September 2020 Town of Pelham Newsletter
2020 by-election safety precautions on voting days
The second advance poll for the upcoming by-election is on September 12, with Election Day on September 15. The Town of Pelham is ensuring that all voters and election staff are safe during this essential process.
In addition to the regular election staff, three new positions are on board to ensure electors have a seamless and safe voting experience. These positions include a physical distancing officer to help guide and remind voters of spatial requirements, a poll station cleaner to ensure readily available and consistent cleaning of high touchpoints and ballot casting areas, and a health assessment officer to screen electors entering the polling station.
When electors arrive at the polling location, they will be asked health assessment questions provided by Niagara Region Public Health. These questions ensure the safety of the elector and election staff. The questions will be placed outside the polling locations so electors can review them while in line.
The following is a series of installations to the by-election’s voting process to maximize health and safety.
Entry and Exit
There will be separate entry and exit points at the polling stations. Electors will be guided through the pre-determined lines by election staff. Electors are encouraged to immediately vacate the polling station area after voting to minimize the risk of gatherings.
Face coverings
Under the Regional mandatory mask bylaw, those entering the polling station must wear a face covering. Electors should bring their own masks; however, there will be masks available for those who require them.
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the voting location, and electors are encouraged to use it before and after voting.
Physical Distancing
Signage, floor stickers, and guidance from the Physical Distancing Officer will be prevalent at all voting locations. There is a maximum number of people permitted in the polling station at a time, and all electors are to remain two metres apart. Election staff will also remain two metres apart from one another at all times.
Voting
Electors will vote in alternating voting booths. There will be six in total. The first round of voters will go to booths 1, 3, and 5. As the second round of voters goes to booths 2,4, and 6, the alternate booths will be cleaned.
Cleaning
A polling station Cleaning Officer will be on-site to clean voting booths after each elector casts their ballot. The Cleaning Officer will remain distanced from voters to protect the integrity of their vote and will only clean the booth once they have vacated the area, and it is safe to do so. The Cleaning Officer will use spray cleaner approved for disinfection and single-use paper towels, continuously wiping down high-touch surfaces, logging their activity throughout the day.
Pens
Each elector will be provided with a pen to cast their vote. They are encouraged to take their pen home with them; however, a disposal bin will be available.
If you fail the screening
If someone fails the screening, they are to contact Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services at 905-688-8248. Press 7 then 2 to speak with a nurse. Alternatively, they can contact their health care provider. People who fail the screening assessment cannot vote in-person. Proxy voting, and special ballot requests for those directly affected by COVID-19, are available.
For more information about this year’s by-election, visit: www.pelham.ca/by-election-2020
Meridian Community Centre walking track now open
On Tuesday, September 8, the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) will gradually increase operations by opening the walking track, team benches in both arenas, and furniture in the atrium.
The MCC’s gradual integration of services follows the Province’s and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association’s guidance for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19.
“People are eager to get back in the MCC for their physical activity, and we’re very pleased we can begin to offer more opportunities to do so,” said Vickie vanRavenswaay, director of recreation, culture, and wellness. “We’re moving ahead safely and gradually. We’ll start with the walking track and increased capacity in the arenas and go from there.
Health screening will take place inside the building instead of outside. As per the Regional mandatory mask bylaw, patrons must wear a face covering while in the building and not participating in physical or strenuous activities. Other than team sports, users must keep a two metre distance from one another.
The walking track opens to 20 walkers at a time; no running is permitted. The track is open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and will be cleaned daily with floor markings directing users.
Walkers can reserve time in half-hour slots, with a maximum of one hour of use per day. Times can be booked back-to-back.
To register, call 905-732-7872.
Arena change rooms are not yet available; however, team benches are open. Skaters should arrive 15 minutes before their ice time and come dressed. Full teams, up to 50 users, are permitted on the ice. Player chairs, benches, and tops of pad boards will be cleaned between rentals. At this time, spectators are not allowed to attend.
In the atrium, some furniture will be available, spaced two metres apart. The MCC continues to gradually reopen to increased capacity and services based on Public Health recommendations.
Learn more about the Town’s response to COVID-19 by visiting: www.pelham.ca/covid19.
Steve Bauer Trail closures extend to end of September
Starting September 2, 2020, the Steve Bauer Trail will undergo daily closures to resurface the trail begins. The daily closures will continue through the month.
The trail will be closed for paving from Port Robinson Road to 300m south of Timber Creek Crescent. Part of the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) grant program to help fund capital works projects for municipalities to improve cycling in their community, paving the trail provides a more physically and geographically accessible trail system.
Pelham’s OMCC grant included just over $75,000. The project must be completed by the end of 2020.
As part of the 2021 Canada Summer Games, Pelham received $21,250 toward a legacy project’s cost. These funds will be applied to paving the entire Steve Bauer Trail. Initially, the OMCC grant funding only covered enough to pave 800-1,000 metres. The paved trail will be two to three metres wide.
The project was initially included in the 2019 capital budget but was red-circled. With the grant funding, staff recommended delivering the project this year. Council approved the project on July 13, 2020.
Paving the Steve Bauer Trail is identified in the Active Transportation Master Plan as a priority to improve cycling and walking connections between the neighbouring municipalities of Welland and Thorold. The Pelham Active Transportation Committee is an advocate of the project and supports its completion.
Upgrades are frequently requested by cyclists, pedestrians, seniors, and residents seeking an accessible Pelham trail. The paved trail will provide links to the Meridian Community Centre, East Fonthill, Niagara College, and Welland’s paved trail system.
Paving the trail continues September 14-28. The delay in paving is due to additional drainage measures added to the trail, including a culvert and ditching work.