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The West Parry Sound Area Municipalities are working together to ensure proper communication is made with our community members and that community partners are engaged. We are working collaboratively to actively monitor the situation as it evolves and to ensure business continuity while following direction from the Public Health Agency, the Ministry of Health and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
The safety and health of our community members is of utmost importance to us throughout the duration of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.We are encouraging members of our community to take precautions by learning about the disease and what you can do to help protect yourself and to prevent the disease from spreading.
Please remember that 9-1-1 is for emergency calls only. For other police matters, including those related to COVID-19, call 1-888-310-1122 or report online.
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A comprehensive information package has been developed by the West Parry Sound Health Centre. No access to the internet? This easy to print information package will provide information about COVID-19 in our community for those without internet access. If you know of someone without access to our website, please print a package for them or direct them to contact the Seguin Township Municipal office at (705) 732-4300.
All community facilities have been closed to the public until July 31, 2020 or further notice.
Municipal Office Update
Effective March 18, 2020 and until further notice, the Seguin Municipal office at 5 Humphrey Drive will be closed to the public. The Municipal office will remain open for business by appointment only for precautionary and safety reasons. If you wish to meet with a member of Seguin staff, please call (705) 732-4300 or email info@seguin.ca to book an appointment. Alternatively, many Township services can be accessed through the website.
While the Township office remains closed to the public, residents have several payment options for property tax that can be done from the comfort and safety of their own home.
Tax payments can be made via online banking through a resident’s financial provider. Cheques can also be mailed to the Township office. Details on these methods of payment are available at www.seguin.ca/taxes.
All payments can also be made via cheque by dropping it at the dropbox located at the Township's main public entrance. Please do not deposit cash via the drop box. To pay by cash or debit, please contact our office at (705) 732-4300 to arrange a time to come in, by appointment only.
Seguin also offers pre-authorized payment for property taxes. Pre-authorized debit agreements are available online at www.seguin.ca/taxes.
On April 20, 2020, Council approved measures aimed at supporting residents. The approved measures are as follows:
Delaying charging penalty on the April 27th tax installment until July 1, 2020. .
Waiving interest charges on all outstanding property taxes from May 1 to June 30, 2020.
Residents can register to receive and view their tax bill online at www.seguin.ca/taxes.
Programming/Events
All events and programs have been canceled until July 31, 2020 or further notice.
The Seguin Summer Swim Program has been canceled for the 2020 season.
Seguin Public Library
Seguin Public Libraries’ is excited to now offer Curbside Pickup at all of our branches (effective August 10, 2020). First, place a hold online with your library card or by phone 705 732 4526 or by email seguinplstaff@gmail.com. We will notify you when your items are ready for pick up.
All outside book drops are OPEN for returns. Please call 705 732 4526 to arrange large volume returns. All fines for late items during this closure will be waived. Our Wi-Fi networks will still be accessible from the parking lot as well.
The Seguin Public Library Board & CEO are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation to determine the soonest possible, responsible, reopening date. We will continue to respond to emails sent to seguinplstaff@gmail.com or ceo@seguinpubliclibraries.ca and social media messages.
Covid-19 Information Regarding Building Permit Application and Building Inspection Best Practices.
Update Regarding Building Permits and Inspections
Seguin Building Department will continue to receive, process and issue building permits in-line with the Provincial government's mandate to allow essential services to continue operations.
As of May 19, 2020, all construction projects have been allowed to continue upon revision of the essential services list and lifting of the Order from April 4, 2020.
Inspections for these projects will still be performed with a modified inspection procedure, which is explained in the link below (Letter to Seguin's Valued Construction Industry Re: Covid-19).
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult period.
The Municipal office remains open for business by appointment only for precautionary and safety reasons. If you wish to meet with a member of building department staff, please call (705) 732-4300 to book an appointment. Staff is available daily from 8:30am-4:30pm to assist you, and effective Wednesday, June 3rd, our hours of operation will be extended on Wednesdays & Fridays. On those days, we will be open by appointment only from 7:30am-4:30pm.
Staff Directory:
Bev Martin, Administrative Assistant, Ext 224 Jamie Osborne, Plans Examiner/Building Inspector, Ext. 238 Larry Bandi, Plans Examiner/Building Inspector, Ext. 233 Chris Busby, Deputy Chief Building Official/Building Inspector, Ext. 227 Mark Vandermeer, Chief Building Official, Ext. 237
Trails
The Rose Point Trail and the Humphrey Nature Trails are open. Please continue to practice physical distancing by keeping 2-metres distance with others at all times.
