place will be located at the Carmabeck Community Centre at 351 Bridge Street, and the pop-up testing centre in Perth will be located at Conlon Farm Recreation Complex at 127 Smith Drive. These pop-up testing centres are coordinated by a number of local health agencies with the goal of increasing local access to COVID-19 testing.
“A key strategy to managing COVID-19 transmission is to have early identification of cases through testing,” explains Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “The sooner we learn that someone has tested positive, the sooner we can provide support and guidance to them, and the sooner we can begin contact tracing to minimize the spread to others.”
Testing will be by appointment only and the pop-up centres will not be open to walk-ins. Reservations for testing will be taken online through the Eventbrite website starting on Tuesday, September 29 at Noon. Residents requiring testing can log in online to reserve ‘tickets’ for testing. To book a space for Wednesday, September 30 in Carleton Place or Friday, October 2 in Perth, visit our website https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/assessment-testing-results/
For information about other local COVID-19 Assessment Centres, future pop-up centres and mobile testing, please visit the Health Unit website https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/assessment-testing-results/ , follow the LGL Health Unit on social media, or call 1-800-660-5853.
Posted September 29, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2020
Leeds Grenville Municipal Emergency Control Group updates
The highlights of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) held today are listed below. The group hears reports from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, area police and fire officials and Counties departments, including Community and Social Services, Paramedic Service, Public Works, Finance and Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Counties Council will discuss continuation of emergency declaration:
Warden Pat Sayeau announced a discussion regarding whether the counties-wide Declaration of Emergency should be continued or lifted will take place at the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for June 9th.
Warden Sayeau initially declared a State of Emergency for Leeds and Grenville on Wednesday, April 8th.
The Warden commended Counties staff for ensuring service delivery throughout the past 10 weeks since the Ontario government announced its COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency on March 17th. He noted staff have adapted to new working procedures to ensure their safety while continuing to provide regular and critical services to Leeds and Grenville residents.
No new tri-county COVID-19 community cases identified in the past week:
Dr. Paula Stewart, Chief Medical Officer of Health with the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, confirmed there have been no new community cases of COVID-19 identified in the region over the past week.
Dr. Stewart also noted the province is now encouraging more testing, including testing of those who may be asymptomatic. Additional testing will give a better sense of how many community cases there are, she said.
Emergency childcare centres operating well:
Four Emergency Child Care sites for essential workers continue to operate in Kemptville and Brockville. There is a small waiting list for Brockville.
Child care rooms are limited to six children each to maintain required distancing guidelines. The application form for essential workers is available on the Counties Community and Social Services webpage.
The Temporary Social Distancing Centre is slowly winding down its operations. Alternative housing is being arranged for those in need.
Reminder for residents to follow safe burning practices:
Leeds and Grenville residents are permitted to burn according to local guidelines and restrictions within their municipalities. The Leeds Grenville Fire Coordinator asks residents to burn safely. Learn more on the province’s Safe Burning webpage.
Provincial Online Assessment tool
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, check the Ontario Online Self-Assessment tool. Symptoms have changed over time and now include a runny nose and fatigue. Online Self-Assessment tool.
MECG’s next meeting: The next Municipal Emergency Control Group will be at the call of the chair.
Learn more on the Counties COVID-19 Information webpage. Subscribe to a Special COVID-19 Business Support webpage.
Posted May 25, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2020
The highlights of a special United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council Meeting held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 are listed below.
Leeds Grenville Warden thanks frontline and essential workers:
Warden Pat Sayeau thanked United Counties of Leeds and Grenville essential and frontline workers for their continued commitment in keeping communities safe and services operating. The Warden gave a special thank you in his address to Counties Council to nurses in celebration of National Nursing Week.
Report from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit:
The number of new community cases of COVID-19 remains low.
It is important to continue to practice physical distancing to protect yourself and others even as certain restrictions begin to be lifted, the Chief Medical Officer for the tri-county area said in her report. “These low numbers of people infected means that many people are practicing physical distancing,” she said.
Dr. Stewart thanked the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service for its significant assistance with COVID-19 testing via the Community Paramedicine program.
Maple View Lodge long-term care facility’s pandemic plan activated:
One resident and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19 following widespread testing at the Athens long-term care facility.
In a report to Counties Council, CAO Andy Brown said Maple View Lodge’s Pandemic Plan has been activated. Maple View Lodge Administrator Tracy Jordan reported no new cases have been identified.
The resident has been isolated and all precautions are being taken. The staff member who tested positive is isolated at home. Broad testing of the entire facility was completed last weekend by the Counties Paramedic Service. Re-testing has occurred since the cases were identified. The facility is closely monitoring staff and working with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Medical Director.
