May 15 Newsletter 2020

May 15, 2020 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

COVID-19 Economic Reopening Plan

PROVINCIAL UPDATE

The Ontario government will launch its first phases of its economic reopening plan on May 19.  The following businesses will reopen:

• Saturday, May 16
  • Marinas and boat clubs
  • Golf driving ranges
  • Private parks and campgrounds
  • Businesses that board animals
• Tuesday, May 19
  • Retail stores that aren't in malls (with strict physical distancing measures in place).
  • Outdoor sports fields, tennis courts and off-leash dog parks.
  • Pet care, including grooming and training.
  • Certain medical services such as scheduled surgeries and in-person counselling.
  • Construction projects.
  • Libraries (pickup only).
  • Domestic services like housecleaning and cooking.

CITY UPDATE

• The City remains in state of emergency and we’re in lockstep with the Province in terms of our plans to reopen as we continue to address immediate and evolving community needs
• We’re progressing at the pace we can and taking our cues from the Province and public health officials to adapt our recovery plan to respond to new and emerging directives 
• We don’t have set dates yet and we need to remain flexible to respond to potential flare-ups or increases in infection rates

COVID-19: Share your thoughts from home

We want to hear from you! What changes have you made to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19? How easy it has been for you to receive and understand information from different levels of government? What kinds of supports you have accessed? We want to hear your ideas on how to maintain physical distancing into the future and much more. Complete the survey HERE.

Funding for Charitable Organizations

The City has allocated $3 million to help 73 non-profit and charitable organizations that provide social services address immediate and ongoing needs due to COVID-19.

Funded by the federal and provincial governments, the Social Services Relief Fund will help 40 homelessness service providers and residential services homes, along with 33 community agencies that provide essential services and supports for at-risk residents and equity-seeking groups. These organizations support the Indigenous community, isolated seniors, mental health, food security, day programs, community houses, community hubs, residential services homes, supportive housing and emergency shelters.

In Ward 13, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre received $40,000, and St. Mary’s Home received $27,800.

Support for Seniors

Additional support for seniors the Prime Minister announced today. We are:

• Introducing a special one-time payment for those who receive the Old Age Security (OAS, top-up of $300) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS, top-up of $200), representing up to $500 tax- free to seniors that receive both;
• Supporting community-based projects to improve the quality of life of seniors by mitigating social isolation through the New Horizons Program;
• And ensuring the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive benefits by temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed.

This builds on previous supports introduced in response to COVID-19, including the one-time GST top-up, benefitting 4 million seniors, and investments in community organizations that provide essential services, such as the delivery of groceries and medicine.

Farmers’ Markets

Great news, Ottawa: starting on Saturday, May 9, you can pick and click fresh produce and goods for contactless pickup from the ByWard and Parkdale Markets farmers’ market locations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing regulations, the ByWard and Parkdale Markets have gone digital. Simply visit Marchés d’Ottawa Markets to pick out fresh and homemade products from local producers and farmers, place your order, and then pick it up at either the ByWard or Parkdale Market. The process will work the same as contactless pickup at your grocery store, starting on a trial basis three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), and adjusting with the growing season and demand.

Marchés d’Ottawa Markets has launched this initiative to help the community continue to support local producers in challenging times, while getting fresh local produce and goods on their tables. Check out the details below:

Trial launch: May 9, 12 and 14
Designated pick-ups:

• ByWard Market, 61 York Street East (May 9)
• Parkdale Market, 366 Parkdale Avenue (May 12 and 14)

Victoria Day Schedule Changes

There are changes to City services on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18, learn more  https://www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/victoria_day_schedule_changes_01

Vanier Parkway Construction Update

Vanier Parkway will have lanes reductions, nightly, in both directions between Presland Road and Donald Street to replace a storm sewer and watermain from Tuesday, May 19 to Monday, June 8. The sidewalk on the east side of Vanier Parkway between Presland Road and Donald Street will be close, Pedestrians can use the sidewalk west of the Vanier Parkway.

Montreal Road Revitalization Update

Please read this week’s update for the Montreal Road Revitalization project https://www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/montreal_road_revitalization_update_07