Earlier today Milton MPP Parm Gill issued a statement on Twitter announcing that Metrolinx has released its Initial Business Case (IBC) for a new GO station to potentially be located in Milton’s future plans for expansion in the Agerton and Trafalgar Corridor. This secondary plan which is currently under review is Milton’s next phase of growth and development that is planned for development in 2021-2031.
A GO Transit station is proposed for the Derry and Trafalgar Road area where it can accommodate higher density and mixed use development that will help business growth and job opportunities for local residents.
This station will provide area residents not only in Milton but North Halton and Mississauga with more options and mobility choices to help in inter-region transit choices to move across Milton and the Greater Toronto Area.
Excited that @Metrolinx has released their Initial Business Case for a new Milton Trafalgar GO station. This is a tremendous step towards expanding transit options in Milton.https://t.co/3C0koyDoTP
As many know, since I have been elected to Milton Town Council, I have been very outspoken about making sure Metrolinx is aware of our growth and transit needs. From the Mobility Hub that is being planned for expansion around our current GO Station on Main Street to the growing demands of Milton residents for the need of choices and options for inter-regional transit.
This is definitely a positive next step in creating more mobility choices for Milton residents as well as move forward in our economic development in the next phase of our growth. Many thanks to MPP Parm Gill & Metrolinx for continuing to work closely with Milton Town Council & Halton Region.
As you might know, I am a proud member of the Conservation Halton Board of Directors representing the Town of Milton. One of the important goals of CH is to ensure residents are educated and informed about watershed issues including safety in our community. Tragically last month a young child perished while playing on a storm water management pond in Milton. It is important for residents to know about the risks involved in being around any body of water this time of year. The ice may look thick but its not worth the risk to play hockey, walk or have any activity on these bodies of water.
This is why Conservation Halton is teaming up with the 4 area municipalities (Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Oakville and City of Burlington) to issue this press release and campaign to educate about the dangers associated with waterways.
Posted by Conservation Halton on January 27, 2021
With the arrival of colder temperatures, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, the Town of Oakville and Conservation Halton are launching a joint winter water safety campaign to educate residents about the dangers associated with waterways this time of year.
Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, channels and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water. As many people are exploring alternate ways to stay active outdoors, the risks for water-related accidents are bound to increase.
While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing frequent freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in the melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. This runoff can create hazardous conditions near all waterways, by contributing to higher water levels and increased velocities in local watercourses. As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions close to any body of water.
Stormwater management ponds are especially dangerous and recreation of any kind is not permitted. Stormwater management ponds are designed to retain water runoff and slowly release it back into receiving water courses. Factors such as continuously flowing water, fluctuating temperatures, and runoff pollutants like road salt, make these bodies of water (frozen or open water) especially unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Although they may look inviting, they are not safe and should be avoided.
Practice water safety and stay safe this winter by remembering the following tips: • Keep family members and pets away from all bodies of water • Don’t follow pets or people on the ice or attempt to rescue – call 911 for assistance • Avoid recreational activities in or around waterways and check with your local municipality for alternative outdoor skating opportunities
Quotes:
“We know that people are looking for activities to do during the stay-at-home order, but for your safety, please stay away from all bodies of water. Ice conditions can change quickly and without warning creating extreme, hidden hazards.” – Peter Gatto, Fire Chief, Milton Fire Department
Halton Region Council met for the first time in 2021 and included in the meeting was an update from Halton Regions Medical Officer of Health regarding COVID19.
Click here to watch the update council received yesterday where Dr. Meghani updates the status of current cases, infection rates, contact management as well as discussing the importance of paid sick leave to help aid in stopping the spread of the virus.
As I mentioned at Milton Town Council on Monday during our member statements, we want to stress the importance of the provincial stay at home order made at the beginning of January. The numbers are improving slightly and we want to thank residents for doing their best in these very difficult times.
Some of the points I raised was that we KNOW these are challenging times for everyone. The pandemic as resulted in many losing family members and friends. In order to prevent further illness and deaths we are all being asked to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID19. The Stay At Home order is in effect and we’re asking our Milton community to stay home, only go out for work, need to get groceries, go to the pharmacy or seek medical services, or if you live alone and need to connect with one designated household.
One of the many questions I have received from residents is about being outdoors. We can participate in outdoor physical activity either alone or with household members. Its now recommended you wear a mask when doing so, especially if you cant maintain that physical distance of 6 feet. The Town of Milton is offering virtual recreational programming and I encourage residents to visit our website to find out about these programs available.
