August: Information Sharing Edition 2.0 |
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In this edition:
- Recognizing COVID Community Champions
- Leamington to Windsor Transit (LTW) Service Update
- Transit Windsor Expanding Service
- New Hours at Windsor Water World Day Program
- Connections Seeking Feedback from Parents
- Windsor Public Library (WPL) Reopening & COVID-19 Measures
- COHESION Study Reminder
- WEST Young Women in L.E.A.D. Program
- In the News
- Local COVID-19 Information & Resources
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Recognizing COVID Community Champions |
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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers from across the city of Windsor have stepped up in unique ways to support one another. In response to the care and compassion elicited by residents during the pandemic, Mayor Drew Dilkens is launching an online nomination portal, asking residents to help identify worthy local individuals and groups for recognition as COVID Community Champions.
Residents are encouraged to visit the online nomination page to submit the name of the group or individual being nominated along with a brief description of why the nominee deserves recognition as a COVID Community Champion.
Nominees must be a group or individual operating within Windsor in response to the pandemic.
Champions will be contacted and recognized in various ways by Mayor Dilkens over the coming months.
The nomination form can also be found at MayorDrewDilkens.ca and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
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LTW Transit Service Update |
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The Leamington to Windsor (LTW) Transit will resume service on September 8, 2020.
The LTW Transit is set to return to full service of three round trips per day, Monday to Friday and two round trips on Saturday.
Fares will not be collected at this time but are expected to resume in the near future. All passengers are asked to enter and exit the bus through the rear doors. Riders with accessibility needs may continue to use the front doors, and one wheelchair passenger at a time may occupy this area.
More information about the LTW Transit service is available here.
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Transit Windsor Expanding Service |
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To support student’s returning to school, and to provide an increased level of service for all transit users, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has ordered expanded service, effective Tuesday September 8th, 2020.
Transit Windsor’s webpage has been updated to include the current schedule and policies, along with the updated schedule that will be effective on September 8.
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New Hours at Windsor Water World Day Program |
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The City of Windsor, in partnership with a variety of community agencies, opened a day program at Windsor Water World back in April to help people experiencing homelessness find a safe place to go during the day.
The program remains open, but will be reducing hours as more public spaces open up. The facility will be closed Sunday, August 30th and will then re-open on a Monday to Friday schedule from 10 am – 6 pm daily.
Read the full update on the City of Windsor website.
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Connections Seeking Feedback from Parents |
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They invite you to share any ideas, questions, concerns and hopes you have for your child as you consider returning to the EarlyON Centre.
You can share your feedback by:
• Sending a Facebook message to their page inbox
• Calling at 519.252.9696
Thank you for your time and feedback!
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WPL Reopening & COVID-19 Measures |
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Customers will have direct access to library resources and computers, although meeting rooms will remain closed. Customers will be asked to self-screen at the door and social distancing will be expected. If the trial openings go as planned, remaining branches will re-open on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Curbside Service will end when branches open.
Watch the video below to learn about the new COVID-19 measures that will be in place.
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A friendly reminder that it is not too late to sign up for the COHESION study!
If you are at least 15 years old and live in Canada, you can participate!
You will be invited to fill online surveys on a regular basis. You can also choose to download the research app that collects information on your mobility, physical activity levels and social contacts.
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WEST Young Women in L.E.A.D. Program |
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Women's Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) is recruiting for the Young Women in L.E.A.D Program – a PAID Training that will assist women who need to bridge work experience to gain more skills and who are able to commit to 18 weeks of training so that they can develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for employment.
The stipend they will receive is equivalent to minimum wage. The next intake will start in October.
Eligibility:
• Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen
• Unemployed or Receiving E.I. (Note: If receiving E.I. must notify)
• 15 to 30 years old
Registration is available online.
Contact Danait Asegdom, Program Facilitator, danait@westofwindsor.com or call (226) 773-4884 for more information or to register.
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Local Mask Orders in Public Spaces |
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As of August 19, 2020, a mask that covers the nose and mouth is required in all indoor public spaces in the City of Windsor.
The new order, enacted by the Mayor under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, goes beyond the existing order issued by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Please visit the City of Windsor Newsroom for more information.
Read the order for full details regarding masks and face coverings.
Please note: The mask order has been updated by Mayor Dilkens and masks are no longer required during religious services.
Mask updates in Essex County:
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Leamington Council has approved a mandatory mask covering for all indoor spaces.
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Tecumseh Council approved a mask by-law.
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Masks will be required in indoor public spaces in Amherstburg starting August 28th.
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Lakeshore announced plans to bring forward a mask by-law at their next meeting.
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Windsor-Essex receiving $27.4M in COVID funding |
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The provincial government announced that Ontario’s municipalities will receive up to $1.6 billion as part of the first round of the $4B emergency funding that was secured in Ontario under the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government.
As reported by Blackburn News, Windsor and Essex-County is set to receive $27.4 million.
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Windsor alone will receive $18,372,426 of that money. Just over $12-million is earmarked for municipal expenses, and the rest will support transit.
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Essex County will get $4,469,100 of municipal funding for county operations.
- The remaining communities in the region have been allocated funds as follows:
- Amherstburg – $568,400
- Town of Essex – $543,800
- Kingsville – $542,800
- Lakeshore – $888,300
- LaSalle – $695,000, plus $39,132 for transit
- Leamington – $676,600, plus $36,956 for transit
- Pelee Township – $51,000
- Tecumseh – $554,100, plus $33,894
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United Way Distributes Backpacks to Kids in Need |
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United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County wrapped up the Summer Eats for Kids program and hosted its Backpacks for Success backpack pick-up on August 25 and 27. Over 1,500 backpacks were handed out to families with school aged children in West Windsor, Downtown Windsor and Leamington.