Outdoor Public Spaces
Ontario amended O.Reg.104/20: Emergency order Under Subsection 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act – Closure of Outdoor Recreational Amenities to permit the opening of some outdoor recreational amenities.
What does this mean in Seguin Township? What is open?
Beaches, playgrounds, outdoor sports facilities and fields, including baseball diamonds, public washrooms and outdoor picnic sites, such as benches and shelters in park and recreational areas have now opened to the public.
Individuals using these amenities, except for member of the same household, are reminded to maintain physical distance of at least two metres or six feet.
Boat Launches
Boat launches have been re-opened for public use. Please continue to practice physical distancing. Thank you.
Landfill & Special Waste Events
Due to COVID-19:
All special waste events have been canceled for the 2020 season. The Seguin Landfill will continue to accept bulky events during regular operating hours. Effective Wednesday, July 22, 2020 the landfill will now be operating on regular summer hours (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Due to high volume and COVID-19 physical distancing requirements limiting the number of entrants at one time, residents are reminded that their expected wait time to enter the landfill may be longer than usual. Please be patient and kind with Staff and other facility users. Thank you.
The Re-use Center at the Landfill is closed until further notice.
Diabetes Canada has resumed the pickup of used textiles.
Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport & Wing's Cafe
Wings Cafe will be OPEN starting Monday June 29th from 9:00am until 2:00pm, 7 days a week for Breakfast and Light Lunch. Take out and outdoor seating is available. Following the guidelines set forth from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit we have implemented new protocols to keep our staff and customers safe and we are happy to be able to serve the community again.
Updates from Mayor Ann MacDiarmid
May 14, 2020 - Interview with local radio station Moose FM 103.3
Current Restrictions and Service Limitations in West Parry Sound
It’s not business as usual in Ontario and the West Parry Sound area is no exception as we are also impacted by COVID-19, below is information about current local service interruptions, limitations and restrictions that are in place for permanent and seasonal residents. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 and Provincial restrictions visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.
Shopping
Everyone is encouraged to limit shopping trips to once per week, to shop for essential items only and if possible, have one-person shop for the household. Plan ahead and make a list of what you need to limit your number of trips into the store(s) to reduce wait times and lineups.
For new arrivals to the community, you are encouraged to please bring what you need from home and be prepared to self support upon your arrival. This will reduce your time spent waiting in line-ups, reduce your stress and will help us all to continue good physical distancing practices.
Please be patient, positive and friendly to those working in our stores, the combination of COVID-19 procedural changes, staffing shortages, and an influx of seasonal residents arriving for the summer season will cause delays. These staff members are doing their best to serve you in a timely and safe manner. Local grocery stores are generally well stocked with supplies, however due to measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect their customers and staff, our grocery stores have special procedures in place to limit the number of people in the stores at one time to ensure physical distancing is possible. This means delays entering the stores and line ups are common. Physical distancing measures are also in place throughout many of these stores including one-way isles and changes to check out procedures.
Remember non-essential businesses that are typically open by now remain closed or have limited services such as curb-side pick-up. While they are preparing and eager to serve you after Provincial restrictions are lifted, may of their current services will be limited or possibly not available.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit does not support holding physical garage sales in our district. By their very nature, garage sales cannot facilitate personal safety for community members. Difficulty in maintaining physical distancing, frequently handled objects, and cash payments may raise the risk of virus spread.
Marinas
On May 4, 2020 Marinas were added to the essential services list for preparations for future public openings only. Effective May 9, 2020, the province expanded the list of essential services by allowing marinas to provide services to enable individuals to access their place of residence, or other property. Effective May 16, Marina's who can open safely are permitted to open for recreational boating.
Boat Launch Closures
Effective May 16, 2020, Seguin Township boat launches are fully re-opened.
Physical Distancing on the Water
Physical distancing rules still apply, even on the water. If you need to go out on the water, please take precautions to ensure you are being safe and continuing to distance from others, this means no beaching your boat next to someone else and no rafting up while on the water.
WPSHC has an immediate need for Scrubs, Lab Coats and N95 Respirators
West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) is asking community members to donate any ‘scrubs’ or lab coats they might have at home. Under normal circumstances, the health centre would have capacity to supply all appropriate staff with hospital-issued scrubs, but there are currently not enough to go around, and these items are on back-order. All donated scrubs will be laundered and made available to clinical staff, separate from the health centre’s ‘usual’ supply to decrease the chance of people taking the virus out of the health centre.
The WPSHC is also in need of N95 respirators, if you have extras (expired is ok) donations would be appreciated.
