The Creemore
ECHO
Friday, July 10, 2020 Vol. 20 No. 27
www.creemore.com
News and views in and around Creemore
INSIDE THE ECHO
Double Trouble
Twin cows born 11 days apart PAGE 6
Fuel Station
Cyclists show love for Affairs PAGE 7
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Caterpillar invasion won't last forever Weapons by Trina Berlo On these hot summer nights, there is always the soft sound of rain falling on leaves. Only, it’s not rain, it’s frass – the excrement from the Gypsy Moth Caterpillars that have invaded many parts of southern Ontario. By now, locals will be used to being pelted by the hard round balls of poop, shredded leaves and the caterpillars themselves but it doesn’t mean they are not waging war on the gross invaders. With the pandemic, a heat wave and high water levels covering beaches, more people are looking for refuge in their own yards and the caterpillars are making that challenging, if not infuriating. The caterpillars – which do sting – can be identified by their distinctive blue and red dots, but it’s not hard to locate them these days. They climb the trees to feast on the leaves at night and then they climb down onto the trunk during the day. Rick Grillmayer, manager of
found during sobriety stop
Staff photo: Trina Berlo
Gypsy Moth Caterpillars begin to pupate on the trunk of a local Maple tree. As they gather they are at risk of getting a virus that will cull their numbers, for now. forestry for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), said European Gypsy Moths are an invasive species. The species is said
to have been brought to North America in the 1860s, for a failed silkworm breeding experiment. First established (See “Nuisance” on page 3)
Masks now required inside public spaces by Trina Berlo Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s medical officer of health has said that as of Monday, face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces in the region. Dr. Charles Gardner announced Tuesday, during his weekly media briefing, there is growing evidence that non-medical masks and face coverings are one more way that people can slow the spread of COVID-19. He said the health unit won’t be taking a heavy handed approach to enforcement, but rather an educative and supportive one. He said officials are hoping for buy-in from businesses and their patrons with the hopes of achieving a compliance rate of 80 per cent or more, which would go a long way to hopefully stave off a resurgence of the virus and the unwanted consequence of having to
close up shop once more. People will be required to wear a non-medical mask such as a homemade cloth mask, buff, scarf or bandana, when entering businesses, organizations and public transit systems in Simcoe Muskoka. (A face shield is not considered an appropriate substitute.) There are exemptions for religious practices, medical conditions and age – no one under the age of two should wear a mask. Businesses are being instructed to put in place a policy requiring the masks be worn, but will not necessarily be forced to eject people who refuse to comply. “As we move through the stages of the reopening of the economy there is an increased risk of resurgence of COVID-19 transmission in our communities. Locally we are seeing more visitors from other parts of the
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province with a much higher incidence of COVID-19, resulting in crowding in public spaces, and this has us concerned,” said Gardner in a press release. “There is emerging evidence that suggests the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced with a high level of compliance of non-medical mask use by the public. As well, we have a great deal of support for the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces from municipalities, physicians and hospitals, and other community partners.” The health unit has prepared instructions for businesses and organizations under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), with the expectation that they use their “best efforts” requiring the public to (See “Health” on page 2)
At 6:59 a.m. on July 4, Huronia West OPP responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 26, in Clearview Township. The complainant reported a pick-up truck swerving all over the roadway and driving into oncoming traffic. An officer located the vehicle as it entered the Town of Wasaga Beach. After a brief conversation, the officer initiated Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). The driver performed poorly and was arrested. The driver completed a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE) at the Huronia West OPP Detachment. A search of the vehicle found an expandable baton, a large knife and a machete hidden in different areas of the vehicle. As a result of the investigation, Jeffrey Clark, 37, of Barrie, was charged with operation while impaired and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, both contrary to the Criminal Code. The accused is scheduled to appear in a Collingwood courtroom on Sept. 22. A female passenger in the vehicle was also found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant from the City of Barrie.
Burn ban in effect Effective July 8, there is a burn ban in Clearview Township, due to lack of rain and extreme temperatures. No burning is allowed in both settlement and rural areas after Fire Chief Roree Payment has set the fire rating at ‘extreme.’