Mayor Bill Mauro wants to push back against the province when it comes to fewer vaccines and the banishment of some outdoor activities.
In a pair of motions presented to council Monday night, the Mayor raised concerns about the latest measures laid out by the government Friday which included extending the stay at home order until at least May 20th and restricting non-essential travel into Ontario from Quebec and Manitoba.
Mauro noted to council that according to the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille, Ontario will be increasing the vaccine amounts to designated hotspots, which will likely decrease the number of vaccines available in Thunder Bay.
“If you’re going to include [Thunder Bay] in a pan-provincial lockdown, if our businesses still have to remain closed, if our outdoor recreational amenities are affected like the rest of the province, how do you then say to us at the same time you’re not going to get as much vaccine as other areas of the province that are deemed hotspots?” Mauro stressed to council.
Acadia Broadcasting has reached out to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to confirm how many vaccines will be arriving by the end of this week and next.
The Mayor also pointed to the better daily case numbers, which would put the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in a better position in the colour coded system.
“We wouldn’t be grey, we might not even be red, we might be orange now, which would mean we’d be able to have much of our small businesses open, outdoor recreation would be able to be open,” Mauro noted to council.
The Great Outdoors
Bill Mauro also wants to see outdoor amenities and sports activities be opened back up as a way to help mental health struggles and overall well being during the pandemic.
The province unveiled the updated regulations Friday, which initially included closing playgrounds. On Saturday the Premier adjusted the rules
Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen.
Our regulations will be amended to allow playgrounds but gatherings outside will still be enforced. Play outside safely. Parents keep your distance & wear masks if you can’t.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 17, 2021
The Premier also indicated Saturday that police are only allowed to stop vehicles or people if they are suspected of participating in an organized public event or social gathering.
As for the motions, they passed unanimously Monday night but will need to be ratified during the Council meeting of April 26th.
