Flags at half-mast for 215 hours

Flags at the Town of Erin will fly at half-mast starting today for nine days - 215 hours - joining Canadians across the country in honouring the lives lost at the former Kamloops residential school.
 
This is a heartbreaking tragedy and everyone is encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the lives of the 215 children who never made it back to their families and the pain felt by their parents. Those who survived the residential school system, this is a very difficult reminder of the trauma they endured.
 
Let us all remain committed to ensure that this is never allowed to happen again.
 
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Indigenous communities for this unthinkable loss.
Wastewater plant project update

Earlier this year, a request was put in with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to designate the proposed wastewater plant as a “Project” under section 9(a) of the Impact Assessment Act and undergo a full federal review. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has deemed this is not warranted. Please read full statement from the minister here.
 
The Town of Erin Council welcomes the response of The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. This is a key infrastructure project for the sustainable growth of our community. Council would like to reiterate that we are committed to ensuring a prosperous, healthy, environmentally progressive, livable, and inviting Town of Erin.

The protection of our environment will remain at the forefront of our discussions as this project moves forward and our advocacy with the higher levels of government is focused at making this project a viable and sustainable solution for Erin and our residents who call it home.

Gypsy Moth
This year, Erin has seen a growth in the gypsy moth infestation. While, the Town does not have a gypsy moth spraying program, Mayor Alls presented a motion at Wellington County calling for staff to investigate all options including the safety, practicality and costs for aerial spray for next year prior to the approval of budget for 2022.

There are some helpful tips and information on how you can tackle them on our website. Further resources are available from the Province of Ontario here. 
June is Parks and Recreation Month

What’s your favourite time of the year? Everyone loves June! It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the many benefits of recreation and parks in our community.

The Parks and Recreation Month is a movement that promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social, and environmental health. This year, with COVID-19 measures in place, residents can still enjoy the parks while maintaining the restrictions in place. 
Erin Photo Challenge

The pandemic closures have affected us in different ways. However, it has been great to see communities across Canada come together in so many different ways – volunteering to help those who are the most vulnerable, shopping local to help our small businesses and maintaining safety precautions to keep our communities safe. The Town of Erin wants to encourage residents to continue to have a positive outlook, even though times are tough. To promote a little bit of positivity, in a COVID-friendly manner, we have come up with a social media campaign to promote the general well-being of our residents and business, and to bring a fun little challenge.

We are asking you, and our local businesses, to be a part of this campaign by taking up this photo challenge to “appreciate the little things in life” and create a space to share our small victories!

Included in the photo challenge, are a list of 5 items to be captured and shared, with the use of the hashtag #ErinPhotoChallenge --
1. Something yellow
2. Something that makes you happy
3. Something you had to eat
4. Something you did today
5. Something unique

This campaign will be month long, in hopes of generating community engagement and to spread positivity amongst the town! Are you game?
June 5 is World Environment Day
World Environment Day, established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly, is observed annually on June 5. World Environment Day seeks to raise awareness about environmental issues, encouraging people to curb climate change, minimize pollution, and create goals to ensure the Earth’s health.

This year, the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee, will be announcing the winner of their 2021 Environment Award on June 5! Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, staff at the Town of Erin are kicking off World Environment Day with a community garden at Erin Town Hall. While on their breaks, a small patch of land is being cultivated by staff, and potatoes, onions and carrots are going in the ground. All vegetables from this garden will be donated to our local food bank.

Follow us on social media to get regular updates on our progress.
For more information on COVID-19, contact
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at
1.800.265.7293 EXT. 7006

Stay up-to-date with the Town's actions by check our website