We also ask that you don’t go out anywhere if you are exhibiting signs of COVID and contact your health care provider or the Halton COVID hotline at 311 to seek medical advice.
In this video report from Halton’s MOH, she outlines more details on the phasing in of vaccine clinics and the timelines for the general public to receive them. The timing relies on all levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Regional) on when they are received, distributed by the province and when clinics will be set up. Halton Region continues to work with everyone to ensure distribution will happen for high risk individuals as quickly as possible.
Lastly, if you are struggling or feeling anxious about the ongoing pandemic and the measures that are required, please REACH OUT to someone. There are services available for you via 211 and more details can be found at 311. You can also reach out to friends and family members but the important thing is to get help if you feel you need it. More information on what is available to you is on www.halton.ca and www.milton.ca
Heres is the video (roughly 20 plus minutes) but lots of information has been included.
As we finally turn the page on the year 2020 lets reflect on some of the good things that came from Milton residents. #MiltonStrong and the Milton COVID Assistance group are just 2 of the many examples of our town coming together. All the best in 2021 to you all. It will remain challenging but if this past year has proven anything, we can get through this together.
Wishing a Happy New Year New Year! I know I speak for everyone in Milton and Halton that we are so thankful for our front line workers, police, fire, EMS, and all who are working at our long term care homes responding to COVID-19 everyday throughout the holiday season.
All the best to you and your family & friends in 2021. We will see you soon. Take care and please be safe.
The speculation has been rampant over the last couple of weeks about who was going into a lockdown heading towards the holiday season. Last Monday, the Premier announced that Hamilton was next to move to the Grey Lockdown zone and further announcements were coming on Monday.
That announcement was made yesterday which means as of 12:01am on December 26th, the entire province will be in lockdown. What does that mean?
Here is an update from our town staff as to what is being closed during the shutdown.
Town Hall
After the usual holiday closures until Jan. 4, 2021, Town Hall will be closed to the public during the 28-day shutdown, with the exception of pre-scheduled marriage license appointments
Effective Dec. 26, 2020, all Town of Milton recreation facilities will be closed to the public and in-person recreational programming is paused during the province-wide shutdown
Some exceptions apply through this shutdown and will be implemented for those specific activities (e.g., Cycling Canada)
To keep the community engaged, active and learning, Milton is offering registered virtual programs, for residents to participate in from home
Milton Transit
Milton Transit conventional and specialized services will be in operation for essential trips only
Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings – curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
Restricting indoor access to shopping malls – patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.
Everyone wants COVID to be gone. Everyone wants this pandemic to be over. Everyone wants our numbers to go down.
This means EVERYONE has to follow the guidelines of this lockdown. We did it back in March/April/May … we can do it again.
NO ONE WANTS a lockdown. If you’re thinking “it wont matter if I go visit someone’s house” or “its only a couple of friends coming over” than please THINK AGAIN! Please don’t be selfish. Think about others!
Please take a few minutes to watch the most recent presentation by Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health to our council meeting. In this update, she outlines the current numbers, where they are going and the potential impact on our hospitals ability to handle both COVID19 and other necessary procedures as well.
This will put incredible pressure on our small businesses in the coming days and weeks to say the least. This is why its imperative that as we close in on Christmas and our shopping that we do whatever possible to support them. If you’re thinking about presents for friends and family, consider purchasing a gift certificate or gift card from a business here in MIlton. You can utilize curbside pick up from them and avoid the long lines at the stores and help keep our friends and neighbours employed.
As this lockdown continues, we also need to be reminded of the basics:
STAY HOME unless necessary to go out…groceries, pharmacy and outdoor exercise.
Wash hands regularly, sanitize often.
Limit close contact with household only. If you have a family member on their own (senior etc) they can be included in your household. Do NOT go visiting friends and family and think “Im ok and theyre ok”
I know Milton as a community have made many sacrifices when this pandemic began and we got the number of infections down, curves flattened and things improved. Our numbers however, keep increasing. We’re hearing from doctors and nurses and public service workers all over Halton saying that if this continues, our hospitals will be over run. No one wants this to happen.
We can do it again but we have to be resolved to do it instead of just saying it. The vaccine that is coming isn’t going to cure you of COVID19 and we’re still a long way from being out of the woods on this.
Lets continue to think of our friends and neighbours as we stay at home this holiday. There is nothing more than I’d rather do than to go to my friends houses and wish them all the best. But for the safety of ourselves and our community, it has to be this way. Lets do what we can to stem the tide and get out of this lockdown. We’re Milton Strong! We can do this.