Anyone with scrubs, lab coats or N95 respirators to donate can drop them off the following locations:
Parry Sound – Fire Hall, 4 Church Street Parry Sound, please leave in a sealed bag outside the front doors Carling – Carling Rink, 2 West Carling Bay Road, Nobel, please leave in bin McDougall – Fire Station 1, 10 Municipal Drive Nobel, please leave in blue bin at front door McKellar – Fire Station 1, 1 Sharon Park Dr. McKellar, please leave in a sealed bag under the covered entrance. Seguin – Humphrey Fire Station, 115 Highway 141, please leave in a sealed bag in the dropbox Whitestone – Fire Hall, 21 Church Street Dunchurch, please ring doorbell and leave in sealed bag outside the side door.
Nursing Stations – Please phone ahead and arrange for drop off, the nursing stations are not accepting any walkins due to COVID-19.
Pointe Au Baril – (705) 366-2376 Argyle – (705) 757-1717 Britt – (705) 383-2375 Moose Deer Point – (705) 375-9900 Rosseau – (705) 732-1095 Whitestone – Drop off at the fire hall
Food Donations Needed
Rotary Club/Sobeys
The Parry Sound Rotary Club is running a grocery delivery and pick-up service in partnership with Sobeys. This program aims to support vulnerable citizens, those in self-isolation or people otherwise unable to complete their own shopping due to COVID-19. Many community members accessing this program are able to pay for their groceries and the delivery fee. However for those in need of assistance due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club is looking for food and financial donations to support their grocery requests.
The need for assistance from the local food banks is currently higher than normal. If you are able to donate, food and financial donations are needed.
Harvest Share - 93 James Street, Parry Sound - (705) 774-9111 Food donations can be made at the side door. Financial donations, please reach out to Harvest Share directly as no walk-ins are currently being accepted.
Salvation Army Food Bank - 61 Gibson Street, Parry Sound - (705) 746-5391
Donation bins are also available at some local grocery stores.
Food Deliveries/Pickup
Grocery/Supply Deliveries
The Rotary Club and Sobeys, as well as the Rosseau General Store, are working together to ensure that residents in the Parry Sound and the surrounding area are able to access groceries and supplies.
This service is intended for seniors, those with health issues and people who are self-isolating / quarantined and unable to shop.
If you are about to assist with shopping and deliveries, the website also has a place for you to sign up to volunteer or to donate.
Restaurants/Takeout Many local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options, as well as patio service - contact the restaurants directly for hours of operation.
Food Banks Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks remain open. Harvest share is open by appointment only, however they are offering a delivery service for those in need - 1-833-Food4HS OR 1-833-366-3447
Student Nutrition Ontario is offering assistance to children, youth and their families to ensure the needs of our community are met during this difficult and uncertain times as schools are closed, and children and youth are still hungry. Families who wish to receive support are asked to register by emailing, names, address, phone number(s), number of children and the school the children regularly attend to studentnutrition@communitylivingnorthbay.org or by phone at 705-476-3288 ext. 1611
Shop Local - Retail Stores Keep in mind, many local businesses rely on shoppers and are heavily impacted by the closures. Many have switched to offer pick-ups or deliveries, contact your local merchants before shopping non-local online retailers. Many grocery stores and pharmacies have reduced their retail hours, and many are offering seniors only hours. Visit their websites for up to date information.
Your Health
Interactive Self Assessment Tool
With the increasing severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario has now launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool. This new easy-to-use tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.
Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms or may have travelled outside of Canada should self-isolate and use the interactive self-assessment tool or contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808.
Connect with a Doctor Virtually
Ontario Health (OTN) and partners have launched a virtual care clinic at www.seethedoctor.ca. The website supports the people of Ontario who do not have a family doctor or who cannot access their family doctor during the pandemic.
This free, 24/7, secure online service is for non-urgent, non COVID-19 primary care issues. Once patients register with their OHIP card and code ‘health’, they wait briefly to connect with the next available on-call physician by secure video or audio.
Please keep in mind, this is not to replace usual care by your family doctor, our local Parry Sound Family Health Team medical offices remain open and have made alternations such as offering phone appointments to continue servicing patients in our community.
Local COVID-19 Assessment Centre (Parry Sound)
West Parry Sound Health Centre, supported by members of the local medical community, is now operating a COVID-19 Assessment Centre located in the Parry Sound Mall. Appointments are necessary and access is only from the rear of the building. Individuals meeting the criteria below may call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-746-4540 ext. 5030 between the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm, seven days per week.
