FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2020
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Stratford council and staff continue to maintain and provide essential services to ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff.
“Many measures have been put in place to protect residents,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden, “and we are regularly reviewing the available information and adhering to the advice of the Chief Medical Health Officer. We thank residents for doing their part and look forward to a time when we can begin to come together again.”
One area that will see a change this year is the Town’s Community Gardens. In order for the gardens to open, and remain open, strict rules will have to be followed by every gardener. This includes having only one gardener per plot at a time, with no more than a total of five gardeners in the Community Gardens at one time and all maintaining a minimum two-meter distance from each other. Also, a rotational schedule is being put in place clearly outlining which days certain garden plots can be accessed. These new rules are being communicated to gardeners on the list for plots this year. Questions or inquiries can be sent to
[email protected].
Town staff have begun planning for ease back measures. “While much of this remains outside of our control, we want to ensure that we are as ready as we can be”, added Mayor Ogden. “Staff are planning for a variety of scenarios to deliver as much of our programming and as many events as possible, potentially to smaller numbers or in entirely different ways than before. While social distancing remains in place, we will continue to move to on-line or virtual approaches to delivering programs and services to our residents.”
The sewage delivery project to Charlottetown’s Pollution Control Plant is proceeding and remains on track to be completed in the fall. Town staff have been communicating regularly with the Province and the contractor to ensure that measures are in place to allow the project to continue in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.
All Town of Stratford trail networks remain open at this time. Residents who are not self-isolating are encouraged to get outside as much as possible to go for a walk while maintaining social distancing. “The sidewalks and trails in our community remain open and are safe to use, provided residents practice social distancing while doing so,” said Mayor Ogden. “We know that it is important for residents of all ages to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.”
Staff are performing ongoing trail maintenance and appreciate the assistance of residents who are helping with spring clean-up of neighbourhoods and our trail network. An area of concern however is a noticeable increase in the number of dog poop bags being left alongside trails, sidewalks and roadways. Doing so is considered littering and subject to penalties under the law. Residents are asked to take their dog poop bags with them and, as they are not compostable, to dispose of them in waste bins when they get home.
Updates related to COVID-19 are continually being made on the Town’s website. The COVID-19 Community Resources page helps residents find out what essential businesses and services are available to them, and the public is asked to help keep this information up to date. The Town continues to provide ‘
Caring Community Calls’ and also has
gift cards available to qualifying residents impacted financially by COVID-19. Further information on these programs is available at www.townofstratford.ca.
Residents who are on Facebook can come together and connect on the Town’s ‘
Community Meet Up and Sharing’ Facebook group. This group is a place where residents can share links to the amazing variety of groups, activities and classes happening all around the town - virtually – during this time. The group is open to events and activities available to residents of all ages, from adult, to youth, to kids, and families, at a time when we all need to find new ways to connect, be entertained, learn and grow.
“Our community continues to come together, with residents stepping up to help their friends and neighbours,” added Mayor Ogden. “We are very thankful for the efforts being made by everyone to help others during this time.”
The Town reminds those in our community who may not have the supports of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance to contact the Town and identify their needs. Staff will help them access required services or goods as best they can. To make their needs known, residents are asked to reach out by email at
[email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995.
For the latest updates, please visit www.townofstratford.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-6921
E:
[email protected]