There will be an electronic meeting of Town of Deseronto Council April 1, 2020 at 3:00 pm. Town Council meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, unless posted otherwise.
The meeting is hosted on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDlZjwZY7o8MItl71up0akg
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
Province is Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging
Any company charging unfair prices for essential goods (e.g. masks, gloves, non-prescription medications for the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, household cleaners and disinfectants, personal hygiene products such as soap and paper products) can be fined and/or jailed.
Individuals can report those perceived to be charging inflated prices on the Report Price Gouging Related to COVID-19 website or by calling 1-800-889-9768.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2020
Deseronto, ON – To help protect the health, safety and well-being of our municipality, effective immediately and until further notice, at 4 pm. on March 30, 2020, I, Mayor Dan Johnston, have declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Deseronto due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This declaration will enact the Municipal Emergency Plan and will provide the Town of Deseronto with all options available to protect the safety of individuals and families living within our community. This action is in alignment with our County, Province and other regional Municipalities, as we show solidarity in the fight against COVID-19.
To ensure a coordinated approach, the Town of Deseronto Emergency Operations Control Group will continue to communicate daily keeping us informed as the situation unfolds.
It is essential that we do our part to control the spread of this virus and to continue with the expressed and implemented best practices outlined by our Government and Health officials to ensure the safety of us all.
Precautions to prevent transmission include self-isolation, maintaining at least a 2-metre distance from others, avoiding all unnecessary travel, washing your hands often, and regularly disinfecting of high touch zones in shared spaces within your home. When in doubt, please contact your local Health authority COVID-19 Hotline at (613) 966-5500 for further and specific details.
Additional information about COVID-19
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: https://hpepublichealth.ca/
Public Health Ontario: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/
Local information: https://www.deseronto.ca/covid19-response https://www.facebook.com/Deseronto
Deseronto Town office: Please call (613) 396-2440 during regular business hours and our municipal staff will do their best to answer your questions.
My best wishes to all
Sincerely,
Dan Johnston
Dan Johnston
Mayor
Town of Deseronto
PRESS RELEASE
Above seasonal warm temperatures have been forecasted for the next 10 days, with a storm system delivering 25-35 mm of rain expected to start Saturday and continue through to Monday. It is predicted that higher temperatures and rain will contribute to the total melt out of the remaining snow pack in the northern regions of the Moira watershed (north of HWY 7) within this time frame. Although almost all snow and ice have already melted south of HWY 7, the area of the upper Moira watershed still contains a significant snow pack. This will result in a rapid rise in the Black, Skootamatta, and the Moira River upstream of Stoco Lake. Small creeks and low lying areas may experience high water levels as well.
The watershed's upper lakes and tributaries may experience localized flooding.
The area around Moira River at Actinolite may possibly be at risk for minor flooding mid next week. Residents and property owners that annually experience localized flooding should prepare now.
Water Resources Technician Dave Eastcott says, "Rivers will respond quickly and waterfront property owners on the Moira, Salmon, Black, and Skootamatta Rivers who experience annual periodic flooding should closely monitor the conditions in order to protect their property."
The flood risk is low for the Moira River at Foxboro. It is possible that the river may slightly exceed full bank conditions. It is estimated that the maximum peak river flows will occur within 7 days.
A similar snow melt will occur in the upper Salmon River watershed. The watershed's upper lakes and tributaries may experience elevated levels.
As there is very little remaining snow in the Napanee watershed, the flood risk is low at this time.
There is no overland flood concern in Prince Edward County at this time. Advisories about Lake Ontario remain in effect and unchanged.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lake shore flooding or erosion.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) April 3, 2020
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation's main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony.
More information about Quinte Conservation is available at
Video: How to Sandbag Your Home
Report your observations of high water on Lake Ontario or the Bay of Quinte
For more information:
Christine McClure
Water Resources Manager
cmcclure@quinteconservation.ca
(613) 968-3434 or (613) 354-3312 ext. 130
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25th, 2020
To my fellow residents of the Town of Deseronto.
Over the past few weeks, we have all had to adjust to changes in our lifestyle and personal habits. Many of these changes have been abrupt and challenging, but I am confident that by following the direction given by our health authorities and various levels of government, we will be able to control the situation.
On behalf of the Town and Council, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you in accepting the challenge of practicing physical distancing and following best practices when interacting within the municipality. Our community spirit has been inspiring and I am encouraging everyone to continue to communicate in safe ways, because together we can make a difference.
Our municipal staff are continuing to work safely and diligently and the primary focus is ensuring the health and well being of our residents, while continuing to provide the essential services required for supporting our community needs. As a result, the Town has enacted a series of safety protocols to deal with this situation. We continue to work with our governments and area partners to find ways to adapt to the situation so we can best serve you in a responsible manner.
