Media Release: Town of Midland proposes financial aid plan to Prime Minister Trudeau
March 23, 2020 – In an effort to provide timely relief to Canadian homeowners and the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Midland has sent a letter (see Attachment 1) to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposing a financial aid plan that would see the Government of Canada pay a significant amount of property taxes on behalf of municipal tax-payers during the 2020 tax year.
The proposal to the Federal Government has three elements:
Residential Properties (primary residence only)
Waive 100% of the 2020 property taxes for all residential properties currently assessed at or below $ 500,000.00 by each governing provincial property assessment body; and
Waive 50% of the 2020 property taxes for all residential properties currently assessed below $1,000,000.00; and
Waive 25% of the 2020 property taxes for all residential properties currently assessed above $1,000,000,00.
Industrial, Commercial and Farm Properties
Waive 100% of the 2020 property taxes for all; industrial, commercial and farm properties currently assessed at under $ 10,000,000.00; and
Waive 50% of the property taxes for the year 2020 for all industrial, commercial and farm properties currently assessed between $10,000,000.00 and $ 50,000,000.00; and
Waive 25% of the property taxes for the year 2020 for all industrial, commercial and farm properties assessed above $50,000,000.00.
Federal Transfer Payment to Canadian Municipalities
In lieu of the annual municipal property taxes, the Federal Government transfers funds to municipalities across Canada, as a one-time grant.
“The Town, like every other municipality, wants to alleviate the stress and financial concern of our residents and business community as much as possible during this pandemic," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “What we are proposing is a simple but effective solution to provide financial and psychological relief to Canadians."
The Town believes there are many advantages of this proposal:
- Quick and timely relief;
- Direct relief to all Canadian homeowners and the business community;
- Directly protects Canadians who although may be solvent, are unable to easily meet the financial pressures beyond their personal capacity due to COVID-19;
- No additional resources required to assess individual need and delivery of the relief;
- Negligible overhead costs for the disbursement of the relief. In fact, it may cut-down on some of the work for municipal staff; and
- The financial stimulus received from the federal government will come into circulation immediately and will stay in the community.
“Canadians enter this time of crisis with a high amount of house-hold debt, and many in our region are no different," said CAO Amanpreet Sidhu. “This simple step we are proposing should alleviate some of this financial pressure and allow for residents and businesses to focus on more important matters during this time. We hope that the Prime Minister and the Federal Government will agree with us."
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Media Release: Town of Midland announces free transit for residents
March 22, 2020 – The Town of Midland has announced that beginning on Monday, March 23, the Mid-Pen Transit Service will be free for all riders until further notice.
“With Town Hall closed and our services reduced, we want to ensure that our residents can still use our transit service without the worry of not having rides left on their transit cards or having the exact money for the fare," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “During this trying time, this is one way we can hopefully alleviate some of the stress our residents are feeling."
Not all Mid-Pen Transit Service buses have two doors, but riders are asked to please board and de-board using the rear entrance of the transit buses, when it's an option. This will help ensure more social distancing with our transit drivers. Riders with disabilities may still use the front door if needed.
The Town would also like to stress the importance that all residents who have returned from travelling follow the self-isolation protocol for 14 days. Whether you are a snowbird or a spring breaker, regardless of your age you must follow this protocol to ensure that the virus doesn't spread throughout our community. Even if you have no symptoms, you can still pass the virus along to someone. If you've arrived home from travel and need groceries, call a friend or family member to drop some things off. We are in this together and we all need to work as a team!
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook.
The Town also strongly encourages residents to not spread rumours and information on social media that hasn't been 100% confirmed by the organization in question, or by various government agencies. Spreading information before it's been confirmed causes added stress and panic, which many people are already feeling during this pandemic. Let's look out for each other. We are in this together!
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Media Release: Town of Midland announces more service level impacts
Thursday, March 19, 2020 – In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Midland has announced more impacts and changes to service levels.
Mid-Pen Transit Service
The Mid-Pen Transit Service shut down has been extended through the weekend out of extreme precaution. An employee working out of our Operations Centre reported that they have been in contact with someone (not a Town employee) who was directed to self-isolate on Thursday, March 18, though it's important to note that neither person has tested positive for COVID-19. Since the buses are stored at the Operations Centre, steps are being taken to disinfect them over the next several days and Operations staff will not be reporting to the Ops Centre until Monday as further precaution. Transit is expected to resume on Monday morning as scheduled. Residents are encouraged to watch the Town's social media feeds for updates if this changes.
