COVID-19 Resource Page

Council & Committees

• The Procedural By-law has been updated to allow for electronic participation and electronic broadcast of Council meetings during local emergencies. Council meetings are now live streamed to the Town's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/EssexOntario. Meeting minutes and agendas continue to be posted on the Council Calendar.

• If you would like to appear electronically at a meeting of Council to speak as a Specific Delegation (on a matter that relates specifically to an item on the Agenda) shall submit a Delegation Request Form no later than 4:30 PM on the Friday immediately preceding the date of the Regular Council Meeting. If you would like to otherwise address Council as a General Delegation, then you must submit the  Delegation Request Form to the Clerk by 2:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the meeting. As always before you request to appear before Council, please consider discussing your concerns firstly with a member of Town staff or your Council Member.

• If you would like to be an electronic attendee and/or delegate at a Committee meeting, please provide your contact information (name, email and phone number) via email to clerks@essex.ca or by phone 519-776-7336 ex 1132 no later than Noon (12:00pm) on the day before the meeting. 

Property Tax and Water/Wastewater Payments

• Penalties and interest for property tax payments have been waived up to and including June 30, 2020.
• Interest charges on all water and wastewater bills have been waived through the period ending June 30, 2020.
• Account payments can still 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

• Residents in the Town of Essex have a handy new tool to find open local businesses and service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Open for Business Map can be accessed online at www.essex.ca/BusinessMap.

Construction & Development Permits

• The Town’s Building Division is now open for construction and development permits. Residents are still asked to limit visits to Town facilities and use electronic means to communicate and submit 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).

By-law Enforcement

• Town of Essex By-law Officers are working with the Ontario Provincial Police to conduct regular patrols to ensure members of the public follow the provincial orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
• During regular business hours, residents with concerns about large groups or non-essential businesses continuing to operate can contact the Town’s By-law Enforcement Team at bylaw@essex.ca or 519-776-7336 ext 1400. Alternatively, residents can contact the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency line at 1-888 310-1122, which is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Parks & Facilities

• Colchester Beach and Harbour are now open, with new safety precautions in place for all users.
• Town Hall (33 Talbot Street South) and the Building & By-law Enforcement Division (2610 County Road 12) are now open to the public. The following safety measures are in place:

  • Preventative Measures:

    • Protective Plexiglas screens have been installed at customer service counters.
    • New hand sanitizing stations are available for visitors.
    • All public washrooms remain closed, including the two public washrooms at the front entrance of Town Hall.
    • Increased cleaning and sanitizing is ongoing throughout all Town facilities.
    • Signs, arrows and floor markings have been put in place to assist visitors in safely navigating buildings.
  • All Visitors Must:
    • Wear a mask when entering Town Hall and Gesto Office locations, while inside and for the duration of the transaction. Visitors must provide their own mask.
    • For Town