Mayor Meed Ward’s Weekly Update: Jan 17-23, 2022

Good morning Burlington,As the kids in our community head back to school this week - delayed by one more day thanks to this incredible amount of snow overnight - I am sending my thanks to all the teachers and staff in our schools for the many ways I know they have prepared for this return as much as possible - by getting vaccinated/boosted, by wearing higher quality masks, and by keeping classrooms clean and ventilated (ideally with HEPA filters).I also want to thank parents for their own efforts to get their families vaccinated, for monitoring for symptoms and doing rapid tests, and for teaching their children about masks, hand washing and social distancing these past two years - not to mention supporting homeschooling efforts the past two weeks (again).It is an incredibly tough choice for every decision maker and parent between keeping children home to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and keeping them in school where we know most kids feel more mentally healthy and socially engaged. I know we are all doing our best here in Burlington and beyond, and I continue to encourage everyone to lead with kindness and compassion for one another as we keep finding our way through these challenging times.We have another busy week ahead at City Hall. I am looking forward to today's Indigenous Education Workshop for council, as well as our public telephone town hall later this week. You can check out all the details for that and more right here: Mayors Weekly Public Update Jan 17-23 2022Wishing you each a good Monday and a healthy week ahead. Thanks to city snow crews for dutifully plowing since the very early hours of the morning and all the work they have ahead of them today on our roads and sidewalks. A reminder to please clear areas around fire hydrants, and clear all your home's exterior vents (furnace, hot water heater, dryer, gas meter, etc.) to ensure related mechanical equipment operates properly. Please also be careful while shoveling to avoid injury and over exertion and help out elderly or physically challenged neighbours if you can.~ Mayor Marianne Meed Ward