The Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 will ensure that for the near future, the delivery of goods to Ontario’s businesses and consumers isn’t impacted by municipal noise by-laws that may unintentionally be impeding such deliveries when they are most urgently needed. The legislation also gives municipalities the ability to fully conduct Council, local board and committee meetings electronically when faced with local and province-wide emergencies, empowering the government’s municipal partners to respond quickly when in-person meetings cannot be held.
“These changes will assist in getting goods to market in a more expeditious manner. Our government wants to do everything we can to help connect distribution centres with grocery stores and pharmacies to replenish empty shelves more quickly,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “As well, we are helping communities respond to this crisis by allowing councils to conduct meetings remotely. These changes empower municipalities to respond quickly and continue to function when in-person meetings cannot be held, and council decisions need to be made.”
Thank you to the Ontario government for taking decisive action to keep supply chains open. Under normal conditions, we know that allowing off-peak deliveries can both increase the efficiency of goods movement and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the current extra-ordinary conditions with COVID-19, it is imperative to keep supply chains open and flexible, and reducing delivery restrictions plays an important role in making that happen.
The Smart Freight Centre commits to helping the Ontario government with any analysis that will provide it with insight into ways we can keep our supply chains working.