COVID-19

Provincial updates

January 3 update: In response to the Omicron variant, the Ontario government in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen and is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity and social gathering limits. Read the full release on Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released a Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term. This plan includes a Roadmap to Reopen Plan, a three-step plan to safely and gradually lift public health measures based on province-wide vaccination rates and improvements of key public health and health care indicators.

Halton Region Public Health updates

Follow Halton Region Public Health as the definitive source for COVID-19 and all public health information. 

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.

Recent Updates

• January 3, 2022: Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen
• December 2, 2021: Cases of COVID-19 Omicron variant confirmed in Halton
• November 22, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments can now be Booked for Children 5-11
• November 3, 2021: More Halton residents to be eligible for third does of COVID-19 vaccine
• October 19, 2021: Halton's MOH issues instructions for indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities
• September 7, 2021: Halton's MOH issues amended Letter of Instructions to workplaces to keep staff & patrons safe

Proof of Vaccination 

Effective January 4, 2022, the Town will only accept the enhanced vaccination certificate with QR code for entry to recreational facilities. We encourage residents to download the enhanced certificate as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have your proof of vaccination verified. Identification with your name and date of birth along with your proof of vaccination will still be required. Download your enhanced vaccine certificate on the Government of Ontario website.

• What are the proof of vaccination requirements?
• Proof of vaccination FAQs

Where is my receipt?

Beginning October 15, 2021, you can get a new, enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code that businesses/organizations can scan using the Verify Ontario app. While the current non-QR code vaccine receipt will continue to be accepted, we encourage residents to download the enhanced certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have your proof of vaccination verified. You will need to continue to show a piece of identification with your name and date of birth along with your proof of vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccination and testing

Vaccines for residents

Effective November 6, 2021, Halton Region community clinics will no longer be accepting walk-ins, and will be available by appointment only. First and second doses of the vaccine are available to anyone born 2009 or earlier. Third doses are available for eligible residents.

• Learn about who is currently eligible for a third dose (booster shot)
• Find a COVID-19 vaccination clinic

Vaccination sites are hosts only; all operations are managed by Halton Region. Please note the Provincial Government determines where the doses will go, who will receive it and when.

COVID-19 testing locations

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. 

For testing locations for Halton Hills, visit the Halton Healthcare COVID-19 testing webpage.

Public screening protocol

Screening protocol FAQs

The Town has been taking a careful and phased approach to reopening facilities and services. In an effort to provide ongoing protection, a COVID-19 screening protocol is in effect and mandatory for all Town facilities.

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

• Public visitors will be required to answer a short series of screening questions in order to access facilities. Screening can be completed by visiting haltonhills.ca/simpletrack.

• Answers to screening questions will generate a pass/fail response determining eligibility to access the facility.

• A pass response will be accompanied by a green check mark icon which you will show to an on-site staff member prior to entry.

• Please note: public visitors are required to complete screening protocol before accessing all Town facilities visited that day.

• If visiting one facility, screening completion is only required once prior to entry.

• If visiting multiple facilities, screening will need to be completed for each individual facility.

• The screening program will keep an attendance log for 30 days in the event that contact tracing is required by Halton Public Health. After this period, data is automatically deleted. 

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:

Mandatory masks and face coverings

Although a mandatory mask policy has been in effect in Halton Region since July 22, Ontario announced a province-wide mask policy. 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. 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 information

Temporary 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. By-law No. 47-20 has since been extended to December 31, 2021. 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:

• Halton Regional Council approves amendments to Mandatory Mask By-law
• Halton Regional Council adopts mandatory mask by-law
  
• A by-law poster for use in common areas
• Frequently asked questions

Enforcement

The 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.

Read more about how the Town is working with Halton Regional Police Service.

Programs and rentals

The Town continues to take a careful and phased approach to opening facilities and restarting programs and services. Visitors to the facilities are asked to use the spaces responsibly in line with Public Health direction to ensure everyone's safety:

• Rental opportunities and facility amenities may be reduced. This includes limiting capacity as per provincial directives.
• Buffer times may be built in before and after activities to allow for cleaning and disinfection protocols and the safe movement of attendees in and out of the activity spaces and facility.

Rentals

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. Questions regarding registration fees, account status, park permits and closures may contact the Registration Hotline at 905-873-2600, ext. 2275 or email recreation.

Recreation Programs

View current modified recreation programs.

