COVID-19: Farm & Business Support

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last updated 9:40 am on April 6, 2020

We've pulled together some resources to help local businesses and farms through this period. You can find these below. 

We'll continue to update and add new resources as they become available.

 

How can residents help local businesses and farms at this time?

One of the biggest supports we can offer our local farms & businesses is our business.

Order take-out, buy a gift card for future use, or shop/use their services (if open). Be sure to call or visit their Facebook page or website before you head out to see if they are accepting in-person shoppers at this time.

Also see:

 

Supports for Local Businesses

Local Resource & Support Guide

Middlesex Centre Economic Development ("Invest in Middlesex") has developed a resource guide to help businesses navigate the many supports available to them and their employees.

DOwnload: COVID-19 Business Guide

 

Regional Resources for Businesses & Farms

The South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation - SCOR - has compiled a lengthy list of resources for businesses and farms (presented in Google Docs).

SCOR: COVID-19 Resources for Businesses & Farms

 

Canadian Emergency REsponse Benefit

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. 

 

Local Business Survey

In an effort to monitor the progression of COVID-19 on local businesses, Middlesex County Economic Development is seeking your assistance in providing high level reporting so that they can advocate on your behalf with all levels of government.

Please take a moment to complete their survey.
 

Additional Initiatives

Please see documents from Invest Middlesex and SCOR for complete listings of support. The following are new and/or additional initiatives you may want to explore.

Ontario Together Fund - supporting the development of essential equipment and supplies

Supports for the Farming Community
Municipal Financial Relief Measures for Residents and Local Businesses

Middlesex Centre Council and staff understand that some residents and local businesses may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help those most in need of support, at their March 30, 2020, emergency meeting Middlesex Centre Council agreed to:

  • Waive late payment charges on unpaid water/wastewater/stormwater bills due March 31, 2020 and April 30, 2020. Bills will still be issued and any outstanding balances will remain.
  • Waive non-sufficient funds charges through to June 30, 2020. Not issue overdue account statements or transfer unpaid accounts to property taxes through to June 30, 2020.
  • Waive the $10 mail charge for dog tags though to May 31, 2020, as there is no in-office pick-up option at this time.
  • Authorize staff to enter into special payment arrangements for residents and businesses in need of financial support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are anticipated to be short-term measures for a six-month period.

Council noted that these initial measures will be reviewed as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Changes to taxes, lifecycle costs on water and so forth will be considered in future, if required.

Staff will continue to monitor the different support programs coming from all levels of government, and will recommend adjustments and/or additional financial relief measures as the situation warrants.

Actions for Residents & Businesses in Need of Financial Relief

  • If COVID-19 has impacted the earnings in your household or your business, you will not be penalized for late payment your water/wastewater/stormwater bills for March and April. There is no action required to access this relief measure.
  • For those residents and businesses on pre-authorized payment plans, it is important to note that you can cancel your automatic withdrawals. Please complete the form found under the billing & payment page on the municipal website. Note however that you may have interest and penalties applied if you cancel your pre-authorized payments for taxes. Please contact the office if you have any questions.
  • If you require a special payment arrangement due to financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, contact the municipal office. 

Middlesex Centre staff are here to help you through this challenging time. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Keeping Well

This is a stressful time for farmers, business owners, and employees.  There are a number of stress and mental health resources available to help: 

Mental Health Resources (211Ontario)

Managing Farm Stress during COVID-19 (OFA)

    Information is subject to change. Updates will be made as they become available.