Augusta Township Municipal Emergency Control Group reacts to Premier Ford’s stage 3 opening of the economy in Leeds and Grenville
Augusta Matters by Mayor Doug Malanka
(As published in the South Grenville Journal – Wednesday, July 22, 2020)
The Augusta Municipality Emergency Control Group met on Thursday, July 16, 2020 to consider aligning the township with Premier Ford’s decision to move to stage 3 opening of the economy in Leeds and Grenville. In accordance with the Premier’s directive, residents are now permitted to use the picnic tables and play equipment located in our parks which include: MERC Recreation; North Augusta Recreation; Kemp and Cedar Street Park. Residents should note that the Township will not be sanitizing equipment after use. Parents should ensure that children under their care wash their hands thoroughly after using the equipment. COVID-19 has not ceased to exist and poses a hazard to residents, we have just learned how to live with and avoid transmitting it. Residents should also note that the Township Office will open to the public between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm when policies are complete to ensure minimal opportunity for transmission of the virus. Visits to staff or departments will be by appointment only and the Township will require everyone entering the building to be wearing a face mask. Staff will inform visitors if/when it is acceptable for them to remove their face masks. MECG members also considered permitting more than 6 vehicles into the Maynard Transfer Station as there are additional parking place markers. Public Works Manager Brad Thake told the Group that the additional parking spaces were for future use and recommended that the Township keep the maximum number of vehicles into the Transfer Site to 6 to ensure social distancing is assured. Accordingly, the maximum remains at 6 until further notification. Before leaving this subject, Council would like to pass along their thanks to our Public Works Manager for a job well done at the Transfer Station.
Last week, my column invited residents to take 10 to 15 minutes to have their say and help guide our Township’s planning and economic development priorities over the next years. I am advised by the Township’s Planner, Myron Belej that we have received approximately 120 responses to date with only a couple from Augusta’s youth, 17 and under. I encourage all Augusta residents to complete the Great Augusta Community Survey which is open online through July 24, 2020 on our municipal website. I further invite parents and grandparents to encourage their children and grandchildren to participate as their input is needed.
Finally, the Township’s Community Development and Recreation Coordinator, Nicole Walker, has advised me that our North Augusta Farmers’ Market continues to grow in terms of vendors and visitors. Currently we have 12 weekly vendors committed to bringing you award winning jams, an abundance of fresh local vegetables, baked goods and 100% natural and local honey. There is also Hooks and Trigger’s, a North Augusta local business producing hand roasted coffee in light, medium or dark roast, and Tiber River’s all‑natural products and handmade bath and body, clothing, and other articles. We are looking to expand the Market and invite everyone to visit us rain or shine Saturday mornings from 9-12 pm, 8103 Main St, North Augusta.