The Town of Pelham is managing the COVID-19 pandemic through the phased approach formally established in the Incident Management System, which is widely used by public sector entities in times of crisis.  Presently, Pelham finds itself in the third of four phases. The duration of Phase 3 is unknown and can not be accurately measured at this time.

Phase 1 consists of mitigation/prevention, usually involving tactics such as public education, hazard assessment, and continuous improvement of infrastructure for an emergency. Although the Town’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) met and continues to meet five times per week, with greater frequency as required, providing public updates as appropriate. However, much of this work is and was done at the Regional level by Niagara Public Health.

Phase 2 is preparedness. As the COVID-19 pandemic entered Niagara in mid-March, the Town of Pelham began reviewing its business continuity plans and essential services. The Town closed parks and buildings to prevent community transmission, and began a robust public information campaign. It also changed the manner in which it conducts public meetings so as to eliminate physical interaction. Members of Town staff adopted best practices identified by municipal partners, acquired technology and resources to allow for remote work, educated, and trained themselves to serve the municipality in different fashion, which has allowed the Town to effectively respond to the situation.

Phase 3 is the response phase. Currently, the Town of Pelham is in the response phase to the COVID-19 pandemic, launching large-scale public information campaigns alongside other Niagara municipalities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Town Council authorized temporarily relief on late water and tax payments and the Town has assisted and promoted the Pelham Support Network, a volunteer group helping residents receive critical supplies when they are unable to leave their homes.  Enforcement, another critical component in the response phase, has been enhanced. Town bylaw staff, as directed by the Province and requested by Niagara Regional Police, are authorized to enforce the Province’s emergency orders, including issuing fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance.

Phase 4 will be recovery. The Town of Pelham has not yet entered the recovery phase. Senior staff are beginning to plan the transition back to the new normal so the Town can be prepared to serve its staff and residents through the recovery stage. As part of a smooth transition to this phase, public works crews will be deployed to maintain fields, parks, roads, and other infrastructure to ensure that when public areas are opened up for use they can be readied in a timely, cost-effective manner.

For more information about what the Town of Pelham is doing in response to COVID-19, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19