in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A ug us t 5, 20 21 | 20 We have made great progress in our vaccine rollout, with more than 80 per cent of Halton residents 12 years of age and older having received at least one vaccine dose, and more than 65 per cent now fully vaccinated.With an increase in vaccine supply from the Federal and Provincial Governments, there are many ways to get first and second vaccine doses. Getting both doses is the best way to gain full protection from COVID-19 and the Delta variant and help avoid a fourth wave in the fall. As we strive for community protection, continue to #RollUpYourSleevesHalton and get your first and second doses. I am pleased to share that Regional Council approved the Budget Directions Report on July 14. The Report identifies priorities for Regional investments in 2022 to ensure residents have access to essential services while providing for critical program enhancements to address community growth. It also lays the foundation for keeping property tax rate increases at or below the rate of inflation and supporting residents and businesses as we recover from the pandemic. Our budgetary planning and performance is reflected in our AAA credit rating, which was upheld by Moody's Investors Service (January) and S&P Global Ratings (June) respectively. These ratings provide access to the best capital financing rates available. By maintaining a strong financial position, we keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. To read the Report and learn more about Regional financial planning, please search "AAA credit rating" on halton.ca. HaltonHighlights August2021 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region Stay connected on regional improvements in your community 08 05 21 Working to keep Halton's property taxes low in 2022 Regional Council meetings are taking place through web conferencing until further notice. Videos will be posted to halton.ca. Visit halton.ca for the full schedule. We all have a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Gary Carr, Regional Chair As our community grows, the Region continues to invest in infrastructure and build complete communities that maintain our high quality of life. We are widening roads to improve traffic flow, building new watermains to provide high-quality drinking water to homes, and making upgrades to wastewater treatment plants that help protect the environment. Through these projects and so many others, we are building a better Halton every day. Stay informed and plan ahead for construction happening in your community: view our interactive online map sign up for email updates follow Halton Region on social media walk-in appointments are available at some Halton Region Communit Vaccination Clinics, or you may book an appointment at a clinic throug our online booking system; over 100 participating pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations across Halton; and select Primary Care Offices in Halton also offer COVID-19 vaccines. By ensuring residents have access to reliable infrastructure, we can keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. To learn more about Regional improvement projects, please search "construction projects" on halton.ca. Thank you for your patience as we build a better Halton. #RollUpYourSleevesHalton andMake it a Two Dose Summer ty gh If you have already received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine--thank you! You are helping us all get back to normal. If you have not yet received two doses of the vaccine, please go to a walk-in location or make an appointment today.We all need to do our part to keep our community safe and well. To learn more, visit halton.ca/COVIDvaccines. Residents do not need to go to the same location for their second dose-- reschedule or book at any location in Halton that works for you!