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31 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,A ugust 6,2020 insidehalton.com HaltonHighlights August2020 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region Budget Directions Report aims to keep taxes low in 2021 and invest in key priorities Halton residents have done an incredible job flattening the curve, and these actions have produced the results we are seeing today such as lower daily cases, sustained hospital capacity and the ability to reopen parts of our economy. On July 24, Halton moved into Stage 3, reopening nearly all businesses and public spaces and increasing limits on social gatherings. As we move forward, it's important that we work together to protect the progress we have made. As of July 22, it is mandatory for individuals five years of age and up to wear a face covering or non-medical mask in certain indoor public places under the Regional by-law. There are some individuals who are exempt from wearing a mask and I want to remind residents that not all exemptions are visible, so please be kind. Thank you for your continued efforts--you have helped support and protect our community and our frontline workers during COVID-19. Remember, we are still all in this together. For the latest public health advice, please visit halton.ca/COVID19. Every step of the way, our Small Business Centre has been providing resources, webinars and one-on-one consultations to help businesses navigate reopening and adjusting to the new normal. Our team of business consultants are also here to support business owners and operators as we continue to reopen our economy and maintain important safety measures and by-laws to protect the community. Please reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly team if you need any help implementing the mandatory mask by-law or have any questions about reopening in Stage 3. To connect with our team, access an informative webinar, find helpful resources or set up a one-on-one consultation, please visit halton.ca or call 311. 08 06 20 I am pleased to share that Regional Council has approved the 2021 Budget Directions Report. The Report guides our investments in 2021 to ensure resident access to services and supports critical program enhancements and financing plans to address community growth. It also confirms our goal of keeping property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation next year as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. I'm also proud to share that our AAA credit rating was upheld by S&P Global Ratings in June. This helps us access the best capital financing rates available, allowing public funds to go further when we invest in Regional works to improve the community. This advantage is an essential part of the strong long-term financial position that keeps Halton a great place to live. To learn more, please visit halton.ca. Reopening Halton Region safely Supports for business owners and operators Regional Council meetings are taking place through web conferencing until further notice. Videos will be posted to halton.ca. Visit halton.ca for full schedule. We all have a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Open select workplaces, allow some small gatherings Openmore workplaces and outdoor spaces, allow some larger gatherings Further relax restrictions on public gatherings, opening all workplaces responsibly