COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS DURING COVID-19
As a result of the COVID-19 situation, the Township of Oro-Medonte is continuing to review our Business Continuity Plans, as such, the community may experience changes in service levels.
In response to the Province’s direction to temporarily move Ontario into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., all Township of Oro-Medonte municipal facilities including: the Administration Centre, Oro-Medonte Community Arena, Fire Halls, and Operation Yards are closed to the public until further notice.
Staff are available to provide customer service by phone or e-mail. To learn more, please click here: LINK or Contact Us.
COVID-19 Health Screening Forms
When Township facilities re-open to the public, following the direction and guidance of public health experts, all individuals wishing to enter a Township of Oro-Medonte facility will be required to complete a COVID-19 health screening questionnaire by completing the appropriate form:
Simcoe Muskoka requirements: Wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces
MEDIA RELEASE
In Simcoe Muskoka when you enter into a public indoor space a (e.g. grocery store, community centre, shopping mall, hair salon, library, place of worship, etc.), or use a public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka, you will be required to wear a face covering.
A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.
Impact on Township Services & Programs
Council Meetings
Township of Oro-Medonte Modified Meeting Schedule
The Township of Oro-Medonte continues to respond to the evolving COVID-19 public health crisis. Please refer to the Council Portal for the most up-to-date schedule for Council Meetings.
Please note that this meeting schedule is subject to change pending COVID-19 conditions.
COUNCIL MEETING PARTICIPATION PROCESS:
The Township of Oro-Medonte has amended its Procedural By-law to allow for electronic participation at Council meetings during a declared emergency. Protocols have been established to advise how to participate in the public portions of these meetings. Please visit oro-medonte.ca/Pages/Public-Participation.aspx for more information, including how to participate in Open Forum or request a deputation/presentation.
Members of the public are welcome to view the Council and Development Services Meetings via the livestream.
Economic Development
Clerks Office
Predation Claims – Notice of Temporary Adjustments during COVID-19
Please note that procedures regarding submission of a claim under the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program have been changed due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declared by the Province of Ontario. Learn more
Finance
Levels of Service During Office Closure / State of Emergency:Property Taxes
Residents on the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan – no change to payments- Residents that are on PAPP can opt out of this plan at any time
- Residents must notify the Township by email if they want to opt out at least 5 business days before the withdrawal date
Email:
finance@oro-medonte.ca - Residents that have property taxes paid as part of their mortgage – no changes, as payments are administered by your financial institution
Changes Due to Office Closure
- The Township Administration Centre is currently closed to the public
- To contact the Finance department, leave a voicemail message at 705-487-2171 or email (preferred)
finance@oro-medonte.ca
We will endeavor to return all enquiries within 2 business days, however urgent matters will take priority during this State of Emergency situation
- For residents who typically pay tax and water bills in person, your current options are:
Online / telephone banking
Mail payment with your stub (cheques only please)
Address: Township of Oro-Medonte, 148 Line 7 South, Oro-Medonte, ON L0L2E0 Attn: Finance Department
Secure drop boxes (24/7) - available at the Administration Building on Line 7 or the Moonstone Fire Hall
Any residents who want to sign up for the Township's
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAPP) for either property taxes or water may do so by downloading the sign up form from the our website, and mailing back to us with a Void cheque
Purchase dog tags – use online form to sign up / renew & pay. The additional charge for purchasing dog tags after the March 31st deadline has been waived for the period between March 24th and May 1st.
Pay parking tickets – pay online
Pay for building and septic permits and development charges – email
building@oro-medonte.ca for payment options
Pay for development applications - email
planning@oro-medonte.ca for payment options
Pay for Municipal Law Permits and Licenses – email
municipallaw@oro-medonte.ca for payment options
Commissioning of documents – not offered during office closure. Please seek alternative arrangements.
To all vendors doing business with the Township – we will no longer be issuing cheques for payments. Please complete the
Vendor Direct Deposit form and return with your void cheque / bank letter by email to
accountspayable@oro-medonte.ca
Building Department
Municipal Law - By-Law
Municipal Law - By-law
What is open and closedBelow are some of the key public health and safety measures at this time.
