Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Impacts on Municipal Services
The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 in order to ensure we work to keep our community members safe. To make sure you as community members can stay involved and up to date we encourage you to subscribe to our website email subscription service.
Contact the Town: We encourage residents to reach out to Town Staff with questions and/or concerns. A full staff directory with email and phone numbers for specific departments is listed here. Please clearly leave your name, address, phone # and email address and a detailed message on the purpose of your call, to ensure that the appropriate Staff member can respond to your voicemail.
REOPENING OF TOWN OFFICE FACILITIES
The Town of Penetanguishene will be reopening Town Hall, the Public Works Administration Building and the Penetanguishene Fire Hall to the public Monday, July 27th.
Office hours for each location are below:
The Town Hall: 8:30AM -4:30PM
The Fire Hall: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Public Works Administration Building: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
All locations will have a full closure from 12PM-1PM to allow for proper cleaning protocols and a full staff lunch break.
It is required that the public make an appointment for any Planning and Development Department services, including applying for building permits or to speak with staff in the planning or by-law offices. If an appointment is not made, there is no guarantee that a staff member will be in the building and/or available to assist you. Appointments for Planning and Development Services can be made by calling: (705) 549-2673
While not a necessity, residents are encouraged to make an appointment for all other matters. As Town staff will be working on and off site on a rotational basis, this will help ensure that the appropriate team member is available to answer any questions or concerns. Please read the full notice here: https://www.penetanguishene.ca/en/News/index.aspx?feedId=5a932b6a-4b1d-4f79-9a4f-de1da1dd860f&newsId=a8443c96-d6a7-4fbf-a69a-2f3e09ece6cb
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES UPDATES
Marriage Licenses and Commissions of Oath: Marriage licenses and Commissions of Oath services are now available and recommend booking an appointment for these services to ensure that staff able to serve you as efficiently as possible. The options for marriage ceremonies at Townhall are currently being considered.
Full List of Open/Closed Amenities:
The following chart is available on our webpage and will be updated regularly.
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Indoor Facilities |
Open/Closed |
Safety Measures in Place |
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Town Hall |
Town Hall will be re-opening Monday, July 27th at 8:30AM.
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Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Achieves |
CLOSED until further notice – In Review |
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Penetanguishene Library |
OPEN – Adjusted hours. |
View here for hours of operation and other information. |
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Public Works Building
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Public Works Admin Building will be re-opening Monday, July 27th at 8:00AM. |
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Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre |
CLOSED until further notice |
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Penetanguishene Fire Hall |
The Fire Hall will be re-opening Monday, July 27th at 8:00AM. |
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Outdoor Facilities |
Open/Closed |
Safety Measures in Place |
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Parks and Trails |
OPEN |
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Park Amenities:
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OPEN |
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Washrooms |
OPEN |
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Boat Launch |
OPEN
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Wharf |
OPEN Please note until further notice; Tourist Information Centre and showers remain closed.
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Sports fields |
OPEN |
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Amphitheatre |
CLOSED |
MID-PEN TRANSIT
The following will remain in effect until further notice:
· Mid-Pen Transit will remain free for riders;
· Transit will continue to operate Monday to Friday using the “Saturday” schedule; and
· Saturday service will remain suspended.
Reminder, that transit riders are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when riding the bus, with exceptions given to certain individuals based on the Chief Medical Officer’s instructions. Masks will be provided when boarding if you don’t have one. Refusal to wear a face covering will result in refusal of service and could result in fines ranging from $750-$1000 up to a maximum of $100,000.
PLANNING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Business Assistance Programs:
North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC) under a Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: NSCFDC will focus on assisting “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, and businesses of strategic importance to their communities, with loans up to $40,000. https://nscfdc.on.ca/_en/RRRFProgram
Recently available for Penetanguishene businesses is access to the Digital Main Street Program who give assistance and consultation to business to assist in using digital technology. Contact the Southern Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for more information by telephone at: 705-446-3355 or by email at sbec@collingwood.ca.
Ask an Expert: “Ask an Expert" is a series to assist businesses and organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This series will feature experts on topics such as Health and Safety, HR, Accounting, Marketing, Business Planning, Legal and Mental Health as well as a Q&A session. To register for the next session or watch the YouTube recordings please visit: https://www.simcoe.ca/askanexpert
FINANCE UPDATES
On July 8, Council approved additional COVID-19 financial relief measures for property tax and utility bill payments. Penalties on the 3rd and 4th tax installments due on July 31 and September 30 have been waived for 2 months. Penalties on utility bills that fall due between August 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020, are also waived for 2 months. In addition, NSF charges have been waived until December 31, 2020.
Notice of 2020 Final Tax Billing
Final Tax Bills were mailed the week of July 6, 2020. The installment due dates are:
- Friday, July 31, 2020
- Wednesday, September 30,2020
Notice of 2020 Quarterly Utility Billing
The 2nd quarter utility bills for the period April to June were mailed the week of July 13, 2020 and electronic bills sent to those customers who signed up for e-billing. Payment is due by:
- Thursday, August 13, 2020
If you do not receive your Tax or Utility Bill, please call the Town office at 705-549-7453. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the property owner from the responsibility for payment of Taxes or Utilities and any accrued penalties or interest. For payment options, please call the Town office or visit our website.
Note: Payments can be made in our 24 hour drop-box at the main entrance to Townhall. If you would like a receipt mailed or emailed to you, please indicate on the outside of the envelope.
FIRE AND OPP UPDATES
OPP Reporting Tool:
We remind residents that OPP ask that you report allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act by phoning 1-888-310-1122 or utilizing the online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting.
Fire Safety:
Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4:00 pm to midnight. Please refer to the “Open Air Burning Permit Terms and Conditions” attachment for guidelines and more information.