No Waiting List at Emergency Child Care Centres:
Emergency Child Care Centres accessible to front-line essential workers who meet the eligibility criteria are in operation in both Brockville and Kemptville. There is currently no waiting list and staff continue to monitor the needs of the community. Application form.
Economic Development Department assists businesses preparing to re-open:
The Counties Economic Development department has been providing assistance to small and medium-size businesses as they maneuver through the various support programs available to them. A dedicated COVID-19 Business Support webpage has been established.
Emergency Declaration:
Warden Pat Sayeau declared a State of Emergency for Leeds and Grenville on Wednesday, April 8th at 1 p.m. For current information visit the Counties COVID-19 Information webpage. The Municipal Emergency Control Group is continuing to meet bi-weekly to hear updates from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, area Police, Fire and the Paramedic Service as well as all Counties departments. The next meeting is Monday, May 25th.
Upcoming meetings:
The next regular meetings will be the Committee of the Whole on June 9th, the Joint Services Committee on June 10th, and Counties Council on June 25th. All regular meetings begin at 9 a.m. in the Council Chambers at 25 Central Avenue, Brockville. For more information, contact County Clerk Lesley Todd at 613-342-3840, ext. 2454.
Posted May 19, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2020
Leeds Grenville Municipal Emergency Control Group updates
The highlights of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) held today are listed below. The group hears reports from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, area police and fire officials and Counties departments, including Community and Social Services, Paramedic Service, Public Works, Finance and Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Counties preparing preliminary plans for restarting regular operations:
Senior managers at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville are reviewing operations which may have been scaled back since the COVID-19 pandemic began and developing preliminary plans for restarting regular operations. Counties critical and essential operations have continued throughout the outbreak.
“I wish to thank all essential staff who have remained committed to their work throughout the pandemic. I expect staff are looking forward to a return to more normal work routines,” Warden Pat Sayeau said.
The Counties will follow advice from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health with respect to reopening to the public. For more information, contact Counties CAO Andy Brown at 613-342-3840, ext. 2301.
Four Emergency Child Care Centres now open:
Emergency Child Care Centres for essential workers have expanded to include four sites, two in Kemptville and two in Brockville. The centres are currently fulfilling the needs of the community with no children on the wait list. Staff is continuing to monitor whether additional spaces are needed. The province recently expanded the List of Essential Workers eligible for emergency child care.
The application form is available on the Counties Community and Social Services webpage.
Counties Paramedic Service helping test at long-term care homes:
Community Paramedicine efforts are continuing with Leeds Grenville’s Paramedic Service, and the neighbouring Paramedic Service in Lanark County, assisting the region’s health unit in testing residents and staff at long-term care facilities.
Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service Chief Jeff Carss reported community testing has been ramped up. Testing has been conducted at long-term care facilities in Athens, Brockville, Prescott and Merrickville. He noted more than 1,000 individuals have recently undergone testing.
“The Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service and the Lanark County Paramedic Service have been phenomenal in fulfilling the provincial requirement to perform widespread testing at our long-term care homes,” said Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the tri-county area.
Testing at area retirement homes is expected to commence soon following direction of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
Ministry of Health – Physical distancing remains important:
With parks and green spaces reopening, the Ministry of Health and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit continue to stress the importance of physical distancing.
At today’s MECG meeting, Dr. Paula Stewart, of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, said it is crucial to continue to stay away from play structures, park benches and other park equipment to contain the spread of the virus.
Travellers returning to Canada are reminded they are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone with symptoms must self-isolate for two weeks or get tested. Learn more on the Health Unit’s COVID-19 webpage.
MECG’s next meeting: The next meeting of the Municipal Emergency Control Group is Monday, May 25, 9 a.m., unless an earlier meeting is required. Warden Sayeau declared a State of Emergency for Leeds and Grenville on Wednesday, April 8th. Learn more on the Counties COVID-19 Information webpage.
Subscribe to a Special COVID-19 Business Support webpage.
Posted May 13, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2020
Updates from the Municipal Emergency Control Group on emergency child care centres, community testing services
The highlights of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) meeting held today are listed below. The group hears reports from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, area police and fire officials and Counties departments, including Community and Social Services, Paramedic Service, Public Works, Finance and Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Health Unit reporting community spread of COVID-19 cases remains low
COVID-19 community spread numbers remain low according to the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.
Dr. Paula Stewart, the region’s Medical Officer of Health, told the MECG group maintaining appropriate distancing and staying home whenever possible is working to flatten the curve in the tri-county area.
“We continue to have low numbers because we have been social distancing,” Dr. Stewart said. She reported there was an increase in people coming to the Brockville Assessment Centre after walk-in services were announced last week. “There was a bit of a surge when it first started,” she said, but added it was not a dramatic increase. Learn more on the Health Unit’s COVID-19 webpage.
