It was great to be part of such an important funding announcement today at Conservation Halton. Many thanks to Adam van Koeverden for his assistance in getting these much needed funds to help improve our creeks, wetlands and help save some endangered species. When I speak to people from Milton and Halton, they talk of our great parks & ecosystems as a source of pride. We’re helping our local community as well as the environment with these projects.
Halton Region Councillor Mike Cluett speaks at the announcement earlier today of a $275,000 investment in Conservation Halton’s efforts to improve creeks, wetlands & saving endangered species.
Milton MP Adam van Koeverden commented, “I’m proud that our government remains committed to preserving and protecting Canada’s rich biodiversity. It’s important that we invest in the organizations committed to being stewards and guardians of our land and water so that we can enjoy our green spaces today and preserve it for future generations. Environmental health is human health, we are all connected.”
Halton Region Councillor Mike Cluett with members of the Conservation Halton Board of Directors and members of the CH Foundation.
In this episode of Local Mattes with Mike Cluett, I invite Conservation Halton President and CEO Hassaan Basit on to discuss the Province of Ontario’s Bill 229 and more specifically “Schedule 6” which proposes many changes to the Conservation & Planning act. Hassaan outlines how, if passed as is, will negatively impact conservation efforts and potentially the safety of local residents and the environment.
The Halton area Mayors of Halton Hills, Burlington, Oakville and Milton have written to the Premier and MInister Yuerek about their concerns with the full support of all councils and Conservation Halton. Hassaan is calling on the province to pull “Schedule 6” and have a discussion on how to truly strengthen the core mandate of the conservation authorities, which is what is intended, but if passed will only hamper those efforts.
With cases across the province, and in Halton, continuing to increase, we are clearly heading in the wrong direction. The region’s weekly incidence rate has gone from three confirmed cases per 100,000 people in early September to hovering around 55 per 100,000 by early November.
If we continue along this path, we could see more than a hundred cases per day in Halton before the holidays. This week, based on the thresholds outlined in the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework, Halton entered the province’s Red Control Level. In this level, there are additional measures that we all must follow.
In addition to the measures for business and workplaces, we all have to take personal responsibility and individual actions to get the virus under control. We know that social gatherings and non-essential group activities are a significant source of COVID-19 cases. We know that the virus spreads when people are in close contact and we know that it can be passed on by people without visible symptoms.
As a community, we need to act on this knowledge. Our individual actions can either stop the spread of COVID-19, or lead to some devastating consequences. We have a choice right now Halton.
Please: – Stay home, except for essential purposes such as going to work or school, buying groceries, and attending medical appointments. And, please only send one person from your household out for errands. – Stick with our household only. Maintain a physical distance of two metres or six feet from those outside your household. For those who live alone, you may include essential supports or join a designated household. – Stop all in-person social gatherings such as play dates, birthday parties, and dinner and holiday parties with friends or family.
Have the courage to politely decline if you are invited to such a gathering The past months of isolation, worry, and lifestyle changes have taken a toll on all of us. I realize that these recommended measures are difficult. Know that the actions of each and every individual matter a great deal. By taking these actions now so we can prevent a worse scenario. To learn more about actions you can take, the situation in Halton, and what it means to be in the Red Control zone, visit halton.ca/COVID19. If you have specific questions about the Red Control zone, contact the provincial Stop the Spread Business Information Line (at 1-888-444-3659). Thank you for doing your part.
There is going to be a lot of information regarding “red zone” and the impacts it will have for Halton Region. Make sure you check www.ontario.ca/covid19 and www.halton.ca/covid19 for updates as they come in. There will be an updated message from Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health later today, so please stay tuned to the social media channels.
Lets not speculate on what is allowed and not allowed going forward. Lets not rationalize what your plans are around these new restrictions that will come into place Monday.
Looking back at the beginning of September, Halton Region was at 23 active cases for all 4 municipalities and we are now approaching 500 mid November. Things can change.
We can flatten the curve again, but its going to take the rigor and the determination we showed back in the spring and early summer to do it, but it can be done. ANY questions, please call 311. Keep an eye on our social media for the Town and Halton Region for updates.
On this edition of my show Local Matters with Mike Cluett Sameera Ali and I discuss this weeks Remembrance Day Ceremony Plans in Milton. Please wear a poppy, remember our fallen and surviving veterans and the sacrifices made by them and please do so safely. In this interview you can find out one of the many ways you can support our local Branch 136 Royal Canadian Legion by purchasing pins, masks, and other items. We need to ensure we keep supporting local especially during COVID times. Details in the video.
There has been an application received currently under review by commenting agencies and Town departments for a proposed development at Thompson Road & Kennedy Circle (981 & 985 Thompson Rd S.)
This is a copy of the draft plan of subdivision that has been submitted. The approval process is still underway so there might be some changes proposed either by staff or the developer. We recently finished a public meeting at Milton Town Council a few weeks ago where residents and councillors could provide their input and ask questions of the developer. The next steps will be Town Staff returning a technical report for council to review and for the public to provide input on as well. This is expected in early 2021 so stay tuned here for those dates.
Residents as always, can send me their questions or concerns at mike.cluett@milton.ca.
You can also keep track of all development in Milton here from the Town of Milton website
