COVID-19 Resource Page

Following the Province of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen, the Town of Essex will no longer require masks to be worn in Town owned facilities beginning Monday, March 21, 2022. Although COVID-19 restrictions are being eased, some individuals may choose to continue to wear masks based on their comfort level and are welcome to do so. Please be kind and respectful of everyone’s decision.

Passive screening is still required before entering a facility and signage will be posted at all entrances.

Vaccination Information

For the most up-to-date information about local vaccinations, please visit WEVax.ca

Assistance is also available for residents who do not have access to a vehicle. Learn more about the program on the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce website.

Town of Essex Operations

The Town of Essex declared a state of emergency on Sunday, March 22. 2020 at 1:00pm. Council and administration continue to monitor the situation and makes changes to municipal operations as needed. The Town also offers a number of online service options, available by visiting the Online Services page.

The Essex Municipal Office and Building/By-law Enforcement building are open. . The Municipal Office will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, closed from 11:30am to 1:30pm, Monday to Friday. The Building/By-law Enforcement building will be open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, closed from Noon to 1:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Indoor recreation facilities and the walking track at the Essex Centre Sports Complex are also open. Indoor programs, day camps, and aquatic activities are running. Program and registration information can be found online at essexconnect.ca. Indoor facilities, such as community centres, are also be available for rent. All programs and facilities have been modified to meet current restrictions, such as physical distancing requirements.

For guidance on what individuals can do to reduce their risk of contracting the virus, or what to do if they display symptoms, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 resource page. For local updates, please visit Windsor Essex County Health Unit’s Novel Coronavirus page.

Please visit the Government of Ontario's page for a full summary of the Provincial Re-opening Framework.

The list below provides a summary of the changes to operations in a number of categories.

Property Tax and Water/Wastewater Payments

While Town of Essex facilities are open for essential visits, account payments can also be made using the following methods:
- Drop box at Essex Town Hall or Harrow Arena.
- Online using the Virtual City Hall system.
- Online through your banking institution.
Learn more about property tax payments at www.essex.ca/Taxes

Local Businesses and Economic Development

For a summary of current resources available for businesses, please visit our COVID-19 Business Resources page.

Construction & Development Permits

All permit documents can be submitted via email at buildingdept@essex.ca. A drop box is also available for document submission at the Building & By-law Enforcement Office (2610 County Road 12) or Town Hall (33 Talbot Street South, Essex Centre).

Parks & Facilities

All visitors are required to wear a mask and undergo a screening procedure with questions related to COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure to the virus. Current measures at Town facilities are listed below:
- Preventative Measures:
  - Protective Plexiglas screens have been installed at customer service counters.
  - New hand sanitizing stations are available for visitors.
  - The two public washrooms at the front entrance of Town Hall.
  - Increased cleaning and sanitizing is ongoing throughout all Town facilities.
- All Visitors Must:
  - Wear a mask when entering all Town Facilities, while inside and for the duration of the transaction. Visitors must provide their own mask.
  - For Town Hall, follow all directional signage.
  - Sanitize hands when entering our facilities.
  - Only one customer per counter at a time.
- Indoor recreation facilities and the walking track at the Essex Centre Sports Complex are open.
- Indoor facilities, such as community centres, are available for rent.
- Parks, trails, outdoor recreation areas, and sports fields are also open.
Staff continue to operate and conduct required maintenance on infrastructure in the community. Residents are asked to maintain appropriate physical distance from Town employees.

Garbage Collection

Garbage, recycle, and yard waste collection continues. Residents are asked to refrain from assisting in collection. Garbage must be bagged and tied. Loose garbage in pails or untied bags will not be collected due to health and safety concerns. Residents can refer to their printed collection calendars or the downloadable RecycleCoach app for pickup schedules.

Recreation Programs

Indoor programs, day camps, and aquatic activities are running.
Online activities and virtual programs can be found at www.essex.ca/PlaysAtHome or www.essexconnect.ca

Infrastructure Services

Public Works staff continue to operate and conduct required maintenance on infrastructure in the community. Residents are asked to maintain appropriate physical distance from Town employees.