Information on COVID-19

Date
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Last Updated July 10, 2020.
 

Information on this page:

 

Latest Updates

  • July 6, 2020 - The Komoka Library Branch will be open for curbside pickup beginning Wednesday, July 8, on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Requests to pick up items must be made in advance either through the Middlesex County Library website or by phoning 519-245-8237 and leaving a message with your contact information.
  • July 6, 2020 - Municipal office opens by appointment for select services, including building, planning, weddings, commissioner of oaths, etc.  Note we cannot accept in-person bill payments at this time.
  • June 16, 2020 - Splash pads are opening Friday, June 19!
  • June 10, 2020 - Re-arranging the physical space in your business to address COVID-19 concerns? Be sure your new space is fire safe, meeting the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code for safe emergency exits.  
  • May 29, 2020 - Join us for a free webinar - Getting Back on your Feet: Supports for Local Businesses Post COVID-19 - on June 29 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. We're pulling together business experts to share information on some of the programs, funding and other supports available to local businesses. 
  • May 14, 2020 - We have developed a plan to reopen municipal facilities and programs. As with the Provincial reopening plan, there are no strict timelines. Rather, the plan is a road map to reopening based on our area is responding to COVID-19.
  • May 14, 2020 - In response to COVID-19, some municipal capital projects planned for 2020 have been deferred.
  • May 6, 2020 - Getting ready to reopen your business? If your building has been shut-down for an extended period of time, plan to flush your plumbing system prior to reopening.  

 

Municipal Services Update

For the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, the health and well being of our community is our primary concern.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the municipality cancelled or closed municipal offices, facilities and programs in March. On March 17, Mayor DeViet declared a State of Emergency for Middlesex Centre.  

We are now starting to Reopen Middlesex Centre, following the direction of the Province and local health officials with regards essential services, and what businesses, recreational facilities, etc. can be open at this time.  

For more information on each service, please click on the title.

Municipal Office: Open by Appointment Only

The municipal office remains closed for walk-in visitors, but is now open by appointment for services such as:

  • building
  • planning
  • municipal clerk (weddings, lottery licensing, etc.)

If you are coming to the office for an appointment, please enter the building and follow the signs to the waiting area. Someone will meet you when it is time for your meeting. You do not need to speak to reception.  Physical distancing protocols are in place. At this time, face masks are encouraged, but not required. Please reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, or in the last 14 days have travelled outside of Canada or were in close contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19.

Other Services

During this period, residents and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of our online services where possible (billing, building permits), or to contact staff via phone or email.

We cannot accept in-person payments at this time. However, there are a number of options for paying your bills, including dropping off a cheque in the deposit box at the municipal office, and paying online through your financial institutions. Please note we cannot accept cash at this time.

We ask for your patience during this time, as we may require longer to respond to your emails and phone calls. If you have an emergency situation, please use the emergency numbers listed at the top of our staff list.

Building Permits: Open

Building Services are issuing permits and conducting inspections as permitted under Provincial COVID-19 directives.

Please use the online building permit system and/or contact the building services department by email as our office is closed to walk-in visitors at this time.

If applicable, be sure to read our updates for home builders and developers. This information is being updated as Provincial guidelines change.

Waste & Recycling: Collection as Normal

Update from Bluewater Recycling Association: Waste and recycling will continue to be collected on your usual collection day.

Bluewater Recycling Association is asking for your help to keep their employee's safe at this time.  Please follow their guidelines for safe waste disposal during global COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Place used tissues and napkins in the garbage. Wash your hands afterwards.
  • Bag all waste. Do not place waste loosely in garbage containers
  • If you’re sick: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage – even items that you normally place into your recycling bin (eg. water/beverage bottles, pop cans, etc.).
Waste Depots: Services Vary

Middlesex Centre residents have access to a number of waste depots both in and outside of the municipality. Depots may be closed, have different hours or have other limitations at this time:

