A look back at October 2020
October1 – Premier Doug Ford blasted members of a Niagara antimask group as a bunch of “yahoos,” urging them to “give your heads a shake” and see the health risk of COVID-19.
October 3 – U.S. President Donald Trump confirms he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, an advocacy group called the province’s decision to give personal support workers a temporary raise too little, too late.
October 6 – Headline: “Niagara has first COVID-19 death since mid-july.”
October 9 – This date marked a new era of garbage: Two new collectors, Miller Waste Systems and GFL Environmental — contracted by Niagara Region — were ready to roll on seven-year contracts.
October 13 – Niagara reports 40 new COVID cases over the weekend. Along with eight active outbreaks and 116 active cases regionwide, the numbers were shocking.
October 14 – A Niagara Falls Tourism ad urging people to book at getaway to the Honeymoon Capital was scrapped for adjustments. Feddev Ontario felt it wasn’t right for the times.
October 16 – Turns out the Costco store in St. Catharines would have a new life after all, following the opening of the new outlet in Niagara Falls. Costco announced the St. Catharines store will become a business centre, catering to small business clients.
October 17 – Holy smokes! Marijuana worth more than $10 million was seized by U.S. customs officers at the Peace Bridge.
October 20 – The public health department was investigating reports that a St. Catharines church allowed several elderly parishioners to use the same shared spoon as they were served sacramental wine. The church was later ordered to stop it.
October 23 – Headline: “Niagara says yes to safe trick-ortreating.”
October 28 – Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff was blasted by critics after he posted photos from his family’s event to social media, showing 40 or more people side by side in a restaurant, without masks.
October 29 – Maci, a threeyear-old poodle-bichon mix living in Grimsby, became Canada’s first known case of a dog being diagnosed with COVID-19.
October 31 – In Niagara Falls, several residents had a negative reaction to one hotel group’s request to the city for a one-year concession on its tax obligations.