COVID-19 continues to change our daily routines and I hope you are holding up well through the disruption. No doubt you have heard of cancellation after cancellation. OPAL has a few more –

• Our AGM has been postponed until an all-clear from health authorities or we find a technology to bring us together virtually and virus-free.  

• ReuseapalooZaha in Embro, slated for April 25th and even mentioned in the  Village Voice as "tentative" is now cancelled. The community centre there is closed until further notice. Our partners, the Thamesford Lions, are almost all in the age group most at risk.

• The Tillsonburg Home and Garden Springfest, which for the past several years has been an occasion for us to explain the dump fight we are in and to gain solidarity among fellow Oxfordians and visitors from Norfolk, has been cancelled by its organizers. Our thanks to Bev and Dave who organize it. They are sad to miss the event and all the people who stream through the arenas, but want to ensure they all stay healthy.

• Bonnie has posted on Facebook that the weekly sign waving events will halt.

 On the other hand,

• You might be noticing more anti-dump signs on lawns. Contact-free drop-offs of signs continue. Let us know at bryasmit@oxford.net if your sign has disappeared or faded past reading in the 8 years it may have been on your lawn. We'll get one to you.  Make sure we get a complete street address for you, including fire numbers if you reside rurally.

• Our Alliance partners, the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice have just sent an innovative idea to the Minister of the Environment, Mr. Jeff Yurek, that would divert tonnes of plastics from dumps. That would reduce the need for dumps dramatically and mean that the current private and public ones could handle all of Ontario's waste until better systems are put in place. Cheers to them.

• There is a "pause" in the Environmental Assessment comment period. After intense pressure from three community groups and three local mayors, Walker paused the consultation. They have not provided any indication whether or not, once restarted, it will have the same number of days. Given Darren Fry's comments in the Sentinel-Review that the community had more than enough time for comment, this is something to watch.

• Minister Jeff Yurek remains available by email at minister.mecp@ontario.ca if you have comments for him. The number of letters has fallen dramatically as we have ceased face-to-face meetings and sharing of pens. Remind Mr. Yurek why you oppose the dump.

 Most importantly, stay

• Physically isolated as much as possible

• In touch via telecommunication of any kind so you are not socially cut off.

• Healthy.

 Sincerely,

 Bryan Smith, President  OPAL Alliance