Information on COVID-19

Date
covid_19_mxc_artwork_web_municipal_updates.jpg

Information on this page:

 

Latest Updates

  • Oct 15 - Earlier this week Middlesex Centre Council adopted a policy requiring a) contractors or consultants who represent or perform work for the municipality; b) appointed committee members who form part of advisory committees; and, c) Members of Council to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of medical exemption and undergo regular COVID testing. A similar policy was enacted for staff earlier this autumn. Staff will be reaching out to those falling under the policy in the coming weeks.

  • Oct 6 - The Middlesex London Health Unit has announced new rules related to vaccine requirements: "Starting October 31, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for anyone over the age of 12 who enters an indoor area of a sports or recreational fitness facility to participate in, coach, officiate, or watch organized sport."  

  • Sept 20 - Starting Sept 22, patrons 12 years of age and older visiting the Komoka Wellness Centre, Ilderton Arena or any Middlesex Centre Community Centre will have to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, proof of identity and complete a daily COVID-19 screening, with few exceptions. We have created a webpage with full details about this new Provincial requirement.

  • March 18 - Looking to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment? For the latest information on the vaccines, who is eligible at this time, and how to book an appointment visit the Middlesex London Health Unit.

 

Municipal Services Update

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

On March 17, 2020, Mayor DeViet declared a State of Emergency for Middlesex Centre. We have a plan in place to Reopen Middlesex Centre, following the direction of the Province and our local health unit.  

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

Municipal Office

The municipal office in Coldstream is open for bill payments and front desk services; all other services are by appointment.

As staff may be working remotely during the office closure:

  • We encourage residents and businesses to take advantage of our online services where possible (billing, building permits), or to contact staff via phone or email.
  • We also 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

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 or phone to arrange an appointment.

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

Waste & Recycling

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.
  • Note that masks and gloves should be put in a bag and then into your waste bin. They should not be put in the recycling.
  • 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.).
  • At-home rapid antigen screening test waste: double-bag all home health care waste (i.e. smaller grocery/shopping type bag within a larger bag) and place in your garbage for disposal.
     

Waste Depots

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:

EnviroDepots at Longwoods and Denfield  are open until November 13, 2021.

Please note the following the COVID-19 protocols are in place:

  • Practice physical distancing
  • Masks required when dealing with staff
  • Debit card payment only (if required)

For locations, hours and a list of accepted materials, please see our Waste and Recycling page.

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. 

City of London's Household Special (Hazardous) Waste Depot is open. Middlesex Centre residents may bring their household hazardous items to the London Depot. Please be sure to check their website for service updates and changes.

Roads Maintenance

Road maintenance continues as normal.

Water / Wastewater 

Water and wastewater treatment continue as normal.

Fire Services - Outdoor Fires & Fireworks

Fire Services continue as normal.

OUTDOOR FIRES

As always, 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, Canada Day and New Year's Eve 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

Middlesex Centre parks and outdoor amenities including playgrounds, sports courts and fields, skateparks, ball hockey rinks, pavilions, etc. are open. 

Washrooms are now closed for the season.

Rules related to physical distancing, gathering sizes, etc. apply. 

Please see our Reopening Middlesex Centre page for updates on specific amenities.

We appreciate your understanding as we do our part to meet the mandated requirements of the Provincial COVID-19 re-opening regulations.

    Other parks and natural areas in our community may have limited uses, special rules, or reduced services available. Please check with them before you head out.

    Recreation Programs & Facilities
    • Proof of vaccination is required at our recreation facilities, starting Sept 22, 2021.
    • Please see our Reopening Middlesex Centre page for updates on specific amenities.
    • Community centres are available for booking. If you have questions, please contact our Facility Booking team. 
    • Ilderton Arena  and the arenas at the Komoka Wellness Centre are open for team / group activities. Please contact our Facility Booking team for information on booking arenas.
    • The Komoka Wellness Centre is open.
      • Follow all posted COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing a mask or face covering.
      • Please contact our Facility Booking team for information on future booking for community rooms.
      • Please contact the YMCA for information on their hours and service availability (including access to exercise equipment, the gym and the walking track).
      • Please contact the Middlesex County Library for information on their hours and service availability.
    Clerk Services (Licencing)

    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

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

    Water, Tax & Other Bills: Financial Relief Considerations

    Paying your Bills

    Where possible, we ask that you use alternatives to paying your bills in person. 

    These options for paying your bills include dropping off a cheque in the deposit box at the municipal office, paying online through your financial institutions, or setting up pre-authorized payments for future bills.

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

    ---

    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.

    At their emergency meeting on March 30, 2020, Middlesex Centre Council approved a number of financial measures were put in place to help those most in need of support. Most of these measures have now expired. 

    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.

    COVID-19 Updates

    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

     

    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

     

    COVID-19 Vaccine Information

    COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics In Middlesex County 

     

    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.

    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

    Please contact the food banks before visiting, as their hours of operation and pick-up processes are subject to change.

    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 Concerns, Questions & Comments

    Report a Concern:  If you are concerned about people or businesses 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, or you can report online.

    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.