Parking Enforcement
Effective immediately, all time-limited, parking meter and overnight enforcement will be suspended until May 29, 2020. However, all Fire routes, hydrants, intersections, snow removal and safety-related infractions will continue to be enforced.
Water & Wastewater Services
The Water & Wastewater Treatment Centre (WWTC) has implemented Level 1 of the Water Wastewater Services COVID-19 Response Action Plan. This means that the WWTC is suspending activities that lead to face-to-face interaction with the public:
- No visitors to 200 Bay St., or to remote water/wastewater facilities.
- Any necessary face-to-face interaction with the public must be done wearing nitrile gloves, eye protection and N95 masks/respirators.
- Gates to be closed.
- No new water meter installations. Arrangements can be made for home builders and faulty water meters.
- Water leaks or wastewater collection issues causing health concerns or property damage will be responded to.
- Septage receiving will continue. Driver are not entering buildings.
- No signatures for parcel drop offs.
These changes will not impact the treatment/disinfection of the Town's water supply. Our disinfection measures meets/exceeds the requirements from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as well as the World Health Organization's Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Waste Management – COVID-19 Technical Briefing document.
“As this situation continues to evolve, the Town needs to prioritize our staffing efforts," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “By suspending aspects of our parking enforcement and reducing public interaction/contact by our Water/Wastewater staff, we're not only keeping the health and safety of our staff and residents in mind, we're also practicing social distancing. Something we all need to embrace and practice."
Council has also advised staff to report back at the next Council meeting on April 1 with updates and recommendations on adjusting tax and utility payment due dates base on the financial and economic conditions existing at that time, both locally and more broadly as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
The Town strongly encourages residents to not spread rumours and information on social media that hasn't been 100% confirmed by the organization in question, or by various government agencies. Spreading information before it's been confirmed causes added stress and panic, which many people are already feeling during this pandemic. Let's look out for each other. We are in this together!
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Media Release: Town of Midland announces closure of municipal office and service impacts
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – In continuing to keep the health and safety of our residents and staff in mind, while ensuring a continuation of services, the Town of Midland is announcing that as of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, the Town Municipal Office will be closed to the public.
“We are continuing to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation and considering the wellbeing of our residents and staff with every decision we make," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “By taking the step to close our Town Hall to the public, we are giving residents one-less reason to have to leave the house or challenge their social distancing efforts."
Town Hall will move forward with reduced staff working at the facility to provide social distancing within the workplace, with staff working from home when not in the office. Residents are encouraged to use the drop box located at the Third Street entrance for making payments for tax bills, water/wastewater bills and parking tickets, or via electronic fund transfer through their bank. Essential services provided at Town Hall, as previously mentioned, will be available by appointment only.
Essential community services such as Water and Wastewater, Fire and Policing are still being provided, however the Fire Hall is closed to public and the OPP ask that residents not enter their buildings without an appointment. Should you need to report a crime, they encourage residents to use their online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting.
The Town of Midland will still proceed with the Council meeting on March 18 as scheduled, however the public will not be permitted to attend in Council Chambers. Instead, residents are encouraged to watch the Council meeting on RogersTV (cable 53) or on RogersTV live stream.
“We understand that this will be an inconvenience to some residents, but even though our Town Hall is closed, our staff will still be reachable through email and telephone," added Mayor Strathearn. “The reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving everyday, and we all have to evolve with it in order to help reduce the rate of spread."
Building Permits and Required Inspections
Building Inspectors continue to provide the mandatory construction inspections. While our Inspectors will strive to meet our processing and response times, we are unable to guarantee that normal processing and inspection timelines can be met. As of Monday March 23rd, the Town may not provide same day inspections and may require a minimum of 48 hours notice when booking an inspection for your site. Inspections are conducted Monday to Friday during normal business hours.
At the Building Inspectors individual discretion, they may not enter occupied areas of buildings under construction including personal dwellings or occupied areas of industrial, commercial, multi - residential or institutional buildings. Building staff will ask you to answer brief non-intrusive screening questions related to the COVID-19 health risks, and Inspectors will practice social distancing. Please understand this is for the protection and peace of mind of our staff who will be serving you and other members of the public.
Building inspections are to be booked through the Town's inspection booking phone line (705-526-4275, ext. 2248). Building Permit applications, including drawings, may be submitted by email to building@midland.ca. Permit applications and cheques may be dropped off at Town Hall in our drop off box at the Third Street entrance. The Town will also accept applications by prior arrangements which are to be made through email at building@midland.ca; you will be provided with a time and location for the drop off.
