A look at events that shaped 2022 in Halton Hills, Canada, and the World
“Trucker Freedom Convoy” lands in Ottawa
2022 had hardly begun when the “Trucker Convoy anti-vaccine mandates demonstration” arrived in Ottawa from across Canada and plugged up the downtown streets at the end of January. At the behest of protest organizers, truckers and their supporters, unhappy with vaccine mandates and vaccine passports, parked their rigs near Parliament Hill and joined the demonstration, often accompanied by blaring of air horns.
About the same time, blockades and protests also fuelled by anti-mandate sentiments took place at border crossings in Emerson, Man., Coutts, Alta., Surrey, BC and Windsor, On. The blocked border crossings were an impediment to international trade and were cleared fairly quickly as compared to the vehicles encamped on the streets of Ottawa. During the Coutts' blockade, a cache of weapons was discovered in a nearby parked trailer. Alberta RCMP charged 13 people with weapons and mischief charges, and four individuals were arraigned on conspiracy to commit murder.
The final tally after the three-week long demonstration in Ottawa was 115 vehicles removed by tow truck, and almost 400 charges laid against 196 individuals that included high-profile protest organizers Tamara Lich, Chris Barber and Pat King. Go Fund Me accounts, plus two hundred or so bank accounts, considered to be supportive of the Convoy, were also frozen by court order.
Emergencies Act passed by Parliament
The minority Liberal government with the support of the New Democratic Party passed the Emergencies Act on Feb. 21 as a response to the Ottawa protest, considered by many to be too much and too late--both an over-reach of federal powers and unnecessary measure. The Act was lifted two days later when Prime Minister Trudeau stated, “the emergency situation is over.”
Russia invades Ukraine
About the same time, things were heating up on the geo-political stage. After months of amassing armaments and troops along its border with Ukraine, Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb 24 with a widespread attack on a number of cities. Ukrainian forces initially repulsed much of the invasion and the situation remains somewhat of an active stalemate as the year comes to a close. The attack was condemned by Canada and its NATO allies. To date Canada has offered $1 billion military assistance for the Ukraine war effort and has been training Ukrainian troops since 2015. As well, Canada is offering support for Ukrainian nationals inside of and outside of Canada.
The Masks Come Off
Following a directive from the Ontario government most municipalities in Ontario scrapped the mask mandate on or about March 21. As of that time, masks were no longer required in schools, restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theatres, with the exception of medical facilities and long-term care homes. Halton Hills Town Council followed suit. At the same session, Town Council also rescinded the state of COVID emergency which gave extraordinary powers to the CAO and Mayor and had been in effect for about a year.
Back to School and Office
After a year of remote learning and home schooling, schools were again open for in-class learning, much to the relief of working parents. During the pandemic, many employers managed to pivot their employees into working from home, but that window has been gradually closing with businesses and employers pushing to get employees to return to the workplace.
Times are Tough
But things have not exactly returned to normal, whatever that is. The supply chain suffered during the pandemic and never really recovered, resulting in higher prices across the board. Gas prices are a major issue for many commuters, but food prices have especially blown up as an inflationary cycle gained momentum. This is not just the grocery giants taking a bigger cut of profits. Talk to any farmer and they will tell you that their fuel and fertilizer costs have increased astronomically. Meanwhile food banks are busier and more in demand than ever. A recent report by Feed Ontario showed that more Ontario residents are relying on food banks and visiting them more often.
2022 was also the year when ballooning house prices across the country levelled off and corrected; this occurred around the same time that interest rates began rising. If anything, housing is less affordable than ever, whether that means home ownership or simply finding a rental dwelling at a reasonable cost.
Health Care remains a disaster
Health care is in a sorry state across the province, as well as across the country. The sector is under-funded and under-staffed. Wait times in Emergency wards are extremely long. Many health care workers have left the profession, some suffering from burn-out, and their replacements are not on the horizon as yet. Finding a family doctor can also be difficult. “Don't get sick,” is an often heard adage.
Acton attracting new businesses and restaurants
Acton seems to be a good place for fledgling retailers and restaurant start ups. The Town has gained more than it has lost since the start of the pandemic. Six new retailers and restaurants are located within a block or two of Main and Mill St, and several new shops also hanging out their shingles on the other side of the tracks. Storefront rents are reasonable and the location gets lots of steady traffic. Worth the Drive, indeed!
Things are opening up
Removal of the mask mandate and vaccine passports led to a re-emergence of cultural and economic activities that had been put on hold for two years. The Leathertown Festival and the Acton Fall Fair were held once again and both attracted robust numbers of visitors. Indoor concerts are again possible. The Acton Citizen's Band celebrated its 150th anniversary with its annual Christmas Concert in December after it had been postponed for two years.
New Faces on Council
Despite a historic low turnout of 28% of eligible voters (down from 29% in 2018), change has come to Halton Hills Town Council. This year's October municipal election saw the election of six new councillors along with a new mayor. After serving 40 years on Town Council—19 of them as mayor of Halton Hills—Mayor Rick Bonnette retired this year and did not contest October's municipal election. The new Mayor is Ann Lawlor, a 12 year veteran as councillor for Ward 4. Among the new people sworn in on Nov. 21 are Acton's own Alex Hilson who will be serving as councillor for Ward 1 alongside incumbent Mike Albano. The other new councillors are Jason Brass and Joseph Racinsky representing Ward 2, Chantal Garneau and Ron Norris representing Ward 3, and D'Arcy Keene who will be representing Ward 4 along with incumbent Bob Inglis. With so many new faces on Council, could this herald a change in direction for the governing body?
What's in store for Halton Hills in 2023?
Some economists are predicting a recession in 2023. The worry is that inflation and rising interest rates combined with a collapsing housing market could spur the downturn. Some would argue that we are already in a recession. But the interesting thing is that good jobs are plentiful and no one wants them. There are lots of opportunities for skilled trades in the manufacturing sector and beyond. The transportation, distribution and service sectors simply can't find workers. The good news is that Halton Hills people are in a good place to withstand a maelstrom if one comes our way. The infrastructure and social service net is not perfect but adequate. These are interesting times, if inflation gets under control we could well be in a boom cycle once again. Looking forward to 2023 and whatever it brings.
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