  • Middlesex Centre’s EnviroDepots are open. Please note the following:
    • Depots operate on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
    • All materials traditionally accepted at the EnviroDepots are once again being accepted (see the list under Waste & Recycling).
    • When you arrive at the EnviroDepot, please follow all signs with respect to physical distancing, and quick, efficient materials drop-off for your safety and the safety of our site operators.
    • Please do not visit an Enviro Depot if you are required to be in self-quarantine or have COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Locations:
      Denfield Rd. EnviroDepot, 23053 Denfield Road (map)
      Longwoods Rd. EnviroDepot, 10191 Longwoods Road (map)
  • Try Recycling Depot on Clarke Rd. is open. This depot operates year-round, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. This site accepts: yard waste, e-waste, tires, mixed construction and demolition waste, white goods, metal and large bulky items. If a fee is required, only debit, Visa and Mastercard payments will be accepted at this time. Please check the Try Recycling website for service updates and changes. 
  • Public drop off at Bluewater Recycling Association's Material Recovery Facility is closed.  Until further notice, they will not allow residents to drop off e-waste or recyclables at the processing facility.
  • City of London's Household Special (Hazardous) Waste Depot has reopened (as of May 26, 2020). Middlesex Centre residents may bring their household hazardous items to the London Depot.
Outdoor Fires: Varies. Rules Apply.

OUTDOOR FIRES

OPEN FIRE BAN in EFFECT - With the hot, dry weather, all open fires (controlled burns, larger fires) are not permitted. Currently, small recreational fires are still allowed.

You MUST follow the Open Air Burning rules. Please see the Open Air Burn Quick Guide.

To reduce the risk to our fire fighters, there will be zero tolerance for those not following the rules.

FIREWORKS

Consumer fireworks are allowed on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit - permits are required on all other dates. Please see the Middlesex Centre Fireworks Bylaw and the Consumer Fireworks Flowchart for further information and safety tips.

We appreciate your co-operation.

Parks, Playgrounds & Sports Fields: Some open. Some closed.

We are cautiously reopening Middlesex Centre's parks and outdoor sports facilities. Please see the chart on the Reopening Middlesex Centre webpage for details on specific amenities. 

  • Parks in Middlesex Centre have reopened for walking, hiking, biking, and bird watching. This includes walking your dog.
  • Tennis and pickleball courts have reopened.
  • Sports fields and skate parks have reopened for limited use.
  • Splash pads are open.
  • Playgrounds remain closed.
  • Washrooms are closed at all parks.
  • Remember: Keep your dog on a leash and clean-up after it ("poop & scoop").

While enjoying the parks, please do your part and stay apart!

 

Other parks and natural areas in our community:

Recreation Programs & Facilities: Cancelled / Closed

Recreation programming and facility rentals are cancelled or closed until further notice.

  • Community centres are closed until further notice. All bookings will be cancelled, and no new bookings will be accepted at this time. 
  • The Komoka Wellness Centre and Ilderton Arena are closed until further notice. All bookings will be cancelled, and no new bookings will be accepted at this time. (Ice time at the Komoka Wellness Centre may be made available under very strict guidelines for athletic competitors in training programs conducted by a recognized Provincial or National Sport Organization. Contact Wellness Centre staff for details.)
  • All drop-in Recreational Skating Programs are cancelled until further notice.
  • The Middlesex Centre YMCA is closed. Please visit the YMCA website for updates.
  • Most branches of the Middlesex County Library are closed at this time. The Library is offering new ways for residents to access their services. The Komoka Library Branch will be open for curbside pickup beginning Wednesday, July 8, on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Requests to pick up items must be made in advance either through the Middlesex County Library website or by phoning 519-245-8237 and leaving a message with your contact information.  
  • The Middlesex Centre Archives, located at the Delaware Community Centre, is closed at this time.
  • The Ilderton Curling Club, located at the Ilderton Arena, is closed for the season.
Clerk Services (Licencing): Available by Appointment

The services of the municipal clerk, including marriage licencing, commissioning of oaths and lottery licencing, are available by appointment only. Please contact the office for details.

Council Meetings: Virtual

In response to the need for physical distancing, municipal council meetings being held virtually. Please see the council meeting page for details. 

Water, Tax & Other Bills: Payments & Financial Relief Considerations

COVID-19: 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 through 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, life cycle 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 on unpaid balances 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.

