COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Halton Region. Follow Halton Region Public Health as the definitive source for COVID-19 and all public health information.
October 9: The Provincial Government announced that social circles will now be ‘paused’. While limits on private and social gatherings continue to be no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, it is recommended to only have close contact with people living in your own household. Residents should maintain two metres physical distancing from others outside of their household.
October 19: The Halton Region Medical Officer of Health has released a letter to the community urging residents to limit close contact to people within their households and limit non-essential activities. The letter also includes new recommendations for higher risk scenarios such as sports, indoor fitness and restaurants/bars.
News Hub
NEW: Public screening protocol |
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The Town has been taking a careful and phased approach to reopening facilities and services. While we establish a new normal, an added layer of health and safety measures is required to ensure the safety of our residents and employees. In an effort to provide ongoing protection, a new COVID-19 screening protocol is in effect and mandatory for all Town facilities. Read the full media release. Screening is required prior to entry and attendance is logged for 30 days in the event that contact tracing is required by Halton Public Health. Verification is required upon entrance where visitors will show the green check mark to a facility ambassador. Screening protocol overview
While it is encouraged that screening be completed before attending the facility, posters will be available on-site containing a QR code, making navigation to the screening website quick and easy. If using an iPhone, simply scan the QR code using your phone's camera. Android users will need to download a QR code reader from their app store. An example of the poster is pictured below:
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Mandatory masks and face coverings |
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Although a mandatory mask policy has been in effect in Halton Region since July 22nd, Ontario recently announced a province-wide mask policy and new restrictions targeting "hotspot areas" (Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel Region). Effective October 3, 2020, masks are mandatory throughout the province in all indoor public areas, on transit, and in workplaces where physical distancing isn’t possible. 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. Be kind, support one another and wear a mask or face covering. Not all medical conditions and reasons are visible, some individuals may be exempt. By-law informationTemporary By-Law No. 2020-0037 requiring masks and face coverings in enclosed public spaces in Halton Hills (passed by Town Council on July 9, 2020) has been repealed in deference to Halton Region By-law No. 47-20. In addition, Halton Regional Council has approved amendments to provide further clarification and requirements to By-law No. 47-20. For more information please visit the resources listed below:
EnforcementThe municipality asks that all persons be kind to one another and assume a ‘benefit of the doubt’ mindset. It is to be assumed that persons not in compliance with the by-law fall into one/more of the stated exemptions. No member of the public shall challenge a person not in adherence to the mandatory mask/face covering by-law. Only those authorized to enforce the subject by-laws have the authority to make enquiries of a person not wearing a mask. If a member of the public wishes to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders, they may contact: Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline at 905-825-4722. Read more about how the Town is working with Halton Regional Police Service. |
Testing locations |
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The Provincial government is partnering with pharmacies to expand access to free COVID-19 testing by appointment only to individuals with no symptoms of COVID-19. Individuals must follow all public health measures when going for a test, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and frequent handwashing. Before booking an appointment, find out if you should be tested for COVID-19. The following locations are available for scheduled testing appointments in Halton Hills. For a list of locations in other cities or regions please visit the Ministry of Ontario's COVID-19 website.
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Mayor's updates |
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Town Hall updates |
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E-newsletters Media Releases Corporate Advertising Town Hall open by appointment only Effective September 8, 2020, Town Hall is open to the public with reduced hours (Tues - Thurs) and by appointment only - read the full media release. Residents that would like to make an appointment are asked to contact Service Halton Hills who will direct them to the appropriate staff. Residents are also encouraged to complete services online if possible. For a full list of available online services, visit our online forms directory. Please note that a mandatory screening protocol is in place for all Town facilities, see public screening protocol section above for more information. Virtual Town HallIn 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. Provincial Offences Act (POA)Notice to the public: 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.
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Closures and service adjustments
Programs and rentals |
RentalsStaff 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. Modified recreation programsView current modified recreation programs |
Facilities |
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In response to stage 3 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 into re-opening facilities based on direction from Region of Halton Public Health, including the detailed implementation of Ontario Regulations for permitted uses and operations, as well as inspections required by health regulations. Visitors to 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. Please be aware of the following:
Municipal facilitiesOpen to the public
Closed until further notice
Recreational facilitiesOpen to the public
Closed until further notice
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Outdoor spaces |
Recreational amenitiesThe 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 health precautionary requests
Residents are reminded that parks, trails, cemeteries and community gardens 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 maintenanceDue 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. CemeteriesIn 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:
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 |
Operating servicesThe following programs/services will continue to operate to support our community.
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 905-873-2601 or 1-877-712-2205 to make an appointment. Well water samples drop offEffective August 17, Halton Region has resumed pick up of well water samples from Town Hall and both Library locations (Georgetown and Acton). Residents can drop off well water samples at a refrigerator placed inside the front doors. Public access to Town Hall remains closed at this time. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when dropping off samples. For more information please visit Halton Region's website. |
ActiVan |
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Effective July 6, 2020 - ActiVan has reinstating fares after a 3-month freeze during COVID-19.
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.
Purchase tickets for ActiVanTickets for ActiVan and taxi scrip programs can be purchased at the following locations:
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 permitsDue 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 applicationsWhat you can expect from the Planning & Development Department during 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. |
Support for residents
Tax relief information |
Property tax relief for businesses and residentsThe 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 financial impact and disruption caused by COVID-19, Town Council implemented a number of measures to provide relief for residents. These measures included:
Residents and businesses should note the following:
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 optionsTax-payers on a monthly pre-authorized payment plan (PAP) that deferred payments can:
Tax-payers on an installment pre-authorized payment plan (PAP) that deferred the April installment can:
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
Late payments
Supplemental bills
Tax salesThe Town will cease all progressive action until July 1, 2020 for tax sales in arrears for 3+ years. |
Community support |
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COVID-19 FAQs List of Contacts Community Support Action TeamThe 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 TalkShare 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. |
50 plus support |
Halton Region's services for seniorsView 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 newsletterIf 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 LibraryIf 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 outreachVolunteers 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 touchDuring this period of physical distancing, try one or all of our new programming opportunities.
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Halton Hills Hydro |
| For more information about Halton Hills Hydro during COVID-19, please read the frequently asked questions. |
Support for businesses
Economic support and business recovery |
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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 also aware of the challenges you're facing as a business and will continue to take proactive, decisive and coordinated actions to support you. Read more about new/modified Town initiatives to support business. In response the the COVID-19 Business Recovery Survey, we've also launched a new 'Shop Local' campaign in partnership with the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Georgetown BIA and Downtown Acton BIA. |
Mandatory masks and your business |
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A more in-depth breakdown of information, terms and resources regarding mandatory masks for business owners/operators can be found on our Invest Halton Hills Mandatory Mask page. Looking for storefront signage?
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General information
Halton Region Public Health updates |
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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:
Halton Region Medical Officer of Health has issued a Class Order (updated October 2, 2020) 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 HealthTown of Halton HillsOther resources |