All Community Centres and Programs Closed

When:
April 8, 2020 all day
2020-04-08T00:00:00-04:00
2020-04-09T00:00:00-04:00

NOTICE RE: COVID 19 Preparedness in Algonquin Highlands

Algonquin Highlands,Ontario

Tuesday, March 24,2020

6:00 pm

Release # 20-04

 

Subject: Township of Algonquin Highlands COVID 19 Update

 

The  Algonquin Highlands Emergency ControlGroup met earlier today to continue its assessment of the rapidly-evolvingCOVID-19 pandemic situation and its potential effects on Algonquin Highlands.As a result of the provincial directive on non-essential  business,updates from today’s meeting include parks, water trails and campsites and the2020 Septic Re-Inspection Program.

 

Please see the NEWinformation, as below.

 

Administration

–      The administrative office on North Shore Road is closed to the public effectiveMarch 18, 2020.

–      NEW: Departments deemed “essential” will continue to operate withaccommodations made for working from home where possible, and with strictdistancing and hygiene protocols in place where working from home is notpossible (e.g. Public Works).  In

  accordance with the provincial directive, essential municipal services include:

·        Airport Fuel Services (for emergency services)

·        Public Works

·        Landfills

·        Payroll

·        Drinking Water Testing

·        Tax Collection

·        Emergency Services

·        Licensing and Permits

·        Cemeteries

 

Airport

–      The terminal building is closed to the public effective March 18, 2020.

–      Fuel remains available via the card lock system.

–      Aviation operations that don’t involve staff or any interaction continue.

–      Emergency services such as Hydro One, Ornge and MNRF retain full access to theairport.

 

Building/By-LawDepartment

           NEW:  Year 3of the Septic Re-Inspection Program is postponed until further notice.

    –       NEW:  The 2020 Septic Social scheduled for May 30, 2020 has been cancelled.

–      Interaction with staff is limited to telephone and email.  Inperson meetings are not available at this time.

–      Application forms pertaining to this department can be found online.

–      Staff will continue field inspections while observing appropriate distancingand hygiene protocols.

–      The public is asked to consider the urgency of their request or application.

 

Council

–      All Regular Council meetings and Council Committee meetings have been cancelleduntil further notice.

 

FinanceDepartment

–      The due date for the first installmentof the 2020 Interim Taxes has been extended to April 24, 2020.

–      At this time, we are unable to accept cash or debit payment.

–      Tax payments are accepted as follows;

·        Online and /or Telephone Banking.

·        At your financial institution – please check with your local branch for hours.

·        Cheques may be mailed or deposited in the secure drop box located on thefront porch of the Township office (absolutely no cash is to be deposited inthe drop box).

·        Pre-Authorized Payment – Registration forms are available on the Townshipwebsite.

 

FireServices:

–      Fire Services will continue to operateat full capacity with universal precautions in place.

 

LibraryServices

–      The Stanhope Library is closed to the public.

–      The Library Book Depot at the Dorset Recreation Centre is closed.

–      Public Wi-Fi hotspots at both locations remain available.

 

Parks,Recreation and Trails  

    –        NEW: Allparks, playgrounds and trails are closed effective immediately.

     –       NEW: All campsites are closed effectiveimmediately.  Currently we are not accepting new reservations however; wewill re-evaluate the acceptance        

              of campsite reservations on April 30, 2020.

              Priorbookings for campsites between March 25 – April 30, 2020 will be refunded.

      –      NEW:  Dorset Recreation CentreMemberships – membership fees will be adjusted once the recreation centrereopens.

     –       The WaterTrails office is closed to the public effective March 18, 2020.

–      The recreation centres located at Stanhope, Dorset, Oxtongue remain closeduntil further notice.

–      Public Wi-Fi hotspots remain available at the Stanhope, Dorset and OxtongueCommunity Centres.

–      Equipment rentals are not available.

       Publicwashrooms remain available at the Dorset Parkette, Elvin Johnson Park,Stanhope Courts and Playing Field as well as our Water Trail accesspoints.  Although these facilities are regularly checked and cleaned,users are asked to undertake

        appropriate hygiene protocols.

 

Planning

–      Interaction with staff is limited to telephone and email.  Inperson meetings are not available at this time.

–      Public meetings related to Planning matters will occur with appropriatedistancing and hygiene protocols.

–      The public is asked to consider the urgency of their request or application.

–      Application forms pertaining to this department can be found online.

 

Public Works- Roads

–      Service levels will be maintained

 

Public Works –Landfills

–       Until further notice, the Townshipwill no longer be accepting the following materials at ANY landfill site;

 

·         No construction materials, concrete of shingles

·        No scrap metal

·        No bulky items (anything that doesn’t fit in