By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Commemorations observed in Northumberland County – and yet to be observed in the near future – accounted for a good portion of the April meeting’s agenda.
Presented for information purposes only were two requests for the Community Flagpole that stands at county headquarters in Cobourg. One (recognizing Dig Safe Month) has already taken place, with the Dig Safe flag having flown April 11 to 19. The other calls for a flag recognizing Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month to be flown May 24 to 31.
The public portion of the meeting wound up with eight proclamations from Warden Bob Crate.
Dig Safe Month, April 1 to 30
Each year in Ontario, there are more than 4,500 excavation events that cause damage to underground infrastructure, with negative impact to the public and to the economy. The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance was formed in 2003 to enhance public safety and utility-infrastructure reliability through a preventive approach that includes Ontario1Call and the annual Dig Safe Month observances and activities. Its national counterpart has produced the Underground Infrastructure Damage Prevention Best Practices handbook.
Earth Day, April 22
This is recognized internationally, with communities coming together to take action towards a more sustainable future. Committed to promoting and supporting positive actions to improve sustainability, preserve natural assets and create a healthier environment, Northumberland County is a registered municipal partner with Earth Day Canada and will be organizing a number of local initiatives.
National Volunteer Week, April 24 to 30
More than 24-million Canadian volunteers give about five-billion hours of volunteer activity each year. In Northumberland, this group represents all demographics, skill sets and backgrounds. They mentor children, feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, beautify green space, coach small businesses and organize fundraising events. In county facilities alone, this includes their work with the Golden Plough Lodge, Food 4 All Warehouse, Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, County Archives and Museum and waste-and-recycling programs.
National Day of Mourning, April 18
The Mourning Day Act recognizes this day for Canadians to remember workers killed, disabled or injured in the workplace, including those afflicted with industrial disease. The county recognizes a commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace through the elimination of hazards that may result in injury, harassment and violence to its employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors. No job is so urgent that time and care cannot be taken to do the work safely.
Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1 to 8
The goal of Emergency Preparedness Week is to raise community awareness of the need to prepare for the possibility of an emergency, and to learn how to secure a strong and healthy tomorrow.
Safety and Health Week, May 1 to 8
The goal of Safety and Health Week is to spotlight the importance of preventing injury and illness at the workplace, in the community and at home. The county is committed to providing a safe and health workplace by eliminating workplace hazards that may cause injury, harassment and violence to employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors.
National Public Works Week, May 15 to 21
Infrastructure facilities are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities, as well as the public health, well-being and quality of life of Northumberland residents. And the dedicated efforts of public-works engineers, managers and employees (at all levels of government and in the private sector) make possible the transportation, water-supply, water-treatment, solid-waste system, public-building and other structures that are so essential. This year marks the 62nd annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the Canadian/American Public Works Association.
Paramedic Services Week, May 22 to 28
This year’s theme is Paramedic As Educator – Faces of Paramedicine. The dedication and skills of this group often make the difference between life and death and, in Northumberland County, this work is done by 120 full- and part-time paramedics working out of six bases.
