The province is once again in a state of emergency, and a new stay-at-home order was issued April 3.
In Simcoe County, COVID-19 case numbers are up from two weeks ago, and continuing to climb, noted Innisfil Communications Lead Johnny Keogh, and hospitals are seeing “the highest number of ICU patients since the start of the pandemic.”
Keogh presented the latest update from the Innisfil Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), in Wednesday night's meeting of council. First mobilized when the pandemic was declared, the EOC continues to meet regularly, liaise with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and co-ordinate strategies within the community to respond to the COVID threat.
Koegh noted that although the age for vaccine eligibility has dropped, there has been a relatively slow uptake in appointments from those ages 60 and up – in part because of transportation issues.
Keogh noted that the town continues to offer vouchers for transportation using the town’s Uber transit system.
He also warned that some residents and businesses showed “increased frustration and aggression” in response to the latest emergency orders, especially over the Easter long weekend. South Simcoe Police have introduced additional enforcement protocols, in response, he said.
Coun. Ken Fowler had praise for the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library during the ongoing crisis. Although the doors are once again closed to the public, Fowler noted that the library continues to offer WiFi and iPad rentals by appointment on its patio, virtual programming, and curbside pick-up and drop-off for library patrons.
Library staff have also been engaging in other ways, added Mayor Lynn Dollin. “They’ve been doing Care Calls to the community,” as well as helping some vulnerable residents book vaccine appointments, she said.
Later in the meeting, council received item C.2, a staff report that detailed the town's COVID responses, and recommended future actions.
The shift towards remote or virtual service delivery has continued, providing protection for both staff and residents by minimizing in-person interactions, the report noted.
The shift has also resulted in improved connectivity with both internal and external partners, decreased travel times, a reduction in the town’s carbon footprint, improved staff efficiency, and increased access for those residents who are able to connect virtually.
Initiatives have ranged from a Community Safety and Well-being Survey on the Get Involved Innisfil webpage, to virtual recreation programs, and the Seniors’ Good Food Box Program, providing free access to locally-produced food that currently has a waiting list.
With the situation changing almost daily, the report noted that there will be an ongoing need for flexibility and outreach by the town, and recommended a change to the town’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures Bylaw.
Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson had raised the issue of Airbnb rentals and “party houses” posing a threat during the pandemic, after receiving a resident's complaint about a party at a short-term rental property in the Big Bay Point area attended by 17 people.
“It’s a continuous situation,” Davidson said, asking if the town was going to “keep educating and being nice,” or start cracking down on misbehaving property owners, with fines. “I feel we’ve got to start taking a stand,” he said.
“We acknowledge we have been getting some party house calls,” responded Louise Vrebosch, Assistant Town Solicitor, noting that the complaints are referred to South Simcoe Police, and now also directly to Airbnb.
“There are hundreds and hundreds of these (Airbnb rentals),” said Mayor Lynn Dollin, adding that most owners follow the rules. “Unfortunately, we’ve got a few bad ones that are tainting the entire group.”
Vrebosch pointed out that the staff report contains a recommended amendment to the town’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures Bylaw. The Bylaw authorizes enforcement under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including fines for “owners who let out space for short term rentals, for failing to ensure compliance with the EMCPA by their tenants.”
The amendment would extend powers of enforcement to regulate activities deemed to have a potentially adverse impact on the health and well-being of the public under the Reopening Ontario Act 2020 as well, giving police and bylaw enforcement “an additional tool” to go after owners who don’t comply, she said.
Vrebosch also noted that residents can now report their complaints directly to Airbnb. She was asked to post a link on the town’s website.
The staff report included information on the proposed return of the COVID-19 patio program, to be extended to Jan.1, 2022, and on transit.
The town continues to see savings related to Innisfil Transit and decreased demand for the service. Although ridership increased towards the end of 2020, it was still 30 percent below pre-pandemic levels – decreasing even further, to 60 percent below pre-pandemic levels, this February.
Council received the report, and approved the COVID-related recommendations.
