COVID-19

Mandatory masks/face coverings

On July 9, 2020, Town Council passed temporary By-Law No. 2020-0037, requiring the wearing of a mask/face covering in enclosed public places during the COVID-19 pandemic, effective Thursday, July 16, 2020. Read the full media release. Local businesses can also download a mask-requirement sign for their storefronts.

Residents are reminded that the wearing of a mask or face covering is to be done alongside other public health protocols to ensure optimal effectiveness. This includes washing your hands frequently, practicing physical distancing where possible and staying home if ill.

Read how to safely use a non-medical mask or face covering from the Government of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mayor's updates

Mayor's Message COVID-19 updates

• Halton Region Stage 2, a Letter to the Premier - June 9, 2020
• Joint Statement from Halton Region's Elected Representatives - June 3, 2020
• Open Letter to the Community - May 21, 2020
• Open Letter to the Community - April 20, 2020
• Mayor Rick Bonnette's video updates on our YouTube channel

Town Hall updates

E-newsletters     Media Releases

Council meetings

The Town of Halton Hills hosted a Special COVID-19 Council Meeting on March 20,2020.

Virtual Town Hall meetings

In the early stages of COVID-19, the Town hosted weekly Virtual Town Halls in an effort to keep the community informed and connected with their local government. Residents submitted questions using our COVID-19 Share the Care page on Let’s Talk Halton Hills. Browse the Municipal Calendar to view archived Virtual Town Halls.

Municipal Calendar 

Notice to public regarding Provincial Offences Act (POA)

All scheduled POA court appearances (traffic tickets & offences under provincial legislation) have been temporarily suspended. Visit the Halton Court News webpage for most recent updates and information.

Programs and rentals

All Town-run summer programming scheduled from June 29 to September 4, 2020 have been cancelled. Refunds will be issued as Town staff reach out to program participants. In addition, following thorough consideration of multiple factors including the health and safety of participants and staff, the Town has determined that it will not be running any form of modified summer camps for the remainder of 2020.

The Town is providing virtual summer programming featuring daily activities for children ages 4-12. Visit our camps page to learn more about Virtual Summer Programs.

Staff will continue to work with regular facility and park renters such as sports organizations, event organizers and program participants to accommodate an appropriate level of use and communicate through all channels when facilities are open and available for use. Questions regarding registration fees, account status, park permits and closures may contact the Registration Hotline at 905-873-2600, ext. 2275 or email recreation.

Concerns regarding park/facility maintenance? Updates available under the outdoor spaces dropdown. Residents may also contact Public Works at 905-873-2600, ext. 2603 to register a request for service.

Cancelled activities

• summer camps
• recreation and aquatic programs
• public swimming
• public skating

Facilities

In response to Stage 2 re-opening, The Town is taking a careful and phased approach to opening facilities and restarting programs and services. Our priority continues to be the health and safety of residents and staff. We will be offering a gradual phase in to re-opening facilities based on:

• Direction from Region of Halton Public Health on the detailed implementation of Ontario Regulations for permitted uses and operations, as well as inspections required by health regulations
• Recall and availability of the necessary part-time and seasonal staff to provide core operations for indoor and outdoor facilities

Visitors to the facilities are asked to use the spaces responsibly in line with the direction from the Province and Medical Officers of Health to ensure everyone's safety.

Municipal facilities

Open to the public

• Halton Hills Public Library, limited access

• Select Cooling Centres (2 locations) are now open during Heat Warnings.

Closed until further notice

• Town Hall
• Robert C. Austin Operations Centre
• Fire stations

Recreational facilities

Closed until further notice

• Acton Lion's Indoor Pool
• Acton Arena and Community Centre
• Mold-Masters Sportsplex
• Gellert Community Centre
• Georgetown Indoor Pool
• Cultural Centre and John Elliott Theatre
  • Collection viewing in Helson Gallery coming soon (July 13)
• Hillsview Active Living Centres (Georgetown and Acton)
  • Reopening with modified programs soon (July 13)
• Halton Hills Youth Centres (Georgetown and Acton)
  • Reopening with modified hours, programs and services (July 13)

 Outdoor spaces

Recreational amenities

The Province of Ontario has issued an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities. As of May 16, per direction from the province, select outdoor spaces have been permitted to open.

