On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the Ontario Government declared a state of emergency and issued a Stay-at-Home Order as a result of the increase in COVID-19 infections provincially and to prevent the further spread of the virus. In response to the new measures directed by the Province, Municipal operations will continue as follows:
Staff services and continuity of business
Municipal staff continue to operate under a modified work model. Municipal facilities remain closed to the public and staff members continue to work remotely from home, where possible.
In order to ensure continuity of municipal business and to accommodate basic municipal requirements, some members of administrative staff and essential services work in certain municipal facilities on a rotational basis. In these cases, physical distancing measures continue, with limited interactions between staff members.
Municipal services continue to be available by email and / or phone and some in-person services, such as issuing essential licences and permits, are available by appointment only.
Building services and construction
Municipal building inspections continue to take place. Building Inspectors maintain appropriate distancing measures and wear personal protective equipment as needed at inspection sites.
Some construction projects may continue under the Provincial Order.
Building applications are still being received and reviewed by staff, however, only select building permits can be issued while the Provincial Order is in effect.
Builders and residents with questions about building permits and projects can contact the Development Team Office by email or by telephone at 905-885-2431.
Recreation programs and facilities
All indoor recreation programs and activities are cancelled, and facilities are closed while the Stay-at-Home order is in place.
Parks and trails remain open, but residents are reminded to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from people not in their household and to avoid gatherings of more than five people.
Municipal Transit Service
Municipal transit, including ROLLS service, continue to operate as scheduled. Enhanced cleaning measures continue on transit vehicles, per the usual protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Library services
Port Hope Public Library continues to offer its contactless curbside service Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contactless photocopying and issuance of library cards is also available and Library staff can receive questions by phone or email.
Book returns at the Mary J. Benson and Hub Branches remains open and returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours. The Hub Branch at Canton remains closed until further notice.
Please visit the Library website for additional details.
Organizational preparedness
The Municipality’s senior leadership team continues to carefully monitor developments on COVID-19, including frequent updates from Ontario Health and local health partners. Residents can expect regular updates from the Municipality on the dedicated COVID-19 webpage.
Quote from Mayor Sanderson
“The recent modelling of COVID-19 cases from the Province is grim. It is incumbent on all of us to heed the advice of our health authorities so that we can all do our part to stop further spread of the virus in our own community. While the Stay-at-Home order is in place, we should only be leaving our homes to get essentials such as groceries and pharmacy items, to get some exercise outdoors, and, in some limited cases, to go to work. The next few weeks are crucial, and we must all contribute to the solution by staying home and keeping our loved ones safe.”
SubscribeContact Us