We are all impacted by this situation and I would ask that we look out for each other. Please, reach out by making a phone call or sending a message to neighbours, friends and family members to see how they are doing. We are in this together, but are still facing individual challenges during this time. If you are able to help, please do, it will mean a lot. We have wonderful organizations in our area dedicated to helping those in need. If you are experiencing challenges and need help please contact Town Hall municipal staff and they will do their best to provide you with an agency that may be able to assist.
We will continue to share important community notices through media outlets such as our municipal webpage (https://www.deseronto.ca/covid19-response), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Deseronto) and various media partners so please watch for them. In addition, our Municipal staff are available by calling the town hall at (613) 396-2440 during business hours to answer your questions.
For up to date information about COVID-19 please visit:
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: https://hpepublichealth.ca/
Public Health Ontario: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/
For local needs, visit https://www.deseronto.ca/covid19-response
I would like to thank our health care and social services providers and essential service workers who I know are committed to helping us get through this unprecedented crisis.
Thank you to our town businesses and staff that are still serving the public in order to ensure our essential needs are taken care of. From ensuring access to grocery, pharmacy, food and other daily services, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank the businesses who had to close their doors. It is a sacrifice and is equally appreciated, as it will help stop the spread.
Thank you to our dedicated town employees who are working to keep our community safe and functional. Finally, thanks to you, Deseronto Residents, for doing your part.
Together we will get through this.
Stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Dan Johnston
Dan Johnston
Mayor Town of Deseronto
Total Burn Ban - effective March 23, 2020 until further notice.
The Town of Deseronto is declaring a Total Burn Ban effective Monday, March 23, 2020.
Due to the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, Deseronto is working to ensure the safety and well-being of every individual. To prevent the chance of exhausting the limited amount of Town Emergency Services staff and resources, the Deseronto Volunteer Fire Department is taking proactive measures and enforcing a Total Burn Ban within The Town of Deseronto so that the department can focus its efforts primarily on preventive and educational measures in regards to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.
A Total Burn Ban prohibits lighting any fires in open air and prohibits any activities that may start a fire, i.e. setting off fireworks. Due to the dry conditions, fires can start and spread quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially dangerous.
The Town of Deseronto strongly advises residents to check with the Fire Department to ensure the Total Burn Ban has been lifted before considering an open-air fire. Any residents not adhering to the Total Burn Ban could face fines plus liability for the cost of the Deseronto Fire Department to extinguish an out of control fire. This Total Burn Ban will be in effect until further notice.
For more information please contact Town Hall - 613.396.2440
Trenval has provided a survey from Councillor Ryan Williams of Belleville that seeks your input on how COVID-19 is affecting your business. The Survey seeks region wide input.
Please use this link to complete the survey – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SS9NGVD
Please use this link to see the responses so far. Survey Results
As we receive more COVID-19 related information that impacts business we will post it to the Deseronto Business Resources Page.
MEDIA RELEASE
March 17, 2020
Town of Deseronto COVID-19 Planning and Communications Update
Deseronto, ON – The Town of Deseronto continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic as issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Council and Staff are working together to implement measures to protect the general population and do our part to slow the spread of this virus. We have an opportunity to support each other during this time of crisis.
Town Council held a special meeting on the evening of March 16, 2020 to discuss next steps. The Hastings and Prince Edward County Health Unit has advised that they are in full response emergency measures mode. The Town of Deseronto wishes to release the following information to the community:
Due to the concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deseronto Town Hall will be closed to the public from Tuesday, March 17th to Sunday, April 5th, as a precautionary measure to limit public contact. Although our facilities are closed, staff will continue to work to ensure the operation of the municipality during this time. We will be monitoring the situation and will provide frequent updates to the municipal website and Facebook page.
Municipal staff are available by calling the municipal office at (613) 396-2440 during business hours. In-person business will only be conducted by appointment as deemed necessary. Staff will continue to respond to calls, emails and to carry on the business of the Municipality to the best of their ability. We encourage residents to use our online resources.
Tax bill and Water bill payments can be made through telephone or internet banking as well as being dropped through the mail slot by the Town Hall door. Please note that all regularly scheduled pre-authorized payments will be processed as usual.
Waste and Recycling services will continue as per the regular schedule. In light of the decision to close the Town Hall to the public, Council made the decision to allow one untagged bag of garbage per residence, per week, from March 17 to April 3, 2020. Please note tags will still be available at the local stores that provide them.
All Council and Committee meetings during the time period Monday, March 17th to Sunday, April 5th will be postponed.
All gatherings at Town facilities will be postponed until further notice
All events and rentals scheduled between March 17th and April 5th at the Deseronto Community Centre are cancelled at this time. If you have prepaid for an event please contact Town Hall to arrange for a refund.
The Deseronto Fitness Centre will be closed until April 6th, 2020. Any current and active memberships will be extended for an additional month.
The Deseronto Library Board has directed that a closure be put in place effective immediately. They hope to re-open Monday, April 6, 2020. Please follow the Deseronto Library Facebook page as they monitor the situation.
