Today marks the 100th day since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, communities were tasked with the daunting task of determining how best to respond to the pandemic whilst keeping their citizens safe. In late March, PSD Citywide partnered with the Canadian Urban Institute on a tool that tracks emergency response measures taken by local governments across Canada. The tool serves as a resource that provides municipal leaders with insight into how municipal practitioners are responding during the pandemic and to learn about best practices and proven strategies to make informed decisions.
The past 100 days have proven the resiliency of Canadian communities. Cities have risen to the challenge of combatting this unprecedented pandemic in innovative ways. In the May-June issue of Public Sector Digest, we learned how chief administrator officers across the country have grappled with the task of running a city during a pandemic, as well as specific examples of local communities rising to the challenge, such as the emergency funding measures of Huu-ay-aht First Nations in British Columbia.
There are still many unknowns as we reach the 100-day point of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have learned important lessons along the way. To explore these lessons, PSD Citywide has again partnered with the Canadian Urban Institute on COVID Signpost 100 Days – a national discussion that examines how COVID-19 has impacted cities at the 100-day signpost. Hearing from communities from coast to coast, this discussion will explore what we have learned so far, and most importantly, will provide insights on how best to tackle the next 100 days. As communities are beginning to re-open, it is ever more critical to remain aware of the ongoing challenges local leaders are facing, and the different approaches they are taking to keep our communities safe.
COVID Signpost 100 Days is a one-day event (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM ET) with panelists tuning in across Canada, including spotlights on Halifax, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and the North, Alberta, and the West Coast. Panelists range from municipal senior leadership, to not-for-profit representatives, and members of community organizations. For a full list of panelists and schedules, visit covid100.ca, and join the online conversation by using #COVID100.
