Statement from Mayor Kathryn McGarry on Stage 3 Provincial Announcement

It is very good news that Cambridge and Waterloo Region have been given a green light to move to Stage 3 of the Province’s reopening plan. 

We are all anxious to move towards economic recovery and to see more businesses and services reopen, and to get more people back to work in our community. Stage 3 means that there can be indoor dining once again, and gyms and fitness facilities can start to open, as well as playgrounds, libraries and other community facilities under Public Health directives. I urge business owners to take their time to reopen safely, and for the community to be patient, to ensure appropriate protocols are in place. Staff at the City of Cambridge will be reviewing the announcement closely and will be updating on subsequent changes to our own services.

I would like to say a big and heartfelt thank you to our residents. It’s due to everyone’s hard work and commitment to protecting one another that we have reached this important milestone. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been countless inspiring examples of the community stepping up to make a difference. From volunteers making face masks, to people delivering meals, to businesses re-tooling to make necessary medical supplies, it is obvious we that have been in this fight together from the start. Our collective efforts and sacrifices are paying off in the face of what has likely been our toughest challenge.

But we can’t become complacent – this journey is not over. Although many people feel they are done with the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus is not done with us and we cannot afford to go backwards.

Public Health measures helped us get to Stage 3. Wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing are more important than ever. We absolutely need to keep up these measures to prevent a possible second wave, to help kids get back to school this fall, and to enable our businesses and services to stay open safely.