Township of West Lincoln 

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release January 15, 2021

Update # 34 - Response to COVID-19 – New Provincial Restrictions – Stay at Home Order  

West Lincoln, Ont. January 15, 2021

West Lincoln has a plan in place to pivot to the Province’s Emergency Declaration and Stay at Home Order. 

The provincial government has declared a state of emergency until at least Thursday, February 11, 2021 which includes enhanced public health and workplace safety measures in effect for all of Ontario.

The Province also issued a stay-at-home order that took effect 12:01 a.m. Thursday, January 14; directing that people should only leave home for groceries, medical appointments, exercise or essential work, and all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 5 people (previously 10).

The Township Administrative building and other facilities are closed to the public and as a result of this announcement, additional township office staff will be working at home; however, residents and businesses shouldn’t experience any disruptions when accessing Town services such as planning applications and building permits. Everyone is encouraged to call 905-957-3346 or check www.westlincoln.ca

Committee and Council will continue to meet virtually (as previously scheduled) to provide policy direction to staff regarding Township operations and initiatives. The next Committee meeting is meeting is January 18, 2021, via ZOOM. To view future Committee and Council meeting information, please visit the Council and Committee Meetings page on the Townships website.

The West Lincoln Public Library is open with modified hours at Caistorville and Wellandport branches, and regular hours at Smithville branch, for curbside pickup only. Appointments for curbside must be scheduled in advance. Please visit the West Lincoln Public Library website for hours, the online catalogue and e-resources, as well as information on how to schedule a curbside pickup appointment and we request that you continue to return any materials via the drop boxes at each branch.

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Practice physical distancing by avoiding close interaction with others (stay more than 2 metres or 6 feet apart).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a face covering in public (indoors and outdoors) in accordance with Niagara’s Face Covering By-law, following the provincial order.
  • Limit trips into the community to specific purposes that are important to you (e.g. shopping, dining, and particular recreational activities), since extra time outside of the home adds to crowds and makes it more difficult for others to physically distance.
  • Stay home if you are sick. Although COVID-19 is often very mild, minor symptoms should not be ignored.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

Many people are being impacted by the lockdown and there are resources available to our residents. We encourage those who are impacted to visit the Niagara Region - Health and Wellness page for more important information.

Report a COVID-19 concern
To report a concern about gatherings or businesses not following COVID-19 guidelines, contact Municipal Law Enforcement: 905-957-3346.  For By-law enforcement after hours (after 4:30 p.m. and weekends), please call Niagara Region dispatch line at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.  Another easy way to connect is the use the “Report a Concern” on the Township website. 

Mayor Dave Bylsma Stated:

“I echo the frustration and pain that I'm hearing from our residents.  It is real and valid.  I have many reach out to me with sad stories of depression and anxiety and it truly breaks my heart.   I, like you, am compelled to maintain and uphold the restrictions while working very hard to find those getting lost in the corners and helping them also to cope. We are human and all of us need to use our strengths to help where others are hurting.”

 

Media Contact:

Dave Bylsma
Mayor
Township of West Lincoln
905.957.3346
 
Bev Hendry
CAO
Township of West Lincoln
905.957.3346