Provincial Stay at Home Order and Declaration of Emergency Extended

The Province announced yesterday that the current declaration of emergency and Stay-at-Home order have been extended until June 2, 2021.

For more information pertaining to these orders please visit the Ontario Government website which can be found here.

Information about where to book your Covid-19 vaccination shot and up to date information regarding vaccines and vaccine roll out can be found below;

Hastings Prince Edward Health unit website at  https://hpepublichealth.ca/   or by calling 613-966-5500.

For information about the Town of Deseronto services please call 613-396-2440.

Legal Needs for a Small Business Workshop - May 19

Wed, May 19, 2021 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

What are your legal needs for your business in the Bay of Quinte area? 

Topics discussed

  • Why, how and when to incorporate

  • Differences between a sole proprietorship and a corporation

  • Issues tenants encounter in commercial leases

  • Open floor for questions and answers

Presented by: Mark Noble B.A.(Hons.), J.D. Partner  

Answering your top five questions about the census

Participating in the census is part of our heritage and civic duty, but many of us do it without knowing why certain information is collected or how it is used. To help you get a better understanding, check out these answers to common questions.

  1. Will my personal information be secure?
    Statistics Canada has stringent measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of respondents. When questionnaires are completed online, the information is protected through a secure login process and strong bidirectional encryption between the participant's browser and official servers.

  2. Are the questions available in languages other than English and French?
    The 2021 Census questions will be available in 24 languages, in addition to English and French. When the census collection starts, you will be able to get a copy of the census questions in any of these languages on the census website.

  3. Why are some, and not all, areas visited by an enumerator?
    About 1% of dwellings are visited by a census enumerator. Most of these households are located in remote and Northern communities, where it is difficult for census employees to make repeat visits to conduct follow-up activities to obtain completed questionnaires.

  4. Why does Statistics Canada require names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses?
    This information helps ensure that every person in each household is counted and is counted only once. Phone numbers and emails allow an enumerator to follow up if a questionnaire hasn't been answered completely.

  5. How do I know if a caller or in-person visit is really from the census and not a scam?
    All enumerators who call respondents will clearly identify themselves and explain the purpose of their call. Enumerators at the door will always present their official identification. You can always verify their identity by contacting the Census Help Line.

Find more information on the Frequently asked questions page of the census website.

Recruiting Deseronto Volunteer Fire Department Trainees

Deseronto Fire Department

The Deseronto Volunteer Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Volunteer Firefighter Trainees.

Position:

As a volunteer firefighter serving the Town, and under the supervision of officers or designated firefighters, you will be responsible for fire suppression operations; pump operations; responding to motor vehicle accidents; administering emergency medical aid; responding to public assistance calls; assisting with fire prevention activities; and operating and maintaining firefighting apparatus and equipment.  Volunteer Firefighters also participate in local public education events, and attend regular training nights. 

Qualifications:

  • Must possess and maintain the physical strength and agility to perform arduous work and to competently operate all firefighting/rescue apparatus and equipment and all safety equipment under all types of adverse conditions frequently for prolonged periods of time.

  • Must have the ability to follow direction, make decisions and to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

  • Must be able to conduct routine maintenance and cleaning of all types of apparatus and equipment used.

  • Must possess a valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence. Must be able to obtain an Ontario Class DZ licence during the probationary period.

  • Must successfully complete the Deseronto Firefighter Trainee Program.

  • You must live within the area.

All interested applicants should submit an application for the Deseronto Firefighter Trainee Program along with a professional resume by May 31, 2021 to:

Deseronto Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Chief: Darrell Brinklow
316 Edmon St.
Deseronto, ON K0K 1X0
Phone: 613-396-2440
Email: firechief@deseronto.ca

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we ask that applicants submit their applications electronically if possible. Alternatively printed applications can be dropped into the mail slot outside the front doors of Town Hall.

Link to the Trainee Application can be found here.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, and will only be used for candidate selection purposes.

Notice of Council Meeting - Wednesday May 12, 2021 - 6:30pm Electronic

Notice of Electronic Town Council Meeting May 12, 2021 - 6:30 pm - Teleconference.

Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 6:30 pm.

Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting, and delegation requests are required to be submitted a minimum of a week before the meeting.

If you wish to be a delegation please complete the delegation request form.

Council Meeting Location: Teleconference.

YouTube OnLine Link - open link to meeting video

Meeting Agenda - open pdf

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

Thank you to everyone for following along this week as we posted resources and tips to help you and your family prepare for emergencies. This will be the final post in the series for Emergency Preparedness Week.

