Mayor Paul McQueen has declared a state of emergency in the Municipality of Grey Highlands in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to declare an emergency was made after a lengthy discussion with the Municipality’s Emergency Control Group members, who came to a unanimous decision.
Declaring an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act authorizes the municipality to take actions or make orders, which are not contrary to law, in order to protect the residents in our community.
The municipality is taking the current situation seriously and is taking every step to protect the residents from this threat. Grey Highlands has already closed the libraries, museum, recreational facilities and community halls, restricted public access to the Municipal offices, and has put additional procedures in place to assist staff in maintaining daily operations. Essential services including water/wastewater, fire services, road services, and waste management will continue to operate. Other municipal services are continuing to operate, with additional measures in place.
“The most pressing need for everyone in our community is to ensure public health and safety,” said Mayor McQueen. “It is imperative that all our residents self-isolate where possible, and practice physical distancing in all circumstances. I implore each and every one of you to heed the advice of our public health agencies. We each have a responsibility to protect the well-being of our family, neighbours and friends, and we will only mitigate the impact of COVID-19 if we do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus through self-isolation.”
“Our staff have stepped up to the plate and are working hard to keep our municipal services going,” said CAO Karen Govan. “Our municipality is well-positioned to continue to serve the needs of our community, thanks to the dedication of our employees.”
“Grey Highlands is one of the strongest and most resilient communities I know, and I feel honoured to live in this wonderful place,” said Mayor McQueen. “I call on all of you to do your part, self-isolate, practice physical distancing and be there for one another, and I will do my best to help keep all of you safe as well.”
For up-to-date information on the impacts and updates related to COVID-19 in our community, visit www.greyhighlands.ca/covid-19.