As of March 16, 2020 Town Council has made the decision to suspend Transit services effective midnight of Wednesday, March 18th in order to allow users to find alternate arrangements.
Deseronto encourages social distancing measures as a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of this outbreak.
We recognize that this may cause inconveniences for some, but please be assured that Council is making the best decisions, based on the information that we are receiving, to stop the spread of this virus.
Lake Ontario is expected to continue to rise into the spring. The International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board has forecasted that if the weather conditions continue within normal ranges for this time of year, the water levels are predicted to reach 75.3 m by the week of April 10 and reach peak levels in mid-May around 75.45 metres. This is well below the peak of 75.88 metres seen in 2017 and 75.92 metres observed in 2019.
Higher than normal water levels have continued throughout the fall and winter. Unprecedented inflows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario have kept these water levels elevated over the past few months. The average Lake Ontario water level was recorded to be 75.17 metres on Wednesday, which is 51 cm above average and only 14 cm below the record high for this time of year.
Residents are advised to check local weather and wave forecasts for warnings as high wind and waves can cause shoreline erosion and wave up rush. For information on flooding or for resources on Lake Ontario water levels, visit: QuinteConservation.ca
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change.
A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lake shore flooding or erosion.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) April 11, 2020
More information about Quinte Conservation is available at
For more information:
Christine McClure
Water Resources Manager
cmcclure@quinteconservation.ca
(613) 968-3434 or (613) 354-3312 ext. 130
As global concerns grow over this pandemic, we have created a page to track all updates within the Town of Deseronto and keep residents informed.
To find out all the latest check out our COVID-19 Response page which will be continually updated with the latest news.
Pictured (l-r) Mr. Patrick Connor, Town of Deseronto, Mr. Dan Johnston, Mayor, Mr. Dave Wilson, Trenval; and Ms. Amber Dale Hudson, Councillor.
The Town of Deseronto was pleased to host Mr. Dave Wilson, Trenval Board Member at the March 11, 2020 Town Council Meeting.
Mr. Wilson expressed his regards on behalf of the Board and Staff of Trenval in providing the Town of Deseronto with a $10,000.00 contribution towards the completion of a Town of Deseronto Event Based Tourism Strategy.
Trenval Business Development Corporation is a federally supported, not-for-profit Community Futures Development Corporation, administered by a volunteer Board of Directors in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario committed to helping to develop and diversify the local economy through community strategic planning, business information, counselling and investment in small business.
For more information on the project please see:
The Town of Deseronto seeks Proposals for the preparation and authoring of an Event Based Tourism Strategy.
The Town of Deseronto is transitioning from a primary, secondary and service-based business centre - to a tourism, culture and event-based community. Currently, our residential and family-based tourism products are in development, and our regional partners are loosely engaged in our development process.
In order to provide guidance, the Town of Deseronto wishes to utilize a consultant to facilitate key regional stakeholder meetings to produce an event-based tourism strategy report that reinforces this tourism/community event-based theme as a driver of community development.
See the Deseronto Employment Opportunities Page
Interested applicants are invited to submit 3 copies of a confidential R.F.P submission, clearly marked “Deseronto Event Based Tourism Strategy” by Friday, April 3rd at 4:00 p.m., to
ATTN. Christine Martin – CAO/Clerk-Treasurer
Town of Deseronto
331 Main Street
P.O. Box 310
Deseronto, Ontario. K0K 1X0
There will be a special meeting of Town of Deseronto Council March 9, 2020 at 6:00 pm. This meeting is to discuss the Town Budget for next fiscal. Town Council meets regularly every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month unless posted otherwise.
Town Hall
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
AGENDA
There will be a meeting of Town of Deseronto Council March 11, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Town Council meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, unless posted otherwise.
Town Hall
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
There will be a special meeting of Town of Deseronto Council March 4, 2020 at 6:00 pm. This meeting is to discuss the Town Budget for next fiscal. Town Council meets regularly every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month unless posted otherwise.
Town Hall
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
The Deseronto Fitness Centre will be closed 9:00 am to 5:00 pm March 2, 2020 for maintenance.
The Fitness Centre, located in the Deseronto Community Recreation Centre, will be closed for regular maintenance 9:00 am to 5:00 pm., March 2, 2020.
The Fitness Centre is open all other hours. Sorry for any inconvenience.
There will be a meeting of Town of Deseronto Council Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Town Council meets regularly every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month unless posted otherwise.
Town Hall
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
There will be a special meeting of Town of Deseronto Council February 19, 2020 at 6:00 pm. This meeting is to discuss the Town Budget for next fiscal. Town Council meets regularly every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month unless posted otherwise.
Town Hall
331 Main St.
Deseronto, Ontario.
K0K 1X0
The Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) program provides up to 5,000 students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through supervised summer employment in the Ontario Public Service.
These positions enable students across the province to gain valuable work experience and develop skills which are transferable to the labour market.
For more information contact -