Flooding is the most common natural emergency that our community faces.  Sometimes, like in the spring of 2018 flooding can occur with little to no warning.  During the flash flood event in 2018 many residents were inconvenienced and experienced considerable damage to their homes as water overwhelmed nearby creeks and rivers causing substantial flooding throughout the Town.

Quinte Conservation is the lead organization in our area that is responsible for monitoring and issuing flood warning to protect life an minimize property damage.  When there is a potential for flooding in the Quinte and Napanee River watershed area, Quinte Conservation will issue flood warnings on their website as well as local media. 

The Government of Canada has information on flooding in the Get Prepared section of their website in addition to a booklet on flooding prevention that can be downloaded here.

COVID-19 has changed the way communities can work together to fight the effects of flooding.  Please keep this in mind this year as you develop your emergency plan to mitigate flooding.  Should you be forced to vacate your property during a flood have a plan in place to relocate during the emergency should the need arise.

3 ways the census helps your community

The census is a valuable tool that allows us to better understand Canadians across the country and provide the right services and support to each neighbourhood. But how can your community benefit specifically from it? Here are just some of the ways:

  1. Teachers. Our children's educators do some of the most important work in the community, and they are often looking for resources to help kids engage with what they're learning. The 2021 Census Teacher's Kit has classroom-ready activities that have been reviewed to meet curriculum requirements—these activities make subjects like mathematics, social studies, and language studies in English or French come to life in a fun, concrete and dynamic way.

  2. Schools and social services. Age data and population numbers are used to understand how an area is changing and to estimate program needs. For example, a significant increase in the number of children may lead the community to determine that new schools, daycare spaces, parks and recreation programs will be required.

  3. Business and economic opportunities. Age, education and employment data can help identify the need for job creation and new postsecondary programs, such as trades training. Local businesses can also use demographic information to identify new market trends and needs.

Find more information about the 2021 Census Teacher's Kit.

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

May 2 begins Emergency Preparedness Week.

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

Staying informed during an emergency is very important.  Emergency officials will often update the situation as new information becomes available.  You can stay informed by listening to local radio stations, local news channels as well as the Town of Deseronto website and social media accounts.  You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

A portable battery-operated radio is always something to consider having in your emergency kit.  Having extra batteries is also good idea. 

Alert Ready is a national service that will send crucial and life saving alerts directly to your cell phone.  Alert Ready service only broadcasts from cellular towers and antennas within the area of emergency, so only subscribers within the defined geographic area will receive the alerts.  More information on this great service can be found here.

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

May 2 begins Emergency Preparedness Week.

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

During an emergency having supplies can help you overcome the situation.  A good way to prepare for this is by having an emergency “go” kit that will have enough supplies to allow you to stay safe, comfortable and warm. 

In preparing an emergency “go” kit it is important to consider items that you may need to take care of yourself and your family for at least 3 days.  Amongst standard items needed for survival you should consider items that may be unique to your needs, such as medications, pet supplies, infant or small children supplies to name a few. 

The Ontario Emergency Management Office has a list of items for an emergency survival kit that can be accessed here.

The Canadian Red Cross also has kits that can be purchased on their website.

Notice of Special Council Meeting - Thursday May 6, 2021 - 6:00pm Electronic

Notice of Electronic Town Council Meeting May 6, 2021 - 6:00 pm - Teleconference.

Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 6:30 pm.

Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting, and delegation requests are required to be submitted a minimum of a week before the meeting.

If you wish to be a delegation please complete the delegation request form.

Council Meeting Location: Teleconference.

YouTube OnLine Link - open link to meeting video

Meeting Agenda - open pdf

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

May 2 begins Emergency Preparedness Week.

Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything

The first step in preparing for an emergency is to have a plan.  A household emergency plan will help you learn what situations you need to plan for; how to reach family members; safe locations for evacuation; and emergency numbers, to name a few. 

Emergencies happen quickly and with little warning. It is important to think about what you would do in different situations and the best ways to prepare for those situations. Reviewing your plan with family members is important so that each family member knows what to do in an emergency. 

Hastings County has prepared an emergency preparedness guide that can be found here.  This guide can help you get prepared in the event of an emergency.

The Ontario Emergency Management Office has this online emergency plan template that can be accessed here.

The Government of Canada also has an online template or a downloadable template that you can access here.  They also have a short video you can watch on how to best create your plan.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK - May 2-8, 2021

May 2 begins Emergency Preparedness Week.

This year Emergency Preparedness week is May 2-8, 2021.

Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual national preparedness campaign focused on encouraging and promoting emergency preparedness to the residents of Canada.

This year the theme is Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything.  The intent of this theme is to encourage all Canadians to be prepared for a wide range of emergencies they may face in their communities. 

