Local mayors weigh in,
Three city mayors share their thoughts on all they look forward to, now that restrictions are lifted
WATERLOO REGION — Waterloo Region’s city mayors are all keen on the relaxed restrictions of the newest reopening stage, from getting a long overdue haircut to enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
The region joined the rest of Ontario in Step 3 of the province’s reopening plan on Friday, which expands allowed indoor services to more people with restrictions.
However, Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky urged residents to enjoy the new freedoms responsibly.
“There are still appropriate precautions, and our youngest citizens still have no vaccine available. Everyone else should take advantage of the many vaccination appointments available,” Jaworsky said.
Jaworsky said he’s looking forward to seeing smiling faces on local business owners and on people in our city parks, along with all the public gatherings that haven’t been allowed for so long. “I’ve really missed live music and cultural events.”
Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry is also eager to get back that sense of community that was missing in the shutdown.
“I miss connecting with people over a shared interest, a coffee, or while out for a walk in downtown or on our trail system,” McGarry said.
“It’s the little things that COVID has taken away that made me realize they are actually the big things. Our community is resilient, but I personally can’t wait to go out for lunch at one of our local restaurants and see some familiar faces.”
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “there is a renewed level of energy and excitement within the community that things are cautiously returning to a new normal.”
People are getting back to the gym, their favourite restaurant and recreational amenities.
“Personally, the last week has seen me arrange a long-awaited haircut, safe visits with friends, and small in-person events like the groundbreaking for the new Porsche dealership.”
Vrbanovic said everyone needs to be diligent about following public health measures, “but I’m hopeful that if we all do our parts, we’ll all have a much better summer, fall and beyond!”