A sparsely populated Council Chambers March 30 for a special Saugeen Shores Council meeting. Some councillors attended the meeting remotely while others sat at a distance in order to adhere to social distancing recommendations. The above image was captured from the Town of Saugeen Shores' YouTube channel.
Hub Staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken society and left the world lingering in uncertain times. At an unconventional Council meeting in Saugeen Shores, March 30, some members of Council joined remotely through electronic means, while the remaining members scattered across council chambers to allow for safe social distancing.
CAO David Smith updated Council on the operations of staff to prepare the municipality for the situation at hand. Smith declared that the Emergency Operations Centre is meeting regularly and utilizing the Community Emergency Plan to help guide them through this process. Smith mentioned that the team is closely following the protocols set out by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ian Arra.
Smith also acknowledged the efforts of the Economic Development team in creating a recovery strategy to clear a path out of the pandemic for local businesses including potential financial relief to be approved by Council.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau reiterated his request for seasonal residents not to visit the community at this time. Charbonneau emphasized the current strain and restrictions on local essential businesses and made it clear that the typical influx of residents during the spring and summer months would overload the limited services available.
In response to calls received by community members, Charbonneau reminded anyone listening to be kind to the frontline workers who are under a tremendous amount of pressure.
“We have to have grocery store clerks selling groceries. If we make it impossible for them or make it so intolerable to go do that, so that they won’t do it, we will not eat,” declared the Mayor.
Charbonneau recognized the severity of the situation and requested residents work together to pull the community through stronger and faster. The Mayor also noted that the Saugeen Shores Police Services are prepared to enforce all provincial orders and are working on educating residents on the new safety legislations.
