Niagara local starts postpartum depression conversation with new book
At a virtual launch on June 30, former nurse and local businesswoman, Jessica Gale Friesen, released her debut title This Will Not Break Me. Published by Niagara-based Ownera Media, the book tracks Friesen’s personal experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her son, as well as the years following that lead to an encouraging example of one woman’s recovery.
The book offers an aid not only to new mothers, but anyone who may be a friend or family member supporting a new mother, to recognize, support and help overcome the uncomfortable, far too often undiscussed thoughts and feelings associated with postpartum depression.
This Will Not Break Me is available for purchase through the author and various retailers, such as Amazon.
United Way Niagara will be hosting Friesen for a book signing on July 21. A portion of book sale proceeds will be donated.
Regional Council adopts Niagara’s first ‘Community Safety and Well-Being’ plan
Last week, Regional Council adopted Niagara’s first ‘Community Safety and Well-Being’ plan. Approved by Regional Council at its June 24 meeting, Niagara’s first ever Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) plan will strengthen how Niagara’s governments, police service and agencies work together on important safety and well-being issues in our community, and provides a framework to address emerging issues through ongoing engagement and collaboration.
The plan identifies opportunities for action, alignment and monitoring in four areas of focus: mental health and addictions, housing and homelessness, poverty and income and systemic discrimination.
“The Niagara Regional Police Service recognizes and values a collaborative approach to serve and protect the residents of Niagara. The areas of focus outlined in this plan identify a number challenging issues that will require a multi-sectoral collaborative approach, and the NRPS looks forward to continuing to work with our community partners to enhance community safety and well-being within Niagara,” said Chief of Police, Bryan MacCulloch.
Read the full plan here.
Fort Erie Race Track prepares for return of spectators
The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium announced Tuesday that a limited number of spectators will be allowed to return to the border oval beginning July 12. In response to the province’s announcement that horse racing facilities can now reopen to spectators with a limited capacity, Fort Erie Race Track will gradually welcome back fans within the next few weeks.
“We are overjoyed to have spectators returning to the track,” said Drew Cady, the general manager of FELRC. “Of course, we remain extremely cautious about reopening our doors to spectators as the safety of all our horse people and staff remains the top priority.”
Each spectator must reserve a spot online through forterieracing.com. Spectators will not be permitted on the property if they have not pre-registered online.
President of Brock University Gavin Fearon says farewell
Brock University president Gavin Fearon concluded his tenure with the school on June 30. Fearon leaves his post as head of Brock about a year before his original contract was set to expire, officially out of “a desire to move back to Toronto”.
He will take up a new role as president at George Brown College in August. Current Brock provost Lynn Wells will fill the void atop the school’s administration in the interim.
Pelham receives funding from Ontario Community Transportation Grant
Pelham has received $210,199.76 in funding from the Ontario Community Transportation Grant for 2023-2025. In 2018-2023 the municipality had received $500,000.
This funding is part of a $14-million funding extension package that provides funding over two years for 38 communities. It will extend support for transportation services including bus service, on-demand shared rides and door-to-door transportation services supported by the program.
Ontario enters Step 2 of COVID-19 reopening plan
Though the province has reached the vaccination targets to move into Step 3 of reopening, provincial officials stated that Ontario will remain in Step 2 for 21 days in order to measure the impact easing the restrictions has had on the spread of COVID-19.
Step 2 changes include: outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up 25, and 5 for indoors; outdoor dining up to 6 people per table; essential and other select retail permitted at 50% capacity; non-essential retail capacity at 25%; stores in shopping malls open with restrictions; larger indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies , including wedding services and funeral services at 25% capacity, with outdoor capped at the ability to physically distance; overnight camps; personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times at 25% capacity; outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of distance; public libraries, outdoor meetings, amusement and water parks, sports games, leagues and events, outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions, horse racing and motor speedways at 25% capacity.
Ontario helps newcomers prepare for the workforce
The Ontario government is investing $7.7 million in language and skills training support to help 2,700 newcomers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic start new jobs. Through 19 programs across Ontario, newcomers will gain the skills they need to work in food manufacturing, healthcare, web development, and other in-demand sectors while supporting Ontario’s economic recovery and future prosperity.
Locally, language training will be delivered by the Niagara Catholic District School Board, as well as through the YMCA of Hamilton.
Long-term care residents finally allowed visitors
Now that Ontario has entered Step 2 of reopening, residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes can have up to 10 visitors outdoors. All residents are allowed to have up to two general visitors and two caregivers for an indoor visit at the same time, personal care services can resume, resident cohorting requirements can be relaxed during outdoor activities, and there is no longer a limit on the number of individuals designated as caregivers by a resident or their decision-maker.
COVID-19 weekly update
COVID-19 cases remain low in the Niagara Region as 8 new cases, 149 active cases, and 22 new resolved cases have been recorded for June 30.
St. Catharines and Niagara Falls have the largest number of cases with 53 and 26. Grimsby, Thorold and Welland follow with 15, 12, and 12 cases. All other municipalities have 8 or less cases.
As of June 30, there have been 8,179 new COVID-19 vaccines administered, with 448,214 doses administered to Niagara residents. 66% of residents have their first dose, while 27.5% have a complete series.