The current criteria for assessment:
Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and/or onset of (or exacerbation of chronic) cough AND any of the following with 14 days prior to onset of illness:
Travel outside of Canada.
Had close interactions with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
Had close interations with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 who recently traveled outside of Canada or to an impacted area within Canada.
The best way residents can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough into upper sleeve, not hand.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Self-Isolation / Social Distancing - What does it mean & what you can do to protect our community?
Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit website for information on how to practice Social Distancing and Self Isolation.
Self Isolation is required for individuals returning from international travel or who meet certain criteria, such as having symptoms or having had close contact with an individual with COVID-19. Self-isolation is staying home to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues - from possibly getting COVID-19. Call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 to be assessed.
Social distancing measures are being put in place throughout Canada to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 from person-to-person. This is important so a large number of people do not get sick at the same time. We all share in the responsibility to keep one another healthy. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The earlier these social actions start the better protected we will all be. Social distancing does not mean you must stay in your home. You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. It is simply recommend that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) from those around you.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, wash your hands often, cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
Economic Development Newsletter - May 2020
Having trouble making sense of all the COVID-19 government support programs?
These are challenging times that cause concern and anxiety for many people, especially business owners whose livelihood, and the livelihood of their staff, is seemingly uncertain at this time. It can be challenging to navigate through the constantly changing information and resources coming in from all levels of government. The West Parry Sound Economic Development Collaborative has put together a resource intended to help centralize some of the most commonly searched business resources. We encourage you to visit the links provided in this newsletter, as they are being updated to reflect new programs and initiatives for businesses.
We are closely monitoring announcements of the response measures at all levels of governments to help businesses survive these difficult times. Although all the details are not yet available, here is what we do know:
Federal – Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan
In light of the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Council has decided to delay charging penalty on the April 27 tax installment until July 1, 2020. Council has also approved waiving interest charges on all outstanding property taxes from May 1 to June 30, 2020.
For more information on how this may affect you and your property tax account, please contact the Treasury Department at 705-732-4300 or email us at info@seguin.ca.
Other Programs and Supports Available
1. If you already have the approved government grant or interest-free loan, the situation may impact your project. We recommend you reach out to your funding organization contacts to discuss contingency plan or project timeline extension. There is an understanding of the situation among all levels of government and you will not be penalized for what is out of your control
2. The EI program has been restructured. Any employee requiring sick days or isolation can apply for EI Illness. The wait week is waived under this program and medical documentation is not required. Required benefits can also be obtained for employees that have been laid off. Records of Employment are required but not to start the application. For more information on Employment Insurance (EI) call 1 833 381 2725 or apply on the Government of Canada website.
3. Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and ServiceOntario, is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to promote social distancing and contain the spread of the virus. These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services.
4. Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN - www.pmcn.ca) is starting to roll out the Business Technology Improvement Fund which aims to encourage businesses to become early adopters of digital technology. Businesses who are interested in the 50% funding up to $25,000 to adopt technology and add ecommerce are encouraged to visit the PMCN website and leave their email addresses to receive details in the coming days.
5. Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre (CB&DC – www.cbdc.parrysound.on.ca) has implemented the following measures, effective March 20: All outstanding loans will be suspending payments until July 1, 2020 All loan interest during the same period is to be suspended in full For more information call (705) 746 4455 or e-mail: info@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca
1. If you already have the approved government grant or interest-free loan, the situation may impact your project. We recommend you reach out to your funding organization contacts to discuss contingency plan or project timeline extension. There is an understanding of the situation among all levels of government and you will not be penalized for what is out of your control
2. The EI program has been restructured. Any employee requiring sick days or isolation can apply for EI Illness. The wait week is waived under this program and medical documentation is not required. Required benefits can also be obtained for employees that have been laid off. Records of Employment are required but not to start the application. For more information on Employment Insurance (EI) call 1 833 381 2725 or apply on the Government of Canada website.
3. Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and ServiceOntario, is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to promote social distancing and contain the spread of the virus. These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services.
4. Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN - www.pmcn.ca) is starting to roll out the Business Technology Improvement Fund which aims to encourage businesses to become early adopters of digital technology. Businesses who are interested in the 50% funding up to $25,000 to adopt technology and add ecommerce are encouraged to visit the PMCN website and leave their email addresses to receive details in the coming days.
5. Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre (CB&DC – www.cbdc.parrysound.on.ca) has implemented the following measures, effective March 20: All outstanding loans will be suspending payments until July 1, 2020 All loan interest during the same period is to be suspended in full For more information call (705) 746 4455 or e-mail: info@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca
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