MAPLETON – The Township of Mapleton has ended a local state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March of 2020, Wellington County and all seven of its member municipalities each declared a state of emergency in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The emergency declaration gives Warden Kelly Linton the ability to make certain decisions that normally require full county council approval and also gives each local mayor the same power over their own municipalities.
The province ended its most recent official pandemic-related state of emergency on Feb. 9, 2021, however local municipalities did not follow suit.
In an Oct. 25 press release Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson stated the emergency declaration covering his township would end immediately.
“As higher numbers of people in the province get vaccinated, we are seeing less restrictions and a more positive outlook for residents, industry, tourist attractions and businesses throughout Ontario,” Davidson stated.
He added the local emergency state is ending “because of the vaccination efforts and the provincial reopening plan.”
The mayor also announced that as of Nov.1, the township municipal office will be again be open to the public. The mayor noted all public health safety precautions will remain in place.
“We look forward to the return of servicing our residents face to face,” Davidson stated.
In the press release the mayor pointed out the township has worked closely with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH), the County of Wellington and other county municipalities, the OPP and Guelph-Wellington EMS “to come up with the best possible solutions to ever-changing conditions.
“Locally, our priority has been the health and safety of our residents and the financial health of our residents and local businesses. To that end we provided tax and payment relief for our residents and supported the county-led financial support program for businesses,” Davidson stated.
“As mayor I would like to thank all of you for your patience and kindness throughout this pandemic. It hasn’t been easy for any of us.
“We are not yet completely out of this pandemic so please continue to follow the guidance provided to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
“Our township will also continue to provide support to [WDGPH] to ensure all our residents have opportunities to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
