August 2020 Town of Pelham Newsletter
Town of Pelham facilities reopen July 6, 2020
On July 23, 2020, as part of their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, Niagara Regional Council approved a by-law making it mandatory to wear a face covering or non-medical mask in enclosed public places.
The by-law came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 31, 2020, and will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2020, unless extended by Regional Council.
When it comes to children, every child that is five years old or older will be required to wear a mask.
Under the by-law, all businesses operating in Niagara must have a policy regarding the wearing of face coverings that prevent persons from entering without a mask.
Additionally, businesses must ensure that staff receive training in the requirements of the policy and provide hand sanitizer at all public entrances.
Exemptions
As some individuals may be unable to wear a mask, the Niagara Region is asking residents to be supportive to others in our community who may be exempt and remind residents that every person’s situation is different.
For those who are unable to wear a mask, the by-law does not require those individuals to disclose the reason for the exemption.
The by-law also makes exemptions for indoor locations that would already have their own policies, or would be subject to other provincial legislation or guidelines such as day cares, schools, post secondary institutions and other facilities used solely for educational purposes, hospitals, independent health facilities and offices of regulated health professionals, buildings and services owned or operated by the Province of Ontario or the Federal Government of Canada, an indoor area of a building that is accessible only to employees, portions of buildings that are being used for the purpose of providing day camps for children or for the training of amateur or professional athletes.
If residents or businesses have any questions or concerns regarding this by-law, more information is available by visiting www.niagararegion.ca/covid19.
Learn more about the Town of Pelham’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19.
Declaration of Emergency for Pelham Ward One by-election
The Clerk for the Town of Pelham has declared an emergency under Sec. 53 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.
With a provincial order declaring an emergency on March 17, and the Town of Pelham declaring an emergency on April 3, the Municipal
Elections Act, 1996, provides that the Clerk is responsible for the conduct of the municipal election and may declare such an emergency to enact any measures the Clerk deems necessary or desirable to conduct the election.
“This declaration provides the municipality with options and means to ensure the safety and availability for all to vote in this fall’s by-election,” said Nancy Bozzato, Town Clerk. “Under the Act, the Clerk is given the authority to make the necessary arrangements, such as mail-in voting, for example, to ensure a safe voting experience.”
The Ward One by-election is set for September 15, 2020, and declaring the emergency gives the Clerk and staff the ability to identify new and safe approaches to conducting the election.
The necessary adaptations to the by-election voting process must be consistent with the Act’s principles.
Measures being considered for implementation to include:
- Advance voting opportunities with the suggestion to vote by odd/even house numbers, reducing the number of people in attendance an shorten wait times
- Addition of election officer positions including Physical Distancing Officer, Poll Station Cleaner, and Health Assessment Officer
- Personal protective equipment will be provided, including issuance of masks and one-time use gloves, one-time use pens, health assessment screening for anyone attending a voting place, and barrier screening for election personnel
- Introduction of on-demand special ballot process for persons impacted by COVID-19 or with lowered immune systems, allowing them to vote by mail or ballot delivery to a secure station
For more information on the 2020 Ward One by-election, visit: www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020
Pelham’s first-ever Annual Report now available
The Town of Pelham issued its first-ever annual report, for the year ending December 31, 2019.
The report provides details about the Town’s financial performance and strategic goal achievements in the 2019 fiscal year, of which there were many.
Highlights from 2019 include award-winning communications initiatives, updating and developing financial policies such as reserves, debt, and cash management, establishing an audit committee and a utility sustainability committee, and developing a capital asset strategic policy.
“The 2019 financial results continue to demonstrate Pelham’s commitment to strengthening its financial sustainability,” said director of corporate services and treasurer, Teresa Quinlin. “Maintaining financial strength continues to be a focus for the Town. This report provides a high-level overview of the 2019 financial results for Pelham.”
As the Town works on an asset management plan including service delivery reviews and new budget software, the focus on balancing service levels, sustainability and affordability remain important goals towards ensuring informed decision making and the management of financial pressures facing the Town. The Town achieved a positive surplus in both the Consolidated Financial Statements per Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards and the budget on a modified cash basis.
Also included in the report are financial processes, consolidated financial statements, independent auditor’s reports, a statement of financial position and a statistical review for the five-year period of 2015-2019.
The report is dedicated to the late Councillor Mike Ciolfi, who passed away earlier in 2020. Ciolfi’s business acumen and leadership were tremendous assets in developing the Town’s new approach to financial issues and helping put Pelham on a positive financial track.