How we're working to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Seguin
Seguin Township is committed to serving and supporting our community during these challenging times. The Seguin Municipal office at 5 Humphrey Drive is open to the public by appointment only. 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.
Residents are advised to monitor updates from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit to get the latest on COVID-19 case counts, details about COVID-19 clinics and more.
For the latest news on provincial regulations and efforts, please visit the Government of Ontario COVID-19 page.
Below are some of the latest updates about our community.
Mandatory vaccine policy for all Seguin staff
Seguin Township announced its COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff at the start of September. All employees were required to disclose and provide proof of vaccination status by September 13, 2021.
Employees who have not been vaccinated or who did not disclose their vaccination status by that date are required to attend mandatory education on the benefits of vaccination.
As of October 30, all township employees will be required to have received their first and second doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more details here.
Proof of vaccine will be required province-wide effective September 22
In cooperation with the Government of Ontario regulations, effective September 22, all eligible* visitors must present proof of full vaccination in order to enter Seguin facilities.
What to know before you arrive:
- After you are vaccinated, you can log in to the provincial portal to download or print an electronic COVID-19 vaccine receipt (PDF) for each dose you have received. Please have this documentation printed or accessible on your device when you arrive. You must also present valid government-issued ID.
- Everyone must continue to wear a mask in our facilities and continue to practice physical distancing.
- Children under 12 years of age are not yet eligible for the vaccine and are therefore exempt from the proof of vaccination rule.
- Youth under the age 18 are exempt from the proof of vaccination rule if they are entering our facilities exclusively for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport.
- All eligible* visitors over the age of 12 who are entering Seguin facilities for the purpose of spectating must provide proof of vaccination.
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Humphrey Public Library and Christie Public Library are currently open. Contact tracing is in place; masks are required to enter and no more than five patrons are permitted in the library at a time. Curbside pickup is available at our Rosseau and Foley branches. Under current provincial policy, proof of vaccination is not required to enter the library.
- Please be prepared for a little longer wait to get inside our facilities and be mindful that members of Seguin staff are doing their utmost to provide timely, responsive support to Seguin residents in line with these new regulations. Let’s also remember that kindness goes a long way as we navigate this fluid situation together!
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Please see this document for a full explanation of the regulations.
*Seguin Township will make reasonable accommodation for visitors who are unable to be vaccinated, provided that they present valid proof/supporting documents from a doctor.
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Municipal Service Impacts
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Facilities
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| As of July 16, 2021 all community halls will re-open with Covid protocols in place. The Humphrey Arena is open to the public as of July 19, 2021. |
| Taxes |
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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.
Residents can register to receive and view their tax bill online at www.seguin.ca/taxes.
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| Seguin Public Library |
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Humphrey Public Library and Christie Public Library are currently open. Contact tracing is in place; masks are required to enter and no more than five patrons are permitted in the space at a time. Curbside pickup is available at our Rosseau and Foley branches.
Under current provincial policy proof of vaccination is not required to enter the library.
For more information please visit www.seguinpubliclibraries.ca
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| Building Department Update |
| 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.
Letter to Seguin's Valued Construction Industry Re: Covid-19 144kb
Resources: Construction Site Health & Safety (Ontario Government)
Hours of Operation
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:
Cindy Simon, 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
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| 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 |
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All outdoor public spaces, including beaches, boat launches, sports courts, playgrounds and trails across the district are open with Covid-19 protocols in place.
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| Landfill & Special Waste Events |
Due to COVID-19:
- 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 will open to the public on June 11, 2021 with Covid-19 restrictions in place.
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| 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. |
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| Current Restrictions and Service Limitations in West Parry Sound |
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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 |
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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. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has mandated the use of facial coverings in all indoor public spaces. Masks should also be worn when physical distancing is a challenge or not possible.
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 spending more time in the area 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.
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| West Parry Sound Health Centre Messaging |
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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.
See below for the latest WPSHC messaging:
- Newsletter March 5, 2021
- Newsletter February 10, 2021
- Newsletter January 15, 2021
- Newsletter December 22, 2020
- Newsletter December 14, 2020
- Newsletter December 8, 2020
- Newsletter November 30, 2020
- Newsletter November 17, 2020
- Newsletter November 9, 2020
- Newsletter November 2, 2020
- Newsletter October 26, 2020
- Newsletter October 19, 2020
- Newsletter October 9, 2020
- Newsletter October 2, 2020
- Newsletter September 25, 2020
- Newsletter September 17, 2020
- Newsletter August 26, 2020
- Newsletter August 18, 2020
- Newsletter August 7, 2020
- Newsletter July 22, 2020
- Newsletter July 7, 2020
- Newsletter June 19, 2020
- Newsletter June 11, 2020
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| Community Supports |
| Food Donations Needed |
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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.
