Region calls end to state of emergency

The state of emergency declared two years ago in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been lifted.

In recent weeks, discussions at council have indicated that although NOTL made the decision to declare a state of emergency independently, about 10 days before the region followed suit, the town would join with other municipalities to end them as a region.

Chair Jim Bradley announced Monday that they would officially end in all 12 municipalities Tuesday, March 15 at 12:01 a.m., “as they are no longer necessary.”

When NOTL became the first municipality to declare a state of emergency, it was Lord Mayor Betty Disero’s decision, although it was supported by councillors and in consultation with the emergency control group. It was made in part out of concern over the many returning travellers at that time who were not self-isolating.

Lifting it now does not change much that would be visible to the public, impacting mostly administration procedures, such as deploying staff to other areas without contract negotiations, Disero said.

The town’s emergency control group met Monday, and although it isn’t obligated to continue meeting, it likely will to wrap up some remaining issues, mostly dealing with staff, she added.

NOTL councillors have been talking about resuming in-person meetings since last summer, with Disero making it obvious she would like to see at least a hybrid meeting model sooner rather later. With the state of emergency lifted, council meetings are now required to be held in-person, she said.

There needs to be a bylaw passed to allow for a hybrid model, so that councillors who might feel uncomfortable being in the council chamber could still attend virtually. That discussion will occur at next Monday’s planning committee meeting, and all councillors who want to attend must be in the council chamber. 

Once passed, the bylaw that allows for a hybrid meeting will also cover those making deputations to attend virtually, Disero said.

Although the lifting of the state of emergency is good news, she added, “it doesn’t mean the pandemic is over.” 

Bradley made the same point in his announcement.

The regional state of emergency was enacted “to help save lives, protect our hospital system and to underscore the critical nature of the situation. After two years, we are in a significantly different position and appears that it is now the appropriate time to move forward as a community,” Bradley said.

 “As we continue to observe a decrease in cases, hospitalization and loss of life, standing down from our emergency declaration is another way we are learning how to transition to living with and managing COVID-19.”

The chair thanked Niagara residents for doing their part over the last two years to wear masks, following directions to stay home, limiting personal contact and getting vaccinated.

 “We also thank all of our front line health care workers who selflessly made the commitment to serve our community, getting us through exceptionally difficult times. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our essential workers who continued to report to work throughout the pandemic, risking their health to ensure our economy could continue to operate.”

Bradley acknowledged the last two years have been exceptionally challenging for everyone, “but the people of Niagara proved time and time again that they are willing to do what is necessary to take care of each other and keep one another safe. Make no mistake: the sacrifices that you made saved lives and kept people out of the hospital.” 

As provincial rules continue to ease, Bradley said, residents are encouraged to “safely take advantage of all that our communities have to offer. Like most residents, we are relieved to see the progress we have made over the last few weeks and we are ready to move forward in our lives.”

 But despite this significant progress, he cautioned that the pandemic is not over, and encouraged residents consider taking steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, including getting a third vaccine dose, physical distancing when possible, and participating in outdoor activities instead of indoors when that’s an option.

“It’s important to remember that the pandemic is not completely over,” he said. Residents are encouraged to consider taking steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Some of these steps include getting a third vaccine dose, practising physical distancing when possible, and participating in outdoor activities, as opposed to indoor, when that is an option.