Open to the public

• Public Boat Launch including Fairy Lake and Fairy Lake Dock
• Off leash zones including Prospect and Cedarvale Parks
• Baseball Diamonds and Sportsfields (casual use)
  • Skill development (no games or practices) with rental contract, at the following locations only: Trafalgar Sports Park, Gellert Community Park, Georgetown Fairgrounds and Prospect Park.
• Tennis/pickleball courts (casual use)
• Frisbee Disc Golf at Cedarvale Park
• Basketball courts
• Park parking lots
• Splash pads (max occupancy posted at each location)
• Picnic Shelters
• Skate Parks including Three Musketears Getty Multicourt
• Park and outdoor accessible washrooms/portable toilets (open at permitted sportsfield locations and splash pads)
• Limehouse Park & Conservation Area

Closed until further notice

• Playgrounds
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Fairy Lake beach

Public health precautionary requests

• Maintain physical distance of 2m from others
• No groups of more than 10 people or single household (exception of 10 for cemetery interments)
• Casual use only (limited exceptions for rentals, see baseball diamonds and sportsfields above)
• Refer to area specific signage
• Do not remove barriers
• Bring your own hand sanitizers
• Stay close to home

Residents are reminded that parks, trails, cemeteries and community gardens (May 9) have remained open during COVID-19 however outdoor surfaces are NOT sanitized. Use responsibly while maintaining adequate social distancing.

Residents are also asked to keep dogs leashed when visiting our parks and trails, for the protection of both residents and other animals.

Property maintenance

Due to the current pandemic and associated staffing limitations, grass cutting on Town property (parks and other open space areas) will be completed on a 10 day cycle instead of the regular 7 day cycle.  Staff will continue to monitor conditions and may adjust the maintenance program as necessary.

Due to the reduced cutting frequency, you may notice longer than normal grass and increased visibility of dandelions and/or other common weed species. Please only report significant growth of Nuisance Weeds as indicated in Town By-Law 2008-0138 (Note: Dandelions are not classified as a Nuisance Weed).  Some examples of Nuisance Weeds include Ragweed, Thistles (various), Purple Loosestrife, Giant Hogweed and Wild Parsnip.

Sports fields will continue to receive a higher level of turf care including mowing, fertilizing and aerating throughout the season to maintain their condition for future use. 

Your patience and understanding during this challenging time is greatly appreciated.

Cemeteries

In response to COVID-19, the Town is working to ensure cemetery operations continue as an essential service for residents. At this time, cemeteries remain open for private visitation and funerals. Town staff are taking steps to ensure that:

• Interment and sales services are available for those most in need.
• Cemeteries receive continued maintenance.
• Cemeteries remain open for visitation, provided physical distancing and gathering restrictions are followed.
• Staff and residents are protected in a safe environment to ensure health and the continued provision of services.

Residents will be screened prior to arranging any face-to-face consultations with staff and physical distancing will be practiced at all times. Remote meetings will be used where possible. Staff is also coordinating with local funeral homes and cemetery operators to ensure safety measures are being met and residents are protected. Town staff will not serve as pallbearers at this time.

Questions or concerns, contact Operations & Maintenance at 905-873-2600, ext. 2614 or Sales, Records & Administration at 905-873-2600, ext. 2281.

 Town Hall services

Halton Hills Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice.

The following programs/services will continue to operate to support our community.

• Emergency response by Halton Hills Fire
• ActiVan
• Traffic Services
• Bylaw Enforcement (with some exceptions)
• Canine Control
• Cemetery services (by appointment only)
• Building Services and Engineering permits/applications
• Planning and Development
• Delivery of business and economic development support services

For information on how to access any of these services, please see additional information on this website or contact Service Halton Hills. For urgent matters, call Service Halton Hills at 905-873-2600 or 1-877-712-2205 to make an appointment.

ActiVan

Effective July 6, 2020 - ActiVan will be reinstating fares after a 3-month freeze during COVID-19.

• Monday to Friday (7 a.m. - 5 p.m.) = one ticket each way or $3 cash fare each way
• Monday to Friday (5 - 11 p.m.) = one ticket + $1 each way or $4 cash fare each way
• Weekends (7 a.m. - 11 p.m.) = one ticket + $1 each way or $4 cash fare each way

The Town is committed to keeping residents and staff safe during COVID-19 and have made some changes to better protect our riders and drivers.

• Face coverings or non-medical face masks are mandatory for all passengers when on transit.
• Driver barriers and fare boxes are being installed on vehicles.
• Vehicle seats have been sectioned off and passenger capacity has been reduced to ensure physical distancing.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting has been increased.
• Clients calling to book rides will be asked a number of pre-screening questions related to COVID-19.