Food donations can also be made at Sobeys or donations can be made through the clubs website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/217
Local Food Banks
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.
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| 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.
Visit www.seguin.ca/help or www.parrysound.ca/help or call (705) 996-0716 to request assistance.
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
Most of your local businesses are open and ready to serve you - shop local!
Many local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options, as well as patio service. Many have reduced seating indoors to allow for indoor seating as well! Please contact the restaurants directly for hours of operation. For a list of businesses please visit seguin.ca/shoplocal!
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 - Nipissing, Muskoka, Parry Sound
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.
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| Your Health |
| Interactive Self Assessment Tool |
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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.
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| 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) |
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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 interactions with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 who recently traveled outside of Canada or to an impacted area within Canada.
For more information, please visit CLICK HERE |
| COVID-19 Health Information & Mental Health Supports & Resources |
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Residents can stay informed at www.seguin.ca well as on our social media channels: @naturallyseguin on twitter and facebook.com/SeguinTownship
COVID-19 Health Information
Mental health, anxiety, & stress
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| 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.
- Wear a face mask when physical distancing is a challenge, and within all indoor public spaces.
- 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.
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| 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. |
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| Economic Development Newsletter - May 2020 |
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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.
Economic Development Newsletter - May 2020 |
| Financial & Business Support |
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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 |
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The Federal Government has announced programs for individuals, businesses and industries through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan webpage
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| Provincial – COVID-19: Support for Businesses |
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The Provincial Government has announced programs for businesses through the COVID-19 Support for Businesses webpage.
Financial relief
- Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program
- Interest and penalty relief
- Education property tax deferrals
- WSIB payment deferrals
- Affordable electricity bills
Tax Relief
- Employer Health Tax relief
- Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
How your business can help defeat COVID-19
- Ontario Together Initiative
Guidance for employers
- Your responsibilities
- Emergency leave due to COVID-19
- Sector-specific guidance
Other helpful resources
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses: COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre
- Ontario Chamber of Commerce: Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for COVID-19
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Business Resilience
- Pandemic Preparedness Guide for Business
- Regional Tourism Organization RTO12 – Explorers Edge
- Framework for re-opening our Province
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| Municipal Support – Seguin Township |
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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.
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| Other Programs and Supports Available |
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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
6. Stop the Spread - Business Information Line now open at 1-888-444-3659
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
6. Stop the Spread - Business Information Line now open at 1-888-444-3659
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| How to Contact the OPP |
Please remember that 9-1-1 is for emergency calls only.
For other police matters, please call 1-888-310-1122 or report online.
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| Plain Language COVID-19 Messages |
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| COVID-19 Isolation Activities |
Art & Music Lessons & Resources
Skill Share : Online art, media, music, photography and creative writing lessons.
Kinder Art : Online art resources, printables, and teaching materials.
Art For Kids Hub : Video art tutorials.
Mr. Printables : Art and craft resources.
Making Music Fun : Beginner to advanced music lessons.
Educational Activities & Games
Education.com : Worksheets, lesson plans and games.
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve : Outdoor lessons, and activities.
Disney LOL : Online games based on Disney movies and shows.
Parry Sound Public Library : Virtual tours, online stories, music, and fun ideas.
Museum on Tower Hill : Virtual tours.
Freedom Home Schooling : Virtual tours.
Active Games & Activities
Active For Life : Activities for kids of all ages.
Kid Activities : Activities for kids of all ages.
Parry Sound Community Window Scavanger Hunt : Online Facebook Group for the Parry Sound District.
Todays Parent : Ideas and activities for kids of all ages.
To Do Canada : Inside activities like art and science lessons.
Volunteer Opportunities
Parry Sound Rotary Club : Grocery delivery service.
Parry Sound Harvest Share : Food preparation and grocery service.
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| Federal & Provincial Government News |
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Office of the Ontario Premier Newsroom
Government of Ontario's framework for a guided approach to re-opening our Province after COVID-19
Prime Minister of Canada News Releases
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