NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF ORILLIA
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As the Province of Ontario and the City of Orillia continue to be in a declared state of emergency due to COVID-19, the city is extending the timeframe of certain community assistance measures and reopening select facilities and services in a modified format to help residents and businesses during these challenging times.
“The City of Orillia continues to adapt to the new normal presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have revised the timeframes for certain community assistance measures and are planning for the reopening of select municipal facilities and services in a modified way in conjunction with the Province’s Stage 2 reopening. There is no blueprint for responding to a pandemic such as this, and I’d like to thank Orillia residents for their support and patience during such unprecedented times,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
The following decisions were approved by the city’s Emergency Management Committee:
Transit and parking fees
All transit and parking fees will continue to be waived until July 31, 2020. All pre-purchased April Orillia Transit passes and April municipal parking permits will also continue to be honoured through to July 31, 2020. Those who purchased a monthly Orillia Transit pass for the months of April, May or June will be able to redeem their passes for new replacement passes for an equal number of months after transit fare payment resumes. Further details on this process will be communicated when transit and parking fares resume.
Outdoor athletic facilities
Rental permits for soccer fields, artificial turf and baseball diamonds will not be issued for the 2020 season. Orillia soccer fields, baseball diamonds and the artificial turf (located at West Orillia Sports Complex) will be reopened to public access beginning July 6, 2020 for families and athletes to use on a first-come, first-serve basis with no fees associated. Maintenance of the fields will be minimal.
Waste Diversion Site
Beginning July 6, 2020, the Waste Diversion Site, 100 Kitchener St., public hours will be extended to Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cash is still not being accepted as a form of payment. The Reuse Depot for paint and household items will also reopen to the public. As a result, regular curbside garbage collection requirements will resume beginning July 6, 2020.
This means that starting July 6, 2020, all garbage placed out at the curb must have a City of Orillia garbage tag on it or it will not be collected.
Orillia City Centre
Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St. S., will begin providing select services, such as marriage licences, by appointment only starting July 6, 2020. Residents will have the ability to book appointments through an online portal or by calling the city. Additional safety measures will be in place, including physical distancing signage, sanitation products and protective barriers. Residents are encouraged to continue accessing city services through the website, email and phone when possible. More details regarding the appointment booking process will be communicated later this week.
The following community assistance measures remain in place:
- Emergency fund of $100,000 to be distributed to critical lead service providers on an as-needed basis.
- Waived 2020 property tax penalty and interest through to July 31, 2020, for both residential and businesses.
- Waived 2020 water and sewer penalty and interest through to Sept. 30, 2020, for both residential and businesses.
- Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) charges are waived for any pre-authorized payment plan until July 31, 2020 (you may still incur charges by your bank).
- Suspension of all water shut-offs due to non-payment of water bills until Sept. 30, 2020.
- Deferred implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) to Sept. 1, 2020.
- Established an Economic Recovery Task Force.
- One-million dollars set aside for COVID-19 related social and economic recovery efforts.
- Offering an alternative day camp program called ‘Camp Orillia’ this summer as a child care service to help parents who are returning to work.
The following restrictions remain in effect:
- Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment remain closed until further notice.
- The Kiwanis Skateboard Park is still limited to five (5) users at one time at the park.
- No garage/yard sales remain prohibited in Orillia during the emergency declaration.
- All local events must be postponed or cancelled until Aug. 31, 2020.
It’s important to remember the following:
- Stay home and away from others when you are feeling ill.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Keep a physical distance of two metres when outside your house.
- Wear a mask/face covering where physical distancing is a challenge or not possible.
- Avoid touching your face and cover your face when coughing or sneezing.
For more information visit: orillia.ca/COVID-19
For more information on the COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Orillia visit: osmh.on.ca/covid-19/
For COVID-19 updates from the SMDHU visit: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus
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