STRATFORD, P.E.I. — As the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) continues to change daily, Stratford’s council and staff are continuing to maintain and provide essential services which ensure the health and safety of residents, the general public and town staff.
Earlier this week, the town closed all municipal playground structures following the guidelines and direction of the Chief Medial Health Office.
The greenspaces and trails around the closed playground structures will remain open and are safe to use, provided residents practice social distancing while doing so.
The closure of playground structures follow previous measures, which include the town closing all recreation and community facilities as well as the town office. Staff continue to work from home.
Updates are being continually being made on the town’s website as well, including the addition of a COVID-19 community resources page, which will help residents to find out what essential businesses and services are available to them.
Town staff are requesting the public’s help with keeping the information up to date as it is changing frequently but see the need for information to be made available in one location.
The town has also added new programs to help residents during this time. Any resident who would like to have a phone call can reach out and the mayor or a member of council will call them for a social conversation. This program helps to connect people to each other during an otherwise sometimes lonely and difficult time. Residents who would like to request a phone call for themselves or for someone else in the community can provide the relevant name and telephone number to (902) 569-6921 or [email protected].
The Stratford Youth Centre has also been creative in trying to keep their youth members virtually active in the community. A program launched this week called “Letters for Seniors” is requesting residents to provide them with an email address or mailing address for seniors, with youth in the community, in turn, writing them a letter. For further information, contact Duane Pineau at [email protected].
Another new initiative is the recent creation of a group on Facebook where residents have a place to come together and connect. It is designed to have residents share links to the variety of groups, activities and classes happening all around, virtually. The group is looking for events and activities available to residents of all ages, adults, youth, children and families.
As a reminder, the town will be holding a virtual special council meeting on Monday, March 30 at 12 p.m. to present the 2020/21 budget.
Residents will be able to view the meeting through a live stream on the town's Facebook page as they will not be able to attend the meeting in person.
This meeting is necessary for the ongoing work of the town to continue and as required under the Municipal Government Act.
The Town reminds those in our community who may not have the support of family, friends or neighbours and require non-medical assistance to contact the town to identify their needs.
Staff will help them access the required services or goods as best they can. Residents can reach out through email at [email protected] or by telephone at (902) 569-1995.
A new provincial phone number was announced on Tuesday as well for Islanders who are in social isolation and have no one that can deliver necessary supplies like food, medication and pet supplies. The number is 1-833-533-9333.
For the latest updates from the Town of Stratford please visit townofstratford.ca.