Facilities

Recreational facilities

January 3 update: In response to the Omicron variant, the Ontario government in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen and is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity and social gathering limits. Read the full release on Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

Closed to the public

• Halton Hills Youth Centres 
  • Curbside services available in Acton on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4–6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursday in Georgetown from 4–6 p.m.
• Hillsview Active Living Centres 
• Georgetown Indoor Pool
• Acton Arena and Community Centre
• Acton Lion's Indoor Pool
• Cultural Centre (includes John Elliott Theatre and Helson Gallery)
• Gellert Community Centre (excluding the Vaccination Centre)
• Mold-Masters SportsPlex
• Cedarvale Community Centre

Open to the public

• Halton Hills Public Library - Warming centre as required
• If visiting a warming centre, wear a mask and practice physical distancing

Municipal facilities

Open to the public

• Firehalls (administration desk open for inquiries)
• Town Hall (open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., appointments recommended)

Closed to the public 

• Robert C. Austin Operations Centre
  • Replacement Green and Blue Bins are available by contactless pickup at the main entrance

Outdoor spaces

Recreational amenities

Open to the public

• Green space and natural areas (maintain physical distancing)
• Disc golf (maintain physical distancing)
• Outdoor fitness equipment (maintain physical distancing)
Outdoor skating rinks (weather permitting; maintain physical distancing. Capacity limits posted.)
• Georgetown Fairgrounds
• Prospect Park

• Acton Arena (TBD)

• View additional volunteer maintained rinks
• Park parking lots
• Park washroom/concession buildings or outdoor accessible washrooms in community centres - Limited availability

  • Gellert Community Centre (daytime, closes at 4 p.m.)

• Picnic shelters (limited availability)
• Playground equipment (maintain physical distancing)
• Trails (maintain physical distancing)
• Off leash zones including Prospect and Cedarvale Parks (maintain physical distancing)

Cemeteries

Cemeteries remain open with a 50% capacity limit for indoor services with masks and physical distancing maintained. Staff are experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of interments due to the pandemic; we appreciate the public’s patience at this time. Questions or concerns can be forwarded to Karen Penwarden, Cemetery Sales Coordinator. Call 905-873-2600, ext. 2281 or email Karen Penwarden.

Town Hall services

E-newsletters  Media Releases  Corporate Advertising

Town Hall’s customer service desk is open to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Marriage licences are by appointment only. 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 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.

Operating services

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 (at 50% capacity for indoor servicers; wear masks and maintain physical distancing)
• Building Services and Engineering permits/applications
• Planning and Development
• Delivery of business and economic development support services
• Well water samples drop off (see below)

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.

Well water samples drop off

Effective 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

ActiVan continues to operate at standard times:

• 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 have been 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 will be asked a number of pre-screening questions related to COVID-19 at the time of boarding.

Purchase tickets for ActiVan

For information on where to purchase tickets or questions regarding travel on ActiVan, call 905-702-6435 or visit our ActiVan page.

For more information on COVID-19 contact Halton Region at 311 or 1-866-442-5866.

Permits and applications

Building permits

Town Hall is currently open to public by appointment only and on modified hours. 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 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 information

2021 COVID-19 Tax Deferral

The Town has introduced a one-time extension for pre-authorized property tax payment plans. Spreading tax payments over seven months (June to December) is now an option available to Halton Hills residents and businesses demonstrating financial hardship due to COVID-19. Read the full tax deferral media release and learn more about the 2021 Covid-19 Tax Deferral.

Property 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.

Residents and businesses should note the following:

• 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

Supplemental bills

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

Tax sales

The Town commenced the Tax Sale process in November for properties in arrears for 3+ years.

Community support

COVID-19 FAQs   List of Contacts

School Age Emergency Child Care

In response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant and to protect hospital capacity, Halton Region is working with local child care operators to offer emergency licensed child care to eligible parents. This targeted emergency child care program will support the parents of school-aged children who may not be able to accommodate their child's learning/care at home during periods where elementary schools are operating virtually and is offered at no cost to parents. Visit Halton Region's Child Care Subsidy webpage to learn more.

Community Support

The Town of Halton Hills works closely with Halton Region and local agencies to support residents to access resources including; food security aid, mental health help, homelessness assistance, youth services, active living and community safety. Visit the Community Support 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 Hills Hydro

COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program

In partnership with the Town of Halton Hills, the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative on June 3, 2021. Through this initiative, the Chamber will be distributing free COVID-19 rapid test kits for Halton Hills businesses with 150 employees or less.

Interested businesses can visit Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce for more information and to schedule an appointment for pick-up at Mold-Masters SportsPlex Arena at 221 Guelph Street, Georgetown.

Economic support and business recovery

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.

The Town of Halton Hills has also implemented Al Fresco in the Hills to support restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, opportunities for additional dining space to help reduce revenue losses caused by necessary compliance with COVID-19 regulations.

Digital Service Squad staff are also available to assist small businesses with enhancing their online digital presence and setting up e-commerce capabilities through the Digital Main Street program until the end of February, 2022. Visit the Digital Main Street webpage on Invest Halton Hills for more information.

Sign up for the Economic Development E-newsletter for business-related news, support and resources.

Mandatory masks and your business

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?

• Sample policy for businesses
• General policy poster for businesses
• Exemption policy poster for businesses

Mayor's Updates

Mayor's Messages

• Halton Region Stage 3, a Letter to the Premier - July 14, 2020
• 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

Halton Region Public Health

• 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