For more information, read the:
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals (for example, cottages, cabins) are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
Below are the set fines for an individual who contravene the Stay-at-Home Order.
| Item | Offence | Section | Set Fine |
| 1. | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order | 10 (1) (a) | $750.00 |
| 2. | Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with a continued section 7.0.2 order | 10 (1) (a) | $1000.00 |
| 3. | Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with a continued section 7.0.2 order | 10 (1) (a) | $1000.00 |
Schedule 80.1
Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
If you have any questions and/or concerns associated with the Act, please call the Municipal Law Enforcement Division at (705) 487-2171 or visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for further information.
Fire & Emergency Services
July 13, 2020 - Fire Chief Lifts Fire Ban - Fire rating continues to be high.
July 9, 2020 - Complete Fire Ban - Effective immediately due to extreme dry conditions and heat.
May 8, 2020 - Fire Chief Lifts Burn Ban - Media Release - Reminder that Open Air Burn Permits are required. Get your permit HERE.
April 3, 2020 - The Township of Oro-Medonte continues to enforce a Fire Ban. The Province now too has implemented Restricted Fire Zones along with many other municipalities in order to ensure public safety and well-being during COVID-19. More Information
Thank-you for doing your part.
March 20, 2020 - Fire & Emergency Services - Implements a Full Fire Ban - A complete Open Air Burn Ban is in effect, more information in the attached media release.
Environmental Services
Recreation and Community Services
Outdoor Rinks
| Closed for the season.
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| Arena/Community Centre | Open - Effective Monday, January 31, 2022 with health and safety protocols in place.
| Additional information including health and safety protocols and ice rentals.
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| Parking Permits | Oro-Medonte resident parking permits (stickers) are available for pick-up at the Township Administration Centre located at 148 Line 7 South.
| Additional information including specified permit parking areas throughout the Township.
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Parks & Sports Fields | Parks and Trails
Open - subject to public heath guidelines. Please follow all COVID-19 health & safety regulations and guidelines.
Tennis Courts - closed for the season. Pickleball - closed for the season. Sports Fields Rentals - closed for the season. Pavilion Rentals - currently unavailable
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Tennis memberships are required for Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park courts. At this time, memberships are available to Oro-Medonte residents and Township property owners only
Membership Details
Please continue to check back for additional information as it becomes available, and monitor the Township's website and social media channels to stay informed.
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All Recreation Programs (including fitness, seniors and youth) | Suspended until further notice.
| Please continue to check back for additional information as it becomes available, and monitor the Township's website and social media channels to stay informed.
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Summer Day Camps | Under review for the 2022 season.
| Under review for the 2022 season.
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Halls & Rentals
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Oro-Medonte Arena
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Carley Hall
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Eady Hall
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Edgar Hall
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Hawkestone Hall
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Jarratt Hall
| Community halls/facility rentals anticpated to resume on April 4, 2022.
| Please continue to check back for additional information as it becomes available, and monitor the Township's website and social media channels to stay informed.
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Playgrounds | OPEN - Please follow all COVID-19 health & safety regulations and guidelines
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Beaches/Wharfs | Details coming soon. | Details coming soon.
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Boat Launches | Docks are installed at Carthew Bay, Shanty Bay and the Line 9 Boat Launch.
| Parking Information
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Green spaces and Trails
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Rail Trail
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Simcoe County Forests
| Green spaces and trails remain open. Please follow all COVID-19 health & safety regulations and guidelines
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Special Events | All Township of Oro-Medonte community special events are suspended pending further
direction from Public Health Officials.
| Notice will be issued when event operations resumes. |
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Oro African Church | Closed until further notice. | Notice will be issued when operation resumes.
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Municipal Facilities & Service Delivery
Updated July 5, 2021
As a result of the COVID-19 situation, the Township of Oro-Medonte is continuing to review our Business Continuity Plans, as such, the community may experience changes in service levels.
The following is currently in effect:
| Township Administration Centre | Open to the public for customer service with safety measures in place including: visitor screening, use of face coverings, and physical distancing.
| Staff are also available through email & phone. More info: CONTACT US
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| Fire Stations | Closed to the public | Providing Fire & Emergency Service Response |
| Public Works Facilities | Closed to the public | Services continue to be provided |
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These closures and cancellations are in addition to Municipal Service impacts announced previously. This is an ongoing situation; the Township will continue to provide updates as they become available. Continue to watch this webpage and our social media channels for any updates.