Purchase tickets for ActiVan

Tickets for ActiVan and taxi scrip programs can be purchased at the following locations:

• Georgetown Lotto inside Georgetown Market Place, 280 Guelph Street, Georgetown.
• By appointment only at Robert C. Austin Operations Centre, 11620 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown. Call 905-702-6435.
  Please note: SPLIT passes also available at this location (by appointment only).

For more information on COVID-19 contact Halton Region at 311 or 1-866-442-5866. For any questions regarding travel on the ActiVan, call 905-702-6435 or visit our ActiVan page.

Permits and applications

Building permits

Due to COVID-19, Town Hall remains closed to the public. The Building Services Division has made service adjustments to issuing permits and performing inspections to reflect the current conditions.

Staff can be reached by phone or email during working hours. Submissions (including any cheques) are to be dropped off at the front of Town Hall in a safe and secure manner. Staff will notify applicants when their permits are ready to be picked up. Please be sure to read the application and permit drop-off/pick-up instructions before visiting Town Hall.

Inspections are available for all permit/construction types and will be scheduled in accordance with our standard practice. Please contact the Inspection Section, at 905-873-2600 ext. 2922, respecting the new inspection procedures and requirements for safety of constructions sites in advance of your inspections.

View a full list of building and engineering services provided during Town Hall's closure.

Planning applications

What you can expect from the Planning & Development Department during this time:

• Staff is available via email and telephone. Meetings can also be arranged via teleconference or conference call, including for pre-consultation.
• During the closure of Town Hall, resubmissions of current applications and submissions of new Planning Act applications will continue to be accepted. Submissions (including any cheques) can be picked up and dropped off at the front of Town Hall in a safe and secure manner. Application drop-off/pick-up instructions should be reviewed prior to drop off/pick up. Applicants are also asked to contact the planner managing the file or the Director of Development Review (contact below) before drop off to ensure seamless receipt.
• Resubmissions and new applications will be circulated to the various Town departments and external agencies for comment per standard practice. Given that many external agencies have adopted work from home measures at this time, the Town will be completing much of these reviews electronically. Please note that most of our submission requirements for hard copy and digital copies remain the same at this time.

If you have any further questions regarding specific applications or our current process, contact your managing planner or the Director of Development Review. All staff can be reached via email and telephone if you have any technical questions. The Town of Halton Hills values their residents and stakeholders and is working to ensure development continues and the community is well served under these unique circumstances. Staff will keep the lines of communication open and work with you to advance matters as best as possible.

Tax relief information

COVID-19 Tax Relief FAQs

Tax relief for businesses and residents

The Government of Ontario has announced that the 2020 Assessment Update has been postponed. This means property taxes for 2021 will be based on the same assessment as 2020 taxes, unless there have been changes to your property. For more information please visit the MPAC website.

In recognition of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Town of Halton Hills will be offering temporary relief for taxpayers by removing all penalties and fees for those who need to defer paying their property taxes. This grace period will begin April 1 and end June 30, 2020.

Residents and businesses should note the following:

• Neither interest nor late fees will be charged for taxes on April 1, 2020, May 1, 2020 or June 1, 2020.
• Taxpayers who sent post-dated cheques to the Town for the April 28 tax instalment can cancel their payment by emailing the Tax Department or by calling 905-873-2600. Deadline to cancel is April 23, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
• Taxpayers with pre-authorized payments scheduled for April 28 and May 27 can also cancel withdrawal by emailing the Tax Department or by calling 905-873-2600 by 4:30 p.m. on April 23, 2020. Pre-authorized payment withdrawals for these dates will be made through the bank as scheduled unless cancelled.
• Due to the short time period between the Town’s approval of tax relief and the March 27, 2020 pre-authorized payment date, payments were withdrawn through the bank as scheduled. If this payment is returned by the bank due to insufficient funds, the Town will not charge any administration fees or penalties.
• Tax payments will continue to be accepted and processed by the Town through the following means:
  • Online through your bank (setting up the Town ad a payee) of through telephone banking
  • Through your credit card (third party service providers: Paytm or Plastiq)
  • Through the drop-box at the front of Town Hall

The Town of Halton Hills will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and re-assess the sufficiency of the temporary change to late payment charges and penalties. The Town will remain alert to opportunities for financial support from other levels of government to assist with operational costs during these difficult times.

Tax repayment options

Tax-payers on a monthly pre-authorized payment plan (PAP) that deferred payments can:

• Continue with the current option of monthly payments from June to Oct.
• Opt for a new payment cycle from June to December, which reduces the monthly payment amount. Email the Tax Department by May 15th to enroll in this option.