The Guesthouse Shelter
The shelter itself is only open to their registered guests, and they are currently fully-registered. They can't allow more access by the public because they're trying to instill social distancing efforts as we all should be. They are providing a first-come/first-serve brown bag lunch to the public from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., while their supplies last. Residents looking to help make their supplies last longer can make financial donations or food donations:
- Financial donations can be made electronically through their website.
- Food donations are accepted as well:
- Packaged breads and meats (grocery store packaged)
- Canned goods
- Fresh produce
Please note that no premade food/meals will be accepted at the Guesthouse Shelter.To donate food residents can either call ahead to arrange delivery by calling 705-527-4111 or ring the doorbell at their main entrance. The shelter is staffed 24/7 so someone will be available at any time.
The Town strongly encourages residents to not spread rumours and information on social media that hasn't been 100% confirmed by the organization in question, or by various government agencies. Spreading information before it's been confirmed as causes added stress and panic, which many people are already feeling during this pandemic. Let's look out for each other. We are in this together!
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Media Release: Town of Midland announces cancellations and changes to services
Monday, March 16, 2020 – In an effort to reduce the rate of spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Town of Midland has cancelled all Public, Board and Committee meetings until at least Monday, April 6, 2020.
The meetings affected by this announcement are as follows:
- Staff Technical Review Committee – Tuesday, March 17
- Mayor's Housing Working Group – Thursday, March 19
- Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Thursday, March 19
- Seniors Council – Thursday, March 19
- Audit Committee – Tuesday, March 24
- Midland Bay Landing Development Corporation Board of Directors – Friday, March 27
- Midland Accessibility Advisory Committee – Monday, April 6
An update on the status of Public, Board and Committee meetings scheduled for after April 6 will be provided closer to that date.
The Town of Midland has two Council Meetings scheduled during this three-week period, Wednesday, March 18 and Wednesday, April 1. At this time, the Council meeting on March 18 will proceed as scheduled, however the public will not be permitted to attend in Council Chambers. Instead, residents are encouraged to watch the Council meeting on RogersTV (cable 53) or on RogersTV live stream.
The following items have been removed from the March 18 agenda and deferred to a later Council meeting:
- Parking Payment Solutions Report (ML-2020-03);
- Award of Merit;
- Staff Recognition; and
- Deputation – Drinking Water Source Protection 101 and Update.
An updated agenda will be posted on Tuesday, March 17. A decision on the Council Meeting scheduled for April 1 will be made next week, based on the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Town is also making changes to the services and operation at Town Hall.
Effective Tuesday, March 17:
- Hand sanitizing stations will be setup at the Dominion Avenue & Third Street entrances;
- A hand washing station will be set up at the Third Street entrance;
- Following warnings from the County on virus transmission via cash, the Town will no longer be accepting cash transactions, only electronic payment via debit or credit card;
- One Customer Service window will be open and only essential services will be offered at Town Hall, these include (by appointment only, please call related department to book):
- Building & Planning applications
- Marriage Licenses
- Lottery Licenses
- Taxi Cab Drivers Licenses
- Meter Bags
- Freedom of Information Requests
- Encroachment Agreements (by phone or email)
- Tax Certificates
- Transit card reloading
- The following non-essential services will not be offered until further notice:
- Dog Tags;
- Fire permits
- Hawker/Peddler/Refreshment vehicle license;
- Seasonal boat slip permits
- Curb Cuts for driveways;
(If residents are unsure if a service is available, they can call 705-526-2221 to confirm.)
- Transit will continue taking extra measures to ensure the transit buses are sanitized during the day. All riders are required to self-screen and shall use hand sanitizer before boarding the bus.
The Town strongly urges residents to please make use of the drop box located at the Third Street entrance for making payments for tax bills, water/wastewater bills and parking tickets, or via electronic fund transfer via their bank.“We understand that these changes may be an inconvenience to some residents," said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “Ultimately we want to keep the health of our staff and residents in mind, and by making these changes we're still able to keep Town Hall open, while continuing to help reduce the rate of spread of the COVID-19 virus."
Update: COVID-19 Public Statement from Mayor & CAO - Sunday, March 15, 2020
Sunday, March 15, 2020 – The health and safety of our residents and our employees is always a top priority. In spite of the best efforts of the authorities, we now have 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Simcoe County and things have and continue to change quickly. Amid the uncertainty, anxiety and stress associated with the spread of COVID-19, it is important to note that we are working with the most up-to-date information from our Global, Federal, Provincial and County health partners.
“We are in the early days of this pandemic and in particular in this part of the world, in Canada, in Ontario, in Barrie and Simcoe-Muskoka we've only just had our first cases this week. I fully expect there will be community transmission in the near future. For that reason, we are advising people to take the protective measures they have been hearing about," said Dr. Charles Gardner, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit medical officer of health, at a media conference held on Sunday.
