FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2020
Stratford In Planning Stages for Ease Back Measures
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve on PEI, Stratford council and staff are now in the planning stage for the next few weeks as phases 2 and 3 of Renew PEI move forward. The need to ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and Town staff will continue to be at the forefront of all measures as we begin to make decisions on reopening facilities and infrastructure.
“Throughout this time our decisions have been, and will continue to be made, around protecting residents,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “As we review the directives outlined by the Chief Medical Health Officer we will be looking at all of our operations to determine at what phase and with what staffing levels we can safely open various spaces again. There may be some things which we can open before others and as soon as we know what these are and our expected timelines we will share this information with residents. Like all businesses and organizations across PEI, we are working on our operational plan to guide us as we move forward through the upcoming phases. We again thank residents for doing their part, which allows us to be in such a positive position to be talking about reopening.”
Stratford Town Council is pleased to provide some relief to residents this year with the announcement of an extension to the 2019 annual dog licensing program. As the Town’s annual door-to-door canvassing program is not possible this year due to COVID-19, all dogs registered through the Town of Stratford’s 2019 dog licensing program are having their existing license extended for 2020 at no additional cost.
“This decision was an easy one for us,” commented Mayor Ogden. “We know that many residents are feeling pinched right now. This is a means for us to thank those who have proactively followed our bylaw requiring the annual registration of dogs by giving them a break for the current year. For those whose dog license has expired before 2019, or if they have welcomed a new dog to their family, staff will be available to mail out tags or make arrangements for pick up once the office reopens.”
The existing bylaw remains in effect requiring all dogs in the Town to be licensed, so anyone with an unlicensed dog, or a license that expired prior to 2019, should contact the Town office at (902) 569-1995 to arrange to have a license issued. The annual licensing program allows for the quick return of lost dogs by the PEI Humane Society with savings to the resident in most situations as they can avoid boarding fees to have the dog held at the PEI Humane Society until the owner can be located.
As of May 1st the Town has been able to issue building permits again per phase 1 of Renew PEI. Town staff were able to issue many permits immediately as they had been processed up to the point of being issued. Town staff remain available to answer questions, and while the Town’s office remains closed, application forms are available on the Town’s website.
As the wastewater delivery project to Charlottetown’s Pollution Control Plant continues, the Town of Stratford would like to remind residents that the annual spring turnover in our lagoons will begin soon. Staff are again monitoring the situation daily and will continue this year to use a natural product available to them to aid in reducing the unpleasant smell.
“This will be the last year that residents and businesses will have to experience this,” added Mayor Ogden. “We are looking forward to completion of our wastewater delivery project later this year that will see our lagoons decommissioned and, with that, the end to this annual nuisance.” The Town would like to remind the public that while unpleasant, there is no health or safety risk associated with the smell.
Residents should note that they will be able to view the May Town Council Meeting virtually on Wednesday, May 13th at 4:30pm through a video link on the Town’s Facebook page as well as on the Town’s YouTube channel.
The Town also reminds those in our community who may not have the supports of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance during COVID-19 to contact the Town and identify their needs. Staff will help them access the required services or goods as best they can. To make their needs known, residents are asked to reach out by email at
[email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995.
For the latest updates, please visit www.townofstratford.ca.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
Town of Stratford
T: (902) 569-1995
E:
[email protected]
Printable version:
Media Release - Stratford In Planning Stages for Ease Back Measures (May 7, 2020)