Tax-payers on an installment pre-authorized payment plan (PAP) that deferred the April installment can:

• Make payments up to June 30 without incurring penalty.
• Opt for a new payment cycle from June to Dec. Email the Tax Department by May 15th to enroll in this option.

As per usual, tax-payers experiencing financial issues can call the Supervisor of Taxation at 905-873-2601, ext. 2246 to discuss a repayment plan.

Final tax bill

• Will be mailed as per usual in late May.
• Original due dates (June 26, 2020 and September 28, 2020) changed to August 27, 2020 and October 28, 2020, giving taxpayers an additional month to pay.
• Any April installment not paid will appear as arrears on the bill mailed in May and  only the April installment and any prior arrears will generate late payment charges as of July 1st.

Late payments

• Arrear notices will be sent out in May as per usual. Notice will include a message that the late payment charges have been waived; the notice will also include payment options as outlined above.
• Typically, late payment charges are set at 1.25% per month for unpaid taxes on the first day of the month following the tax due date. A further 1.25% will be added on the first day of each subsequent month as long as the taxes remain unpaid.  The calculation of late payment charges is based on simple interest, not compounding interest.  Late payment charges will be lowered to 1.0% from June 30 to December 31, 2020.

Supplemental bills

• The Town receives these from MPAC on a monthly basis beginning in June.
• At this point, the due dates for these taxes will be scheduled for September to December, depending on when the bill is issued.

Tax sales

The Town will cease all progressive action until July 1, 2020 for tax sales in arrears for 3+ years.

Community support

COVID-19 FAQs   List of contacts

Community Support Action Team

The Town has established the Community Support Action Team (CSAT) in an effort to aid our most vulnerable residents during COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to contact Service Halton Hills at 905-873-2600 or email Service Halton Hills and staff will direct their call to the appropriate agency on the support registry. Visit the CSAT webpage for full details and contact information.

Share the care on Let's Talk

Share your experiences and tell us how you’re feeling. If you know of an organization or agency working to support our most vulnerable, spread the message on here and get them the support they need. This is our community. Visit our COVID-19 page on Let's Talk Halton Hills.

Halton Region's services for seniors

View Halton Region's latest Senior Services Newsletter, updated May 7, 2020. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Halton Region at covid-inquiries-seniors@halton.ca.

Hillsview newsletter

If you are a Hillsview member, you’re used to picking up a copy of our newsletter at your local centre. The newsletter provides regular updates about programs and services and with centres temporarily closed; staff have started publishing the newsletter online so you can access it from home.

If you would like to receive the Hillsview newsletter via email, call us! Contact Hillsview Georgetown at 905-877-6444, or Hillsview Acton at 519-853-5951.

HALC Georgetown - Lending Library

If you haven't already, why not check out our "Lending Library" located at the rear of the building by the entrance doors. You can borrow books, puzzles or movies to keep you and your mind active.

There is a bin for all returns which are kept outside for 5 days and then sanitized. Halton Hills Public Library Georgetown branch has also generously donated seeds to our library. Choose from a variety of seeds and plant something new in your garden this year.

Telephone outreach

Volunteers have been completing weekly calls to Hillsview Acton members to chat, check in and see if anyone needs anything. If for some reason you are not receiving a call, contact Michelle at 905-873-2600, ext. 2407. Hillsview Georgetown is also staying connected by offering an open phone line for members to call in if they have questions about programs and services, centre information, or just to chat with a friendly and familiar staff member. Call 905-877-6444 to connect!

Stay in touch

During this period of physical distancing, try one or all of our new programming opportunities.
If you have any questions at all, connect with us!

• Hillsview Acton: Call 905-873-2600, ext. 2407 or email Michelle Durham
• Hillsview Georgetown: Call 905-877-6444 or email Sherry Mitchell

Halton Hills Hydro

Economic support and business recovery

Halton Hills Council passes resolution (May 25, 2020) calling on provincial and federal governments to immediately enact legislation to support the fiscal health and prosperity of the local business community.

Sign up for the Economic Development E-newsletter and be the first to know about business-related support and resources.

We're committed to engaging with and supporting the business community through these extraordinary circumstances. For resource and support updates, visit our COVID-19 Business Support page on Invest Halton Hills.

We're aware of the challenges you're facing as a business and will continue to take proactive, decisive and coordinated actions to support you. View our Economic Development Infographic for more information about our COVID-19 response.

Reopening of retail operations

May 11, 2020 update

This update is provided as a joint communication from the Town of Halton Hills (including some members of the Town’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force), Acton Business Improvement Area (BIA), Georgetown Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce. Read the official town-issued media release.

