Proclamations – September 2023
National Forest Week – September 10-16 2023
WHEREAS, covering 66% of the province and 71.1 millions of hectares, Ontario’s forests are an indispensable source of ecological, cultural, health, social and economic benefits.
WHEREAS its forests are also located on the traditional territory of diverse Indigenous nations and provide nourishment and cultural value to these groups.
WHEREAS Aylmer’s greenspaces and tree cover offer valuable recreation to its residents.
WHEREAS its urban forest is a center for physical, mental, social and community wellbeing.
WHEREAS its tree cover also contributes essential ecological services for the town such as pollution reduction, stormwater retention, cooling, and energy savings.
WHEREAS National Forest Week is an annual one-week campaign which recognizes its critical contribution to Canada and its people. This year, National Forest Week will be celebrated across the country by individuals and organizations with the theme of “Our Forests – Continually Giving” and will encourage Canadians to reflect on the role of forests and trees within their everyday lives.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 10-16, as “National Forest Week” in the Town of Aylmer.
National Coaches Week – September 16-24 2023
WHEREAS, the Town of Aylmer recognizes the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of National Coaches Week is to provide the 300,000 coaches who call Aylmer and Ontario home with the resources, representation, and recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an action and healthy lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, a number of great coaches live and volunteer here and we celebrate their commitments by saying #ThanksCoach.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 16 to 23, 2023, as “National Coaches Week” in the Town of Aylmer.
Rail Safety Week – September 24-30 2023
WHEREAS, 232 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2022; resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 43 avoidable serious injuries; and
WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by incidents involving trains and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness; and
WHEREAS, CN has requested Town Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, on behalf of the Town of Aylmer Council, do hereby proclaim September 24-30, 2023 as “Rail Safety Week” in the Town of Aylmer.