The Backpack for Success Program, ensures that children have the supplies they need to be successful in school. Children in Kindergarten through grade 12 received a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies.Due to the incredible demand gift cards were handed out to those who were not able to receive a backpack.
August 25 and 27 were also the last two days for the United Way’s Summer Eats for Kids program which provided over 4,500 food boxes to kids and families this summer. Approximately 70 volunteers helped to hand out the food boxes, as well as books that were collected throughout the summer by the United Way’s Women United group. Over 5,000 books were collected through the drive and handed out to children to encourage reading over the summer months.
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Local Back to School Updates |
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A majority of students will be returning to the classroom at both Windsor-Essex English-speaking school boards in September 2020:
- The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) reported 65% of elementary and 76% of secondary students are returning to school
- The Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) reported 72% of elementary and 81% of secondary students are returning to school
Both school boards have updated their back-to-school plans with staggered start dates for the 2020/2021 school year. Secondary schools will also follow a "quadmester" format, a four-semester school year.
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The GECDSB announced the return to class will follow an updated staggered approach for September and provided an updated secondary school schedule.
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Students will begin their return to school starting on Thursday, September 10, 2020.
- Early Years students will begin their return on Monday, September 14, 2020.
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The WECDSB also announced a modified secondary school timetable and a staggered re-entry to school.
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The return to school will begin on Thursday, September 10, 2020.
- Junior Kindergarten (JK) students will be provided staggered start dates beginning Monday, September 14, 2020.
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Additional Funds Enhance Ontario's Back-to-School Plan |
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The Ontario government's back-to-school plan, developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, is being further enhanced by additional federal investments and resources to support the return to class in the fall. Today's federal announcement provides $381 million to Ontario, on top of the nearly $900 million provided by the province to support provincial back-to-school plans.
The federal funding will support several priority provincial initiatives:
Reopening Plan Implementation - $200 million
- $100 million to complement the health and safety components of school reopening plans, in consultation with local public health units, including the hiring of custodians, HVAC, improvements, internet connectivity for students and other local needs.
- $30 million to support additional PPE for schools.
- $70 million for the temporary hiring of educators as required.
Student Transportation - $70 million
- $44.5 million in support of the Driver Retention Program (DRP).
- $25.5 million for route protection and to help reduce the number of students on buses.
Special Education and Mental Health Supports Enhancement - $12.5 million
- Will allow boards to hire and train additional staff and provide more mental health supports for students.
Additional Public Health Nurses - $12.5 million
- Supports up to 125 additional nursing positions in public health units across the province to help schools manage potential COVID-19 cases.
Remote Learning - $36 million
- Ensures that every school board offering virtual learning has a dedicated principal and administrative support for both its secondary and elementary virtual schools.
The province is also setting aside $50 million for any future pandemic learning needs, to ensure that Ontario is prepared for every scenario this Fall.
Ontario also released the Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools document. This guide was developed in consultation with public health experts, including Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, and aims to help schools identify and isolate COVID-19 cases, reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools, and prevent and minimize outbreaks.
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Increased Access to EI and Recovery Benefits |
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The Government of Canada is continuing to take significant and decisive action to support Canadians and protect jobs during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was an important and necessary temporary response to support Canadians who had to stop working due to the pandemic. As we safely restart Canada’s economy, the Government will be transitioning to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020, to provide income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible, and introducing a new suite of temporary and taxable recovery benefits to further support workers.
While the Government prepares for this transition, and to ensure support continues for Canadians whose employment has been impacted by the pandemic, the CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits.
Summary of temporary measures to help Canadians access EI benefits more easily:
- 120 hours of work required to qualify
- Minimum benefit rate of $400 per week
- At least 26 weeks of regular benefits
Visit the Government of Canada website for more information and for details on eligibility.
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Nanos Research Poll on Homelessness & Housing |
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According to a new poll conducted by Nanos Research and commissioned by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness:
- 36% of Canadians have been homeless or know someone who has been homeless
- 84% support or somewhat support investing in housing as part of pandemic recovery stimulus
- 72% of Canadians agree it is urgent to work to end homelessness
- 25% of renters are worried about paying rent next month
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Local COVID-19 Information & Resources |
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As of June 26, 2020, it became mandatory to wear a face mask or covering in commercial establishments in Windsor-Essex. Full details of the order by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit can be found here.
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The City of Windsor and other areas of Essex County have issued orders for mask use in indoor public spaces.
The Government of Canada has provided a web page outlining safe and proper use of masks during COVID-19. Resources are available for download in multiple languages.
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Drive thru Food Bank Locations in Windsor-Essex: |
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EAST WINDSOR
Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc.
6955 Cantelon Dr., Windsor, ON
P: 519-944-4900
DRIVE THRU/WALK-UP OPEN:
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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WEST WINDSOR
St. Michael's Adult Secondary School
477 Detroit St., Windsor, ON
DRIVE THRU/WALK-UP OPEN:
Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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BELLE RIVER
Community Support Centre of Essex County
Community Food Pantry
962 Old Tecumseh Rd., Puce, ON
P: 519-728-1435
DRIVE THRU OPEN: Monday & Wednesday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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LEAMINGTON
Salvation Army Leamington
88 Setterington St., Leamington, ON
P: 519-326-0319
DRIVE THRU/WALK-UP OPEN:
Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Municipal Social Investment Efforts
City of Windsor
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Stephen Lynn
519-255-5200 ext. 5302
p2p@citywindsor.ca
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Teresa Falsetta Aflak
519-255-5200 ext. 6809
p2p@citywindsor.ca
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