Welcome to the Georgina Island First Nation Economic Development Strategic Planning Community Survey link.
The Economic Development Department’s Economic Development Strategic Plan needs to be updated. We have heard from the community in a number of areas such as employment and training and the Fixed Link, but this survey will focus on your opinion of how our community should move forward in economic development. This information was last asked of our community a number of years ago and we want to ensure we are meeting your needs and expectations in economic development.
Please take the time to complete this survey by following the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GIFNECDEV)
The Georgina Island Department of Economic Development is currently in the process of updating the community’s Economic Development Strategy. We have hired Sierra Consulting to help us collect community input needed for this very important work.
Please take the time to share your ideas and opinions to help us create an economic development plan for your community that reflects your ideas and opinions. The survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete, and individual responses will be kept confidential. As an incentive for your participation a draw for the following prizes will be held upon completion of survey collection:
-$100 VISA gift certificate (1)
– $50 gift certificate (2)
– $15 gift certificate (5)
Click on the following link to complete your survey on-line or pick up your paper copy at the Georgina Island Administration Office.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GIFNECDEV
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey or project please email or call Marlene Stiles, Economic Development Officer marlene.stiles@georginaisland.com or (705) 437-1337 x 2237 or Jeffrey Jacobs, Principal of Sierra Consulting jjacobs@sierrakwe.com or (705) 872-1337.
Chi-Miigwetch for your participation and input.
We are writing to you as a registrant of the McLean Day School Class Action in the Ontario and Quebec regions. As you may have heard, we have suspended our travel to communities due to COVID-19. Although we cannot visit you in person at this time, we want to ensure we continue to provide information that Class Members need to submit a Claim. Starting this week, we will be hosting several online workshops. For a full list of the presentations and to register, please click here.
The workshops will be in English on April 14, 2020 at 4pm and in French on April 16 at 4pm. All attendees are asked to register by clicking this link (English) and this link (French) Your registration will provide you with a reminder email and the private link to our “Zoom” workshop.
The workshop is very similar to our community presentations. We will go page by page through the Claim Form to explain the process and its requirements. We encourage you to follow along with your copy of the Claim Form, which is available here (English) and here (French). Our legal team will be available to answer questions during the presentation.
We continue to assist Claimants on our toll-free number: 1 (844) 539-3815. Please leave us a voicemail with your name and number so we can return your call.
We hope to see you at the workshop!
Transportation Update
Effective Saturday April 11, 2020 the car ferry will be running on a modified schedule. The new schedule moving forward is as follows. Saturdays and Sundays first trip will be 9am.
Georgina Island Virginia Beach
7:00am 7:30am
9:00am 9:30am
11:00am 11:30am
1:00pm 1:30pm
3:00pm 3:30pm
5:00pm 5:30pm
7:00pm 7:30pm
Chief and Council are urging the membership to avoid from travelling across the car ferry unless it is necessary. The more we go over the more we risk bringing COVID-19 into our community. Please exercise personal discretion. We are monitoring the Virus and will be continuing to adjust as needed. We have discussed shutting the ferry down fully on Saturdays and Sunday’s but don’t deem it to be necessary at this time.
COVID-19 Update for Cottage Owners:
Please navigate to the Tax Administration page for the full update
Updates and Current Information
COVID-19 Update for Georgina, Snake and Fox Islands Cottage Owners
Outdoor Exercise and Gatherings of 10 or less
June 22, 2020
Georgina Island Cottage Owners – Single Trip Ferry Passes and 2 Car Limit
June 9, 2020
Georgina Island First Nation and Ferry Boat Re-Opening June 1, 2020
May 25, 2020
Update for Snake and Fox Island Cottage Owners
Please continue to Practice Social and Physical Distancing!
Please navigate to the Tax Administration page for the full update
https://georgina.thedev.ca.php72-37.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/property-tax-admin/
Please be advised as of March 24, 2020 measures have been taken to further reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19
The Georgina Island Ferry will be available only to Community Members all others will be turned away at Virginia Beach
In addition, the ferry hours have been reduced and the last run from Virginia Beach is 8pm every night
Please check back here for any further information to be posted
As advised practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and if shopping for necessary items please try to send only one person for these errands
Covid -19 Pandamic Members Update
Administration Office Hours are 9am to Noon, Monday to Thursday until further notice
If you are coming in please do it one person at a time and practice social distancing at all times
Please go the the Members Section of this Website. You will find a menu on the right and the Update is the first tab.
Best Practices Surrounding Status Cards During Covid-19
Emergency Financing for First Nation Business Owners affected by the COVID-19 Shutdown
June 9, 2020
Aazhaawe ferry has resumed full schedule.
March 24, 2020
Dear Members,
The Chief and Council want to take this opportunity to update you on what we have been doing to combat the COVID 19 virus. Like everyone in the world, we are unsure of what effects that it will have on ourselves and loved ones. We will continue to work together to ensure our people are safe. Our leadership is constantly monitoring the situation and in regular contact with Provincial and Federal officials.