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Paying your Bills

As the office is closed to walk-in visitors, we cannot accept in-person payments. However, there are a number of options for paying your bills, including dropping off a cheque in the deposit box at the municipal office, and paying online through your financial institutions. 

Please note we cannot accept cash at this time.

For future bills, consider signing-up for pre-authorized payments.

If you have any questions about your bills, contact our water billing or property tax emails.

Accounts Payable: Online Requests Only

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FUTURE INVOICING

Effective immediately, we are only accepting invoices through email and paying vendors via direct deposit (EFT). Please send all future invoices to apinvoice@middlesexcentre.on.ca and complete and submit the EFT sign-up form.

If you are already signed-up for EFT, no further action is required.

Updates from Mayor DeViet

Please click below to see updates from Mayor DeViet regarding Middlesex Centre's response to COVID-19

COVID-19: Messages from the Mayor

 

COVID-19 Updates (Newsletters)

Sign-up for Municipal Emails  about COVID-19

As the situation changes updates will be provided here and on social media.

 

Health Resources

Health information about COVID-19 and best practices to prevent the spread of the disease continue to evolve as medical professionals learn more about this disease. Below you'll find links to reliable health information sources.
 

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

Covid-19 Self-assessment tool

Getting Tested for COVID-19  

 

Health Information Sources

Mental Health Resources

 

Supports for People & Families

The following services are provided by community and government agencies. We will do our best to keep the information up-to-date, but recommend you contact any agencies for their availability.

For more information on each service, please click on the title.

Links to Social Services

Ontario 211

For information on social services (mental health support, housing, senior care, etc.), please call or visit Ontario 211. 

Call: 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 1-888-340-1001

Government & Other Financial Supports

Wondering which level of government is responsible for a specific service during this time? The following chart summarizes the key roles of the municipal, county, provincial and federal governments (pdf version).

Chart - Roles and Responsibilities during the COVID-19 Emergency; pdf version available.

Government of Canada Supports

Government of Ontario Supports

  • COVID-19 - Support for People (financial, mental health and other supports available during COVID-19)
  • COVID-19 Emergency Assistance (support for individuals and families in financial crisis to cover needs such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other services during this public health crisis)
     

County of Middlesex Social Services

  • Social Services (provides a range of services to County residents to assist with financial, employment, housing, and child-care needs)
  • General information from the County of Middlesex regarding COVID-19.

 

Middlesex Centre Supports

  • Please see above under "Water, Tax & Other Bills: Payments & Financial Relief Considerations"

 

Hydro One Supports

Food Banks
  • Ailsa Craig Food Bank – OPEN:  All clients are asked as usual to call ahead before coming to the food bank, and access will be by appointment. The food bank has set-up a temporary drop-off location in Ilderton during this time. The Thrift Store is closed until further notice. (161 Ailsa Craig Main St., 519-293-3637 )
  • Salvation Army Strathroy – OPEN: Monday Wednesday and Thursday
    As a precautionary measure only 3 people at a time can access the food bank. The Thrift Store is closed until further notice. (71 Maitland Terrace, 519-245-5398)
  • Dorchester Food Bank – OPEN: By appointment only on a monthly basis. (122 Queens St., Dorchester, 519 268 7872)
  • WRRC Food Pantry – CLOSED until further notice
  • St Judes Anglican Caring Cupboard – CLOSED until further notice

Can you help? Local food banks are in need of donations. Please visit their website or Facebook pages to see what they need most, and how you can safely make a donation at this time.

Jobs in Middlesex County

 

Supporting our Local Farms & Businesses

Link: Resources for Farms & Business

One of the biggest supports we can offer our local 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.

You can also see:

 

Share your Ideas, Questions & Comments

Report a Concern:  If you are concerned about people not respecting the measures put in place under the federal, provincial and/or municipal states of emergency and wish to report a complaint, please do not call 911. The number to contact the OPP for non-urgent incidents is 1-888-310-1122.

General Comments: Do you have ideas, questions or comments about how Middlesex Centre is responding to the COVID-19 emergency? Share your thoughts using our online feedback form or by contacting us by telephone or email.