The following text reflects an agreed upon common understanding for retailers seeking to operate following the Provincial announcement of allowing curbside pick for street entrance businesses.

• It is agreed that the opening of retail stores with a street entrance to provide curbside pickup and delivery applies only to self-contained businesses. That is, businesses that have their own individual entrance and exit, either to a public road or a parking lot.
• Businesses must also have their own washroom facilities for staff.
• Retail businesses located within enclosed shopping malls or plazas without their own entrance and exit access to a public road or parking lot are not permitted to offer curbside pick-up under current regulations.   

Businesses are encouraged to take the time to prepare for reopening in response to the Province laying the groundwork for a safe, measured, and gradual reopening. Since each retailer is unique, businesses are encouraged to work with their legal and financial advisors to review the Retail Recovery Playbook prepared by The Retail Council of Canada and adapt the tools, as appropriate, to best address their specific situation. The Playbook includes a comprehensive Retail Recovery Checklist. Premier Ford has also noted that all businesses must follow safety regulations.

The Town, BIAs and the Chamber of Commerce are relying on the cooperation of the retail sector to implement a safe reopening process.  

We are all in this together. Essential workers continue to keep our community together and the economy going by providing the essential services and products we all need. Treat one another with respect, understanding and kindness. 

Frequently asked questions

1. I am a business that offers services? Can I open?
   Retail is defined as selling merchandise. If you sell merchandise such as clothing, shoes, work boots, books etc. you can open however you must be able to offer your merchandise on-line or through over the phone ordering.  Merchandise can then be delivered or picked up through curbside pick-up.  Outlets that offer services such as beauty salons, nail salons fitness centres, and yoga studios are to remain closed at this time.
2. My business is located within the interior of a mall. Can I offer curbside pick up?
   No. Unless you are a self-contained business with its own entrance/exist to a public road or a parking lot, you cannot offer curbside pickup at this time.
3. I am a business with an entrance/exist to a public road or a parking lot, but have no on-site washroom. Can I open?
   No, washroom facilities must be available on-site within the business unit in order to ensure proper health conditions for employees.
4. My business is located in a plaza. Can I open?
   Yes, provided that you are a self-contained business with its own entrance/exist to a public road or a parking lot and a washroom facility for employees.
5. What type of retail businesses can open?
   Retail stores with a street entrance can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in accordance with the Ministry of Health's Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and occupational health and safety requirements.
6. I meet the criteria as a retail store with a street entrance.  I want to open for curbside pickup but I do not have a wireless payment card reader.  Is there any flexibility if a retailer cannot accept payment without a customer coming into the store?
   In the event that a wireless card reader is not available, a customer may enter a store only for the purposes of paying. To ensure both the customer and staff are well protected you should have a supply of Personal Protective Equipment and sanitary supplies.
7. How do I ensure physical distancing rules are kept when people are picking up their items?
   It’s important to plan ahead on how pickups will happen. Consider whether deliveries will be made directly to a patron’s vehicle or whether they will be collected via walk up pickup. Consider staggering times for pickups, and marking areas.
8. Where can I find information on the Provincial announcement?
   Please read the May 6 announcement regarding Ontario Further Eases Restrictions on Retail Stores and Essential Construction During COVID-19.
9. Where can I get more business-specific COVID-19 information?
   Visit Invest Halton Hills for frequently updated COVID-19 information, supports and tools related to businesses.
10. What are the guidelines that I need to follow?
    Businesses must follow public health measures and should review workplace safety guidelines, such as promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contactless payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with Ontario's health and safety associations, has released over 60 sector-specific health and safety guidelines, including guidelines for curbside pickup and delivery services. Business owners should review the guidelines and consult with local public health officials to ensure they have the information they need to protect workers, customers and the general public as the province prepares for the gradual reopening of the economy.
    
    • Ministry of Health Guidelines for Essential Businesses
    • Sector-specific guidelines

Halton Region Public Health updates

Follow Halton Region Public Health as the definitive source for COVID-19 and all public health information. The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19 is to:

• stay home when ill;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
• wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub; and
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

Halton Region Medical Officer of Health has issued a Class Order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. This Order requires residents with COVID-19 symptoms/diagnosis/close contact to stay home for 14 days and self-isolate. For more information please read the fact sheet.

 Stay informed

Halton Region public health

• Working together in response to COVID-19
• Halton Region Website COVID-19 Page
• Halton Region Twitter feed
  
• Halton Region Facebook page

Town of Halton Hills

• Town Twitter feed
• Town Facebook page
• Subscribe to E-newsletters

Other resources

• Government of Ontario
• Government of Canada
• World Health Organization