Fire Chief Reminds Everyone to be Fire Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 14, 2020

The Deseronto Fire Department is urging everyone not to forget about fire safety as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. As people find themselves spending more time at home for work, self-isolation, or practicing physical distancing, they should remember the importance of preventing home fires.

Along with other essential services, the fire department has had to implement safe guards and physical distancing protocols in the workplace.

Fire Chief Dale Loney is also urging that “the public remain vigilant in the ongoing battle to prevent unintentional fires and injuries by practicing fire prevention and fire safety during these extraordinary times.”

“Regardless of the circumstances, additional time at home with family members provides an excellent opportunity to discuss fire safety and review your home fire escape plan,” said Deputy Fire Chief Darrell Brinklow

Here are some simple things that people can do to protect themselves and their families:

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the test button. If the alarm fails to sound, check and replace batteries if necessary. Make sure everyone knows the sound of the alarms.

  • Develop or review your home fire escape plan to make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire occurs. Make sure to designate someone to help older adults, children, and anyone else who may need help to escape.

  • Use care when using and recharging electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or mobile devices. Check electrical cords and charge cables to ensure they are in good condition. Don’t overload electrical circuits. Avoid placing electronics on soft surfaces like beds or upholstered furniture when recharging to avoid the risk of overheating.

As the Deseronto Fire Department continues to do its best to protect the community under these extraordinary circumstances, it is imperative that the public does all that they can to practice fire safety in the home and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT FOR LAKE ONTARIO AND THE BAY OF QUINTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2020

Lake Ontario is expected to continue to rise over the coming month. 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 this week and reach peak levels in mid-May around 75.56 metres. This is 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 winter and into the spring. 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 75.28 metres on Wednesday, which is 44 cm above average and 36 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 WATCH STATEMENT notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) May 15, 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:

www.quinteconservation.ca.


More information about Quinte Conservation is available at:

www.quinteconservation.ca.

Most recent water levels 

What To Do in a Flood

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

See this message at: https://www.deseronto.ca/residents/conservationenvironment

Trenval Offers support to Small Businesses

For Immediate Release - April 14, 2020

Trenval Offers New Loan Support for Local Businesses

The Trenval Board of Directors has committed an additional $400,000 in business financing as a second phase to help financially stabilize existing and future loan clients who do not qualify for any existing support. Phase II “Recovery” loans open today to a maximum of $20,000 and are for fixed costs up to six months to assist local businesses during these unprecedented times.

Trenval Investment Committee and Board of Directors have reviewed the current available support to Canadian businesses and have identified gaps where some businesses are not eligible.  Such businesses include main street brick and mortar operators that have fixed costs to cover while their business is temporarily closed or are facing dramatic sales reduction as a result of COVID-19. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to alter the economic makeup of our communities. Keeping small and medium-sized enterprises in business is essential for the long-term economic and financial viability of rural communities. Businesses will need to continue to pivot and adapt to the oncoming changes”, said Amber Darling, Trenval Executive Director.

Preference for this low interest loan support will be given to applicants who do not qualify for other COVID-19 business support and show that they are taking a proactive approach to mitigate their cash flow such as working with their landlord, suppliers and collecting receivables. Trenval encourages all applicants to ensure they have all the necessary supporting documentation ready to avoid delays.  Businesses must first apply at https://trenval.ca/resilience-loan/ and follow up with supporting material outlined on the website.

Trenval responded with phase 1 “Response” loans that included an immediate postponement of payments, interest only or partial payments for over 100 active businesses that represent over $6.8 million in loans in the Trenval service area.  “Trenval will continue to monitor the impact to our existing businesses and the challenges they face and will continue to support all clients”, said Darling.  The first response included up to $300,000 for existing clients to access low interest loans up to $20,000, to date, Trenval has assisted 15 businesses, totaling $245,000.   A total of $700,000 is committed by Trenval thus far.

“Trenval is currently working on “Resilience”, a third phase of opportunities that will be intended to see a vibrant local business community in the months to come.  We are in active consultation with our many partners, elected officials and Federal colleagues in pursuing and securing flexible, creative approaches to support businesses as we navigate this challenging and uncertain time”, said Darling.