Additional Emergency Childcare Centre spaces have opened
A second Kemptville site has opened to expand childcare services to meet the needs of qualifying essential and front-line workers. In Brockville, the centre at Commonwealth Public School will be expanded to six rooms. A second site at the Brockville YMCA is expected to open on May 4th.
Eligible workers in Leeds and Grenville include those working in the emergency and essential services identified by the Ontario Government, as well as workers in grocery stores and pharmacies.
Childcare rooms are limited to six children each to maintain required distancing guidelines. See a full list of eligible workers and the application form on the Counties Community and Social Services webpage.
Community and Social Services Emergency Relief Fund
The Provincial government announced a Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) in response to the COVID-19 crisis, which is a shared initiative between the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. SSRF funding was allotted to thirteen local services and programs being delivered to persons in-need throughout Leeds and Grenville. Funding will begin to flow today for those who have met the application requirements. See a summary of approved submissions on the Community and Social Services webpage.
Temporary Self-Distancing Centre
The Centre is currently full with a capacity of nine individuals. The Temporary Self-Distancing Centre is intended to support those in our community that may be precariously housed and would benefit from the opportunity to physically distance. The Counties has secured a number of rooms in a Brockville hotel for this purpose, including an office area for staff. The Centre is funded through the Social Services Relief Fund; monies received from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Paramedic Service assisting with COVID-19 testing
The Counties Paramedic Service continues to provide community assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Service is assisting at the Brockville Assessment Centre, providing testing at long-term care facilities and performing testing during at home visits. Access to the at home testing requires a referral by the Leeds Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit or primary care physician.
Provincial Online Assessment tool
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, check the Ontario Online Self-Assessment tool. Symptoms have changed over time and now include a runny nose and fatigue, among others. Online Self-Assessment tool.
MECG’s next meeting:
The next meeting of the Municipal Emergency Control Group is Monday, May 11, 2020 at 9 a.m., unless an earlier meeting is required. Warden Sayeau declared a State of Emergency for Leeds and Grenville on Wednesday, April 8th. Learn more on the Counties COVID-19 Information webpage.
Subscribe to a Special COVID-19 Business Support webpage.
Posted April 27, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2020
Municipal Emergency Control Group continues to stress physical distancing with the arrival of warmer weather
The highlights of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) held today are listed below. The group, which meets weekly, hears regular reports from area police and fire officials, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Counties departments, including Community and Social Services, Paramedic Service, Public Works, Finance and Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Physical distancing remains important as more people spending time outside
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Pat Sayeau is reminding area residents safe physical activity outdoors means maintaining physical distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Each spring, warmer weather typically signifies getting out of our homes and reconnecting with family and friends. At this time however, we must continue to follow all public health directives, especially those related to physical distancing, to ensure to limit risks of COVID-19 to ourselves and others” said Warden Sayeau in his opening remarks during the meeting. The fishing season is open but residents are to respect local decisions to close boat ramps and to avoid congregating in open spaces.
For more information about staying active during the pandemic, visit the Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit website.
Expansion of Emergency Child Care Centres in Kemptville and Brockville
Leeds Grenville Community and Social Services is expanding Emergency Child Care Centres to meet the needs of qualifying essential and front-line workers. Centres located in Kemptville and Brockville are open seven days a week. Capacity at these centres may be expanded if needed. Childcare rooms are limited to six children each to maintain required distancing guidelines. Click here for the Application form.
Community program proposals using Social Service Emergency Fund
The administration of the Social Services Emergency Fund dollars is underway. There are 11 community proposals for the funding, most of which are related to food and food service delivery. Additional funding will be phased in during July and into the fall. Additional community proposals will be sought and evaluated at that time.
Temporary Social Distancing Centre
A Temporary Social Distancing Centre, which began accepting referrals last Thursday is currently at capacity providing temporary shelter for nine individuals.
“The Temporary Self Distancing Centre is intended to support those in our community that may be precariously housed and would benefit from the opportunity to socially distance,” said Alison Tutak, Counties Community Emergency Management Coordinator and Director of Community and Social Services.
The next meeting of the Municipal Emergency Control Group is Monday, April 27, 9 a.m., unless an earlier meeting is required. Warden Sayeau declared a State of Emergency for Leeds and Grenville on Wednesday, April 8th. Learn more on the Counties COVID-19 Information webpage.
Posted April 21,2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2020
Leeds Grenville declares State of Emergency: Residents strongly urged to stay isolated Easter weekend
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Pat Sayeau today declared a State of Emergency for the entire region to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“This is to reinforce the importance of social distancing throughout the Easter long weekend – and beyond – when people would normally be gathering to celebrate,” Warden Sayeau said.