Social Distancing
We cannot do this alone. We need everyone to stay home (except for those who need to go to work or to buy groceries) and implement Social and Physical Distancing and other health practices to stop the spread of the virus. This will go a long way to combat the spread. We will ensure that all essential First Nation services continue.
$1000 Member Support Payment
We realize that in this time all members of the First Nation will be affected by the financial impacts of the pandemic. People may be laid off or on a limited income and have difficulty covering basic essentials. That is why we are accessing emergency dollars from our trust for a $1000 Member Support Payment to help everyone get through this.
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED. ALL MEMBERS AS OF March 31, 2020 WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT.
The First Nation will be using the data which was provided in connection with December’s Coldwater payments.
Our First Nation is strong and we get the strength from our people. Although this pandemic is very serious we know that if we stay diligent and practice all the safety precautions our First Nation will survive this.
Miigwetch,
Chief and Council
Communication
An Emergency Task Force has been implemented and consists of;
Donna Big Canoe
donna.bigcanoe@georginaisland.com
Bill McCue
905-914-3347
william.mccue@georginaisland.com
Pat Big Canoe
pat.bigcanoe@georginaisland.com
Benson Big Canoe
905-909-0380
benson.bigcanoe@georginaisland.com
Lauri Hoeg
289-716-4193
Lauri.hoeg@georginaisland.com
Lorna Fitzpatrick
905-953-6044
lfitzpatrick@onehealth.ca
Harmony Taylor
289-338-6057
harmony.taylor@georginaisland.com
Janice Taylor
905-955-3452
janice.taylor@georginaisland.com
Any questions or concerns should be directed through the task force.
The task force will be communicating weekly updates every Tuesday to the community regarding what is happening in the media and how we are responding to it.
Information will be available on the CGI website, Facebook and Nish Radio. (Hard copies will NOT be distributed to mitigate virus risks)
Operations and Services
All non-essential band buildings and recreation facilities are closed until further notice. This includes;
library,
church,
resource building
trails building,
school and daycare, (Childcare fees will be stopped during closure)
Community center will only be open for emergency purposes
Health building will be open for pre-scheduled appointments with the nurse or doctor only
Emergency services continue to be in full operation. This includes Fire, Police and First Response Units.
Water treatment plant is operational and will continue to run as is (any questions pertaining to this should be directed to Councillor Benson Big Canoe)
We will keep the community notified as to the status of any community events or gatherings as we move forward
Garbage and recycling pick up will continue
Community Members Responsibilities
Practice Social Distancing, that means 3 meters apart from others.
It is imperative you self-isolate for 14 days if you are returning from travel, this also means from your family that haven’t travelled.
We advise that if you visit elders you practice safe caution before doing so
Members/Residents are asked NOT to bring visitors/guests to the community, this is a time to practice social distancing.
If you are going over ask if family or friends need supplies also
Members who run home businesses are also asked NOT to bring customers to the community.
Stay in touch with others by telephone and technology.
Go outside and enjoy the fresh air but walk to exercise not to socialize.
Reduce the amount of times you go to the mainland for essentials.
Staying Home is the best way to keep our community safe
Avoid Coronavirus Scammers some tips on how to avoid those who are trying to take advantage of this situation
Dear Community Members:
The primary Public Health Strategy now is to reduce the seriousness of the pandemic by reducing exposure with rigorous compliance with social distancing recommendations, regular handwashing and extra care to avoid unnecessary contact with our most vulnerable populations. This is most effective when followed by all of us.
If you are on CGIFN Island I previously delivered information to your house on proper handwashing, please follow. When not at home, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
As well, remember to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (using a tissue [wash your hands afterwards] or into your sleeve). Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Check the following web site for up-to-date information : https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
I am also available at the Health Centre Monday-Friday or you can call my cell number – 905-953-6044
Please call before coming to the Health Centre so I can do an assessment over the phone.
What to do if you get sick
If you think you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please review this self-assessment tool to help you determine if you need to go to an Assessment Centre. Then call your doctor or myself if you feel you meet the criteria.
Our closest centre is at Southlake Hospital
SOUTHLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE
Location: In the Ambulance Bay next to the Emergency Department on Davis Drive. Patients are asked to arrive at the main entrance of the Emergency Department.
Hours: Open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Check for changes to this information, visit southlake.ca
If you have any questions feel free to call me. Thank-you
Lorna Fitzpatrick 905-953-6044
Posted March 13, 2020 Message from Chippewas of Georgina Island Chief and Council
“The recent decision by the World Health Organization to classify Covid-19 as a pandemic and the resulting cancellations of numerous public events and social institutions has led Chief and Council to address concerns regarding what this means for our community.
Our first steps will be to reduce the chances of infection for our community members.”
Chippewas of Georgina Island