The Trenval team is respectful of the need for physical distancing in helping to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on our nation and local community. The team at Trenval continues to work remotely but remains available via email, phone and social media for all business inquires.

**End**

Contact:

Amber Darling, Executive Director, Trenval Business Development Corporatio

613-961-7999 ex 225      613-438-7113 cell   adarling@trenval.ca

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Happy Easter and Key Updates

On behalf of the Town of Deseronto, we would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Easter long weekend.

As we get prepared, please note the following community reminders

  • Town Hall remains closed to the public, staff will not be working Friday April 10th. or Monday April 13th. to observe the Easter holiday, staff will be available for calls and emails on Tuesday April 14th. at 8:30 am.

  • Waste and Recycling pick up has been moved from Friday April 10th. to Monday April 13th. Please visit https://www.deseronto.ca/residents/recycling-waste for our complete 2020 waste and recycling schedule

  • The provincial burn ban is still in effect so please refrain from having any open air burns until further notice.

  • A list of local businesses open to serve you is available by visiting our website at https://www.deseronto.ca/business-directory-2 .

  • By-Law enforcement and the OPP will engage in a community awareness effort to help further promote the importance of physical distancing measures.

  • Please continue to follow guidelines outlined by government and health officials. For more information please visit https://hpepublichealth.ca/ or call 613-966-5500.

For additional information regarding the Town of Deseronto, please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Deseronto/ and visit our web page https://www.deseronto.ca/.

Deseronto Newsletter Highlights COVID-19 Response

Over the next few days you will find a print copy of the Deseronto Spring Newsletter in your post office mailbox.

Many people like the print copy as it provides another means of access to information they may not receive due to lack of internet or other technology issues.

Newsletter highlights -
The Mayor’s Message, The Provincial Emergency Order, Open and Closed Municipal Services, where to turn, The Health Unit, Community Care South Hastings, What you need to know in order to stay Healthy, Physical Distancing and other contact information.

DOWNLOAD THE SPRING NEWSLETTER

MPAC Property Assessment Postponement 2020

2020 Assessment Update

The Ontario government has announced that the 2020 Assessment Update has been postponed. They have indicated that property assessments for the 2021 property tax year will continue to be based on the fully phased-in January 1, 2016 current values. This means your property assessment for the 2021 property tax year will be the same as the 2020 tax year, unless there have been changes to your property.

COVID-19 Updates for our Partners

This page contains news on how MPAC is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and includes shareable resources for you to use on your own platforms to share with property owners and your members.

Public Notice April 1, 2020

Public Notice:

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 Town Council authorized the following measures for the Town of Deseronto Community, effective immediately:

1.    Billings and Collection:
That all late payment fees for Taxes and Water/Sewer be waived until July 1st so that residents can delay payment without penalty.

2.    Bag Tags
Council is now permitting each household two free (untagged) bags per week until May 31, 2020.

3.    Clean-up Day
Council will defer the Town Spring Clean-up day until after Provincial state of emergency has been lifted.

4.    Municipal Building
Municipal Buildings will remain closed to the public until the Province lifts the state of emergency.

5.    Transit
Transit Operations will remain shut down until the Province lifts the state of emergency.

These decisions have come into effect due to the current social and economic situation as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. This Electronic Special Meeting of Council is available for viewing on the Town’s YouTube page, for further information please contact Town Hall at 613 396-2440

DOWNLOAD NOTICE

DESERONTO YOUTUBE LINK

Province is Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging

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.

State of Emergency for the Town of Deseronto due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT FOR LAKE ONTARIO AND THE BAY OF QUINTE

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

www.quinteconservation.ca.

Most recent water levels 

What To Do in a Flood

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

Mayor's Statement on COVID-19

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

PRESS RELEASE

Deseronto Declares Fire Ban

Total Burn Ban - effective March 23, 2020 until further notice.

Total Burn Ban - effective March 23, 2020 until further notice.

Total Burn Ban in Deseronto Effective March 23, 2020

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

Business and COVID-19 Survey

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.