Soon after hearing news much of Ontario would proceed to the third stage of reopening this Friday, Mattawa Mayor Dean Backer took time during Monday's council meeting to thank his constituents for their actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I want to emphasize to our frontline workers, our staff at the Algonquin Nursing Home, our staff at the hospital, you have done an incredible job the last 17 weeks," Backer said at the tail end of Monday's virtual meeting of council.
He added, "I am so proud of everyone who has any ties to these organizations — but especially our town. We have done an immense job of keeping our totals to zero."
The Mayor also told those listening by teleconference or watching by a live stream that he hoped that meeting would be one of, if not, the last virtual participation meeting, adding he looked forward to meeting again in person soon.
Backer thanked residents, reminding them to "have faith in your council, have faith in your town. We will do everything possible to keep you safe."
The Mayor indicated Mattawa would continue to follow and support provincial directives, as related to the pandemic response.
"What's nice about Canada is we can agree to disagree on things," said Backer. "And, you see it at the federal and provincial levels. But, to see Premier Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau work hand-in-hand on this matter is truly rewarding."
At the same time, Backer threw his support behind maintaining one restriction in particular.
"Let's hope they do not open the borders because seeing what is transpiring down south is scary," he said.
In wrapping up his remarks, Backer evoked the pride in community on display in Mattawa over two eventful years.
Said Backer, "We will do everything to make sure we get through this horrible exercise...like the flood, we did a fantastic job. We had no casualties...and we're almost there."