“It is critically important that we do not let down our guard. This cannot be a normal holiday weekend,” he said. “My message is clear – stay home, self-isolate, avoid even family groups and stay safe”.
“There will be other long weekends when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. We want you and your loved ones to be alive to enjoy them with us,” the Warden added.
Over the course of the last 24 hours, the Warden has talked with all mayors within the United Counties. Some individual municipalities have declared emergencies while others have not, all for their own valid reasons, the Warden said. He noted no Leeds and Grenville municipalities are in need of additional resources at this time from each other or from the province.
“We all agree that our single and most pressing need, as we enter this long weekend, is the continued and focused efforts of all citizens to keep their distances,” he said.
Leeds and Grenville citizens are asked to:
• Maintain six-foot separation distances – at all times
• Avoid all gathering of groups larger than five – whether family or not
• Shelter at home, venturing out only for necessities
• Do not travel – essential travel only
Posted April 8, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville – Request for Proposal
Released April 7, 2020
Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) – Request for Proposal (RFP)
(Community/Non-Profit Agencies)
Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Please submit written proposals directly to Chris Morrison, Housing Manager at chris.morrison@uclg.on.ca.
Posted April 15, 2020
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2020
Next two weeks crucial in slowing down COVID-19: Warden
Leeds and Grenville residents must be vigilant with physical distancing, self-isolating if they have travelled, and continue to do their part to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Now is the time to double down to help prevent the spread of this virus,” United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Sayeau said, citing provincial health expert modelling numbers released by Premier Doug Ford which show 3,000 to 15,000 could die in the province.
“The next few weeks are crucial. We can save lives if we make extra efforts to stay home and follow the federal, provincial and Health Unit directives. Stay home. Stay safe,” Warden Sayeau said.
The Warden’s comments followed a Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) meeting Monday. COVID-19 updates were heard from Leeds and Grenville OPP officials, Fire Service, Counties Paramedic Service, Community and Social Services, Finance, Public Works departments and the Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.
Critical services continue to be maintained by the Counties throughout the outbreak. Emergency daycare centres have now opened in Brockville and Kemptville for frontline emergency first responders, including paramedic, police, fire and healthcare service workers. This service may be expanded depending on demand, according to Counties CAO Andy Brown.
Maple View Lodge, located in Athens, is reporting a respiratory illness outbreak. Four residents and three staff members were tested for COVID-19 with results pending for all but one of those cases. Results from one resident came back negative.
“We’re taking full precautions,” Mr. Brown said, noting Maple View has been following all guidelines and has been screening staff entering the facility.
The Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, a critical service provided by the Counties, is working with the Brockville and Leeds Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The service is sending two paramedics to provide support seven days a week. The Assessment Centre is located at the Brockville Memorial Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, Brockville. Appointments are made by referral only.
Leeds Grenville is preparing to roll out its portion of the Ontario Government’s Social Services Relief Fund to help protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable people during the outbreak. Leeds Grenville is receiving $1.55-million of a total $148-million announced by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Mr. Brown said Community and Social Services staff is looking at where to direct the funds to help the largest number of people. Learn more
The local Municipal Emergency Control Group is reminding residents of Canada’s Quarantine Act. Canada is making unprecedented use of the federal Quarantine Act in a bid to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. All travellers returning to Canada are now legally required to go into self-isolation for 14 days. The legislation contains a wide range of penalties for those flouting the law. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and six months in jail.
As we approach Easter, the Counties is asking everyone to respect and follow proper protocols – good hygiene practices, physical distancing, no gatherings, reduced travel, and staying home.
MECG is scheduled to meet again next Tuesday, April 14, or sooner if required.
Visit the Counties webpage to learn more about continuation of Counties services.
Subscribe to a Special COVID-19 Business Support webpage.
Posted April 8, 2020
County Wide Burn Ban Now in Effect
ALL municipalities within the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville have implemented a TOTAL OPEN-AIR BURN BAN as of Wednesday March 25th at 11:59pm until further notice.
The ban applies to all open-air fires including agricultural burns, brush piles, burn barrels, campfires, chimeneas, cooking fires, consumer fireworks, incinerators and other types of outdoor burning, but does not include cooking appliances with a mechanical shutoff, i.e. propane or natural gas cooking equipment.
Due to the concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the need for social distancing and to assist in the health, safety and well-being of our firefighters we placed an open-air burn ban as a precautionary measure to avoid any additional strain on our fire services at this time.
We are committed to providing and maintaining emergency response within our communities and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we cope with this uncertain and unprecedented situation.
Posted March 25, 2020