Throughout the week we will be providing you with information that you can use to prepare yourself and your family in the event of an emergency.  Creating a family emergency plan, building an emergency survival kit and staying informed are some ways you can be prepared. 

Canada is currently facing its biggest public health emergency in decades as Canadians continue to battle against the COVID-19 virus.  The Ontario government enacted a provincial stay at home order along with additional measures intended to protect the public heath system capacity.  Please continue to follow all public heath advice in order to keep ourselves and loved ones safe and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Further information regarding on how to prepare you and your family for an emergency can be found on our website here.

Please follow our Facebook page or Twitter account for more information throughout the week.

Notice of Special Council Meeting - Monday May 3, 2021 - 3:30pm Electronic

Notice of Electronic Town Council Meeting May 3, 2021 - 3:30 pm - Teleconference.

Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 6:30 pm.

Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting, and delegation requests are required to be submitted a minimum of a week before the meeting.

If you wish to be a delegation please complete the delegation request form.

Council Meeting Location: Teleconference.

YouTube OnLine Link - open link to meeting video

Meeting Agenda - open pdf

NOTICE OF WATERMAIN FLUSHING AND HYDRANT TESTING 2021

The Deseronto Water & Sewer Department will be flushing watermains and testing fire hydrants between May 3rd and May 28th. Flushing will take place normally between the hours of 8am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.  Flushing will begin on the east end of town (First St) and continue west (Pearl St).

 

This preventive maintenance practice ensures the proper operation of fire hydrants and flushes accumulated sediment from the distribution system.  While flushing is underway, short periods of low pressure and discoloured water can be expected.  Any discolouration is temporary and is not a health hazard.  To restore clarity, remove the aerator and turn on a cold water tap until the water runs clear. Residents are asked to minimize water consumption and avoid doing laundry when flushing activity is observed in your vicinity. 

 

If you have any questions regarding the flushing program, please contact the Water & Sewer Operations Manager, Rob Galt at 613-396-3436.

 

NOTICE – This summer (July/August 2021) the Town of Deseronto will be doing a meter replacement program to upgrade ALL residential water meters throughout the Town.  The program will be completed by the meter supplier Neptune Technology.  More information will be distributed closer to the date of installation.

Fireworks and ATV Safety Reminder

As we are seeing nicer weather, this is a reminder to our residents that setting off fireworks and erratic use of ATVs are not permitted. Please see below links below on what is a permissible use of both and frequently asked questions.

We appreciate your assistance as a community with reporting issues, and we will continue to do the same. We would respectively ask and encourage our residents to report infractions to the OPP and to our bylaw enforcement team.

Notice of Council Meeting - Wednesday April 28, 2021 - 6:30pm Electronic

Notice of Electronic Town Council Meeting April 28, 2021 - 6:30 pm - Teleconference.

Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 6:30 pm.

Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting, and delegation requests are required to be submitted a minimum of a week before the meeting.

If you wish to be a delegation please complete the delegation request form.

Council Meeting Location: Teleconference.

YouTube OnLine Link - open link to meeting video

Meeting Agenda - open pdf

Public Service Announcement: Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Information

Public Service Announcement: Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Information

For immediate release - Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/April 19, 2021

Individuals aged 60 and older are eligible to book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Online booking is highly encouraged.

Individuals aged 40 and older will be eligible for an AstraZeneca vaccine through the Ontario Pharmacy program starting April 20, 2021. Please visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for participating pharmacies and information on how to register for this program.

As booking is being managed directly by the province, those who are unable to book online are advised to contact the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. The line is available 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Sunday. Individuals who do not have a photo ID health card will be required to book by phone. Please do not contact HPEPH to book. This will help ensure our phone lines remain available to those who need them most.

The sooner you get your vaccine, the sooner you can be protected from COVID-19. To get your appointment as quickly as possible, visit ontario.ca/bookvaccine!

For further information regarding the vaccination efforts by Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health, visit hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines/

Enhanced Provincewide Restriction and Extended Stay at Home Order

Ontario

Please be advised that today the Province announced new stay at home orders and enhanced restrictions effective April 17th.

As a result, access to public spaces such as playgrounds and gathering areas will be temporarily out of public use.

For more information pertaining to these orders and for other useful information about where to book your Covid-19 vaccination shot or where you can get help during this time, please visit:

Hastings Prince Edward Health unit website at  https://hpepublichealth.ca/   or by calling 613-966-5500.

For information about the Town of Deseronto services please call the 613-396-2440.

 Be Well Deseronto, we will continue to post pertinent information as we receive it.