Please continue to follow the directions of public heath authorities and:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water;
- Cough/sneeze into your sleeve or tissue. Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands;
- Keep surfaces clean and disinfected;
- Say home when sick; and
- If you have symptoms, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or TTY 1-866-797-0007 or contact your Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7750 or http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/).
Information can be found at Ontario.ca/coronavirus and on our website.
It important to bear in mind that efforts being put in place are geared to reducing the rate of spread of COVID-19; not eliminating the spread. Reducing the rate of spread will ensure that our medical facilities and staff are not overwhelmed. We are treating this as a marathon, not as a sprint where resources and people are exhausted before the start line. Also remember that greater than 80% of people contracting COVID-19 experience mild-to-moderate flu-like or cold-like symptoms.
Steps already in place:
- Essential services such as Water/Wastewater, Fire and Police remain fully operational;
- Corporate Communication – COVID-19 – Update 1 was sent to staff and Council on March 12. It provided information with respect to the status of COVID-19 (at that time), proactive corporate measure, coming to work options (quarantine, self-isolation) etc…;
- A media release was distributed and posted online on March 13, outlining closures and further actions by the municipality to help reduce the rate of spread of COVID-19;
- The North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre is closed for three weeks and all programming therein is cancelled;
- The Library is closed until further notice;
- Communications are open with Waypoint to offer an alternate assessment site for Midland and neighbouring municipalities;
- Information with respect to Employee Assistance Plans has been shared with employees and Council;
- A Pandemic Plan has been drafted and will be presented to Council for approval; and
- We continue to have ongoing communication with other municipalities in North Simcoe and across Simcoe County.
Next steps:
- Municipal offices remain open, albeit with curtailed services and access restricted to only those with urgent matters;
- Decisions with respect to procedure for holding Council meetings and around access by the residents to the next Council meeting (scheduled for March 18, 2020) will be made on Monday, March 16 after considering the latest information from Public Health authorities;
- Plans are being put in place to assist employees that must work from home due to post exposure, two-week self-isolation requirements. Internal Corporate Communication – COVID-19 – Update 2 will follow shortly;
- Council will consider deferring property tax due date to May 29th to reduce financial hardships to residents who may not be able to work as a result of COVID-19;
- Convene a weekly meeting of the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG); and
- Council and corporate leadership will continue to meet regularly, in person and through electronic means.
The steps above are being taken out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to reduce risk. We want to do our part in the fight against COVID-19 in Midland, Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada and indeed the World.
We know these decisions will cause some disruption, and we apologize for that.
To our employees and employees at Public Health and GBGH who have been working long hours to ensure we are prepared to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community – thank you! Your care for this community is extraordinary.
To the residents – regardless of the unknown, and the angst and anxiety inherent in these circumstances, we know that our community will rise to the occasion looking out for each other's best interests. Remember that war time saying recently made popular again: Keep Calm and Carry On.
Stewart Strathearn, Mayor
Amanpreet Singh Sidhu, CAO (Interim)
Media Release - Town of Midland COVID-19 Update - Friday, March 13, 2020
(MIDLAND, ON) – The Town of Midland is taking precautions to help protect our vulnerable residents and employees. Following numerous meetings and discussion, the Town has made the decision to implement the following actions:
- The North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre will be closed effective at midnight on Friday, March 13 for three weeks. An update will be provided prior to Monday, April 6. Full refunds will be provided once the facility fully reopens.
- Midland-Penetanguishene Transit Service will remain in service and will follow the lead of the County of Simcoe's LINX Transit Service. An update will be provided if there is a change in service.
- Midland Town Hall will remain open, as of now, however we strongly urge residents who have recently travelled or been exposed to someone showing symptoms, and/or exhibit any of the COVID-19 symptoms themselves to not visit Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to use the drop box at our Third Street entrance for tax and water bill payments or use online payments through their bank.
- The King Street Rejuvenation Phase 2 Pre-Construction Open House scheduled for Thursday, March 19 has been postponed until further notice.
Essential services such as Policing, Fire Services and Water/Wastewater Services will not be interrupted.
In addition, the following facilities and services have closed down for the next few weeks:
- Midland Public Library is closed as of 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13 until at least April 6.
- Askennonia Seniors Centre is closed until at least April 6.
- Boys & Girls Club of North Simcoe is closed from March 14th until at least April 3, with all March Break Camps cancelled next week.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
This is a fluid situation and the Town will continue to communicate with our residents regarding COVID-19. This web page will be updated as required.