For further information on County of Simcoe services including; Landfill Sites, Curbside Garbage Collection, LINX Transit, County Administration Centre and more
Planning Department
Provincial Updates & Information
Guidance Regarding Indoor and Outdoor Events and Gatherings
Nearly All Businesses and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3
The Ontario government announced nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province's reopening framework with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place. As Ontario continues down the path to economic recovery, decisions on which regions will enter Stage 3 and when will be made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts and based on trends of key public health indicators.
MORE INFO
Province of Ontario Emergency Orders
Late last week, the Province of Ontario designated authorization to By-law Enforcement Officers of a municipality to enforce order issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Over the past several weeks, a number of Emergency Orders have been issued by the Province of Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Two of these orders were specific to the closure of all non-essential business and this past weekend, limiting social gatherings to a maximum of five people.
Municipal Law staff will continue to respond to urgent By-law complaints via telephone/email as they relate to Township By-law matters. Additionally, staff will now be assisting with the monitoring of gatherings of more than 5 individuals in non-compliance with the Provincial mandate, or non-essential businesses that are operating in non-compliance with the Provincial mandate.
When taking enforcement action, Municipal Law staff will be assessing any infractions of all Provincial Orders in relation to the potential risk to public health and the spread of COVID-19. In seeking compliance, Municipal Law staff have the following options: to educate and issue a warning in relation to the Emergency Order; the issuance of a Part I ticket, or the issuance of a Part III summons to court under the Provincial Offences Act.
Ontario Reducing Risk of Fire in the Province
The Province of Ontario is supporting emergency responders by restricting all outdoor fires in all of Ontario during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Please note that the Township of Oro-Medonte has implemented a Full Fire Ban
Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19
Sustained Measures Necessary to Stop the Spread and Protect Public Health
On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and with the approval of the Ontario legislature, the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days. This will allow the government to continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Township Media Releases Related to COVID-19
Friday, June 5, 2020 - Important Seasonal Parking Permit Information
Further to the Provincial Government’s implementation of Stage 1 – A Framework for Reopening our Province, the Township of Oro-Medonte has opened its boat launches and parks for use of green space. Bayview Memorial Park and beach area located at 687 Lakeshore Road is now also open for limited recreational use.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - Joint News Release - Waterfront Municipalities
Lake Simcoe – As the weather gets warmer, communities across Ontario are facing a potential influx of visitors seeking outdoor activities after weeks of staying inside due to COVID-19 restrictions. To help reduce the spread of the virus, municipalities surrounding Lake Simcoe and area—including the City of Orillia, Towns of Georgina, Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury, and the Townships of Brock, Oro-Medonte and Ramara and the County of Simcoe —are urging everyone to skip the daytrip and not make the drive up north right now.
Friday, May 8, 2020 - Township Wide Fire Ban Lifted
Effective May 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the Fire Chief of the Township of Oro-Medonte has authorized lifting
the Township wide Burn Ban. The Burn Ban has been lifted due to favourable weather and moisture
conditions.
Monday March 16, 2020 – Township Facilities Closed To The Public
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 8:30 a.m., all Township of Oro-Medonte facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. This includes the Township Administration Centre. We will continue to offer services online & over the phone. If you have inquiries you can email info@oro-medonte.ca or call 705-487-2171. Please follow recommendations for hand washing/sanitizing, social distancing & self-isolation. Please continue to monitor this page and social channels for updates.
Monday March 23, 2020 - Township of Oro-Medonte Declares State of Emergency
On March 23, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Mayor Harry Hughes declared a State of Emergency for the Township of Oro-Medonte in response to the COVID-19 virus.
Declaring an emergency provides the Township with additional authority and access to resources, and streamlines the decision-making process to continue to provide municipal services under the Township's Continuity of Operations Plan.
The Township holds the health and safety of our residents, visitors and staff as a top priority. It is very important to understand that declaring a state of emergency is not done to incite panic or elevate concern, and is consistent with the Province of Ontario and the County of Simcoe's decisions.
A Special Meeting of Council will be held later this week where Council will address relief measures for residents and businesses.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 - Oro-Medonte Implements Assistance Measures in Response to COVID-19
Recognizing the need to maintain essential services and advance the business of the Township, utilizing new tools provided by the Provincial government, Oro-Medonte Council held two Special Council Meetings on March 24, 2020. These measures include payment extensions for tax and water bills and purchasing of dog tags. For more information and details see the attached media release or review under Finance section below.
Friday, October 22, 2021
On October 22, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the province's gradual approach to lifting the remaining public health safety measures by March 2022. The plan is guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local/regional tailored responses to COVID-19.
On October 25, Ontario lifted capacity limits in the majority of settings where proof of vaccination are required, including indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities.
Effective immediately, the Oro-Medonte Community Arena will be resuming regular operations with no capacity limits. Please see the highlights below for the new operating protocols.
- Proof of vaccination will still be required to enter the building. Anyone over the age of 12 must show valid ID and proof of double vaccination (plus 14 days) every time you visit the building. Those under the age of 18, including coaches/instructors/officials, actively engaged in organized sport are exempt. However effective November 25, those who are over the age of 12 who will be attending the arena in the capacity of coach/instructor/officials will now have to show proof of vaccination. (Please note some governing bodies of sport leagues & associations may have more restrictive participation requirements as it pertains to showing proof of vaccination.) Older children who are still under, but near the age of 12, may also be required to provide proof of age (but not proof of vaccination status).
- Both the original proof of vaccination documents, as well as the new ones showing the unique QR code that can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health's website, will be accepted.
- Masking is still required throughout all areas of the building including dressing rooms, washrooms and spectator areas. When lining up outside or inside, both physical distancing and masking is required.
- Screening and contact tracing through the online tool is still required for every visit. For those who don't have access to a computer or smartphone, paper copies will be made available at the door.
- Each ice booking will get 2 dressing rooms (there is no longer a limit on the number of players in one dressing room). Masking while in the dressing rooms is required when helmets are not being worn.
- Showers are now turned on and available for use.
- Ice users will have 30 mins. after their ice time to vacate their dressing rooms. Please be respectful of this requirement to allow staff the necessary time to clean.
- There are no limits on the number of spectators allowed in the building, however all spectators over the age of 12 will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Physical distancing in the spectator areas has also been lifted, although the masking requirement remains in effect.
Given the increase in the number of people entering the building, we ask for your continued patience as it may take a little longer for staff to review everyone's documentation.
We thank you for your ongoing cooperation and understanding as we respond to the changing regulations.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 8:30 a.m., all Township of Oro-Medonte facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. This includes the Township Administration Centre. We will continue to offer services online & over the phone. If you have inquiries you can email
info@oro-medonte.ca or call 705-487-2171. Please follow recommendations for hand washing/sanitizing, social distancing & self-isolation. Please continue to monitor this page and social channels for updates.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Protocols are being established to increase the sanitization of public facilities and touch points etc. Regular communication and updates will be provided to the public.
The Township of Oro-Medonte is aligning with the proactive steps taken by other large organizations as well as recommendations from other levels of government and health authorities to ensure the safety and well being of our staff, residents and visitors. Accordingly, effective as of March 14, 2020, the Township will be suspending the operation of Township operated recreation facilities (arena & community halls) and recreation programs, including March Break day camp until further notice. Refunds will be issued for those impacted by this decision.
What You Need to Know
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The SMDHU continues to communicate that the risk in Simcoe County remains low, however the first reported case of COVID-19 has now been reported in Simcoe County.
Information regarding the virus is being monitored very closely by Township staff through proper channels, including the Ministry of Health, SMDHU, the Federal Government, and the World Health Organization. Each of these organizations are providing factual and up-to-date information/materials.
Regular handwashing is the best defense against spreading illnesses, including COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date local information, visit the
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
Additional Information Sources
Public Health Agency of Canada
- Risk level for Canadians, Current situation, Travel advisories
Ontario Ministry of Health
- Ontario news, Status of cases in Ontario – updated at 10:30 a.m. daily
World Health Organization
- Technical documents, Questions and answers
