July 2020
Township update . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 19 Real estate boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 COVID-19 stage 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Outdoor art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Canada Day 2020 – so much to celebrate! By Ellen Cohen Here we are. In Canada. During a pandemic. The term social distancing is part of everyone’s vocabulary. Masks have become an accessory. And the skin on our hands is almost transparent from constant washing and numerous daily applications of sanitizing gel. Every time we leave the house we are at a heightened state of awareness. We turn our backs on anyone who gets too close and run from anyone who coughs. We line up to get groceries and feel grateful when there is flour on the shelves and meat in the hopper. Tragically, today, Canadians are still getting sick - and dying. Our seniors are in constant peril. Cancer treatments are still far behind schedule and we still can’t see a doctor in her office. The world is not normal. So, what’s to celebrate? A lot. Imagine, if you can, living in Brazil or the United States. In spite of Brazil and the US reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, one president has decided that COVID-19 is ‘what it is’ and there’s nothing to be done, while the latter calls the pandemic a hoax, and long ago relinquished responsibility regarding the pandemic and moved on to campaign mode for the November election.
© Can Stock Photo / nmcandre
In contrast, Canada has three levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – each one working hard every day, doing their best to keep us as safe as possible. They have kept us informed every step of the way and they all use health experts to guide their pandemic strategy. This is worth celebrating. We can celebrate our universal health care program, our excellent hospitals and the devoted frontline workers, first responders and all essential service workers who keep our country from disaster. In this glorious part of our country, celebrating where we live is easy. The virus hasn’t spoiled our clean, clear rivers, towering pines, beautiful forests and stunning granite outcrops. The area is still home to millions of birds. Bullfrogs croak and make us smile. The sound of peepers or
whippoorwills help us go to sleep at night. None of this has changed. All of this goes on while the people in Severn have just become more thoughtful and loving. Hundreds of business owners in the region have met the pandemic challenges and, from day one, have never stopped looking after us. They feed us and provide us with much more than our basic needs. Thousands of their employees have gone to work every day, even though they are surely fearful of contagion. And thousands more of our residents have stepped up to help family, neighbours and friends or to volunteer, supporting and caring for our community. On Canada Day, in your small social circle, wear red, hang a flag and celebrate. O Canada!
Are you considering a real estate move?
Paul Cleary B.B.A.
Covid-19 has brought changes to so many areas of our lives. When you’re ready, let’s talk about your goals and how I can help you move forward with safety in mind.
705-327-6002
Your best interests are always my first priority.
BROKER
paul@paulcleary.com