Region of Durham provides update on the Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region is continuing to prioritize slowing the spread of COVID-19 while supporting local businesses and residents during these unprecedented times, as outlined in the status update on the Regional Recovery Framework and Action plan (2020-COW-35).  

In June, Durham Regional Council approved the Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan (Report 2020-COW-22).The plan is built on four pillars: social recovery, built recovery, economic recovery and municipal recovery, which complement the goals established in the Durham Region Strategic Plan.

Public health and safety remain the Region’s top priority. While the ongoing pandemic means the Region remains in response mode, staff and partners continue to make progress on the items listed in the recovery framework. As outlined in the report, significant efforts have been made to ensure the safety of the community; to respond and adapt to the changing needs of residents and businesses; to communicate transparently with the public; and to guarantee continuity of essential services.

 Moving into the new year, Regional staff remain committed to supporting response efforts and planning for long-term recovery. The Regional Recovery Task Force—with representatives from Regional senior leadership, health care, emergency services, community agencies and the business community—will continue to meet and focus on the most urgent community needs.

 Quick Facts

• Since the release of the Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan, Durham Region Transit has implemented safety barriers and new processes to protect passengers and operators.
• The Social Services Department Long-Term Care division rapidly hired, trained and deployed staff to ensure residents continued to receive quality care.
• COVID-19 Funders Table was created to assist funding organizations with allocating resources according to available local data.
• Staff have collaborated to create the COVID-19 data tracker, which provides up-to-date community health information and has received hundreds of thousands of public views.
• Economic Development has developed a central portal and 1-800 number to support businesses with timely and accurate information about programs and services in partnership with the Durham Economic Task Force.

Quotes

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our community has been, and continues to be, our top priority. To rebuild as a community, we must continue to practise important health protocols to flatten the curve. The recovery plan remains a priority for us as we move into 2021. It’s an important step towards rebuilding our strong local economy.”

 - John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

 “Our recovery and restoration plans are based, first and foremost, on important health and safety practices. As we continue to weather the storm, the Region will continue to evolve and adapt while supporting residents and local businesses alike. The recovery framework will help to support the local economy when the time for reopening arrives.”

 - Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

 “The Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan continues to be our opportunity to support economic recovery and protect the health and safety of residents, while modernizing our services.”

- Sandra Austin, Director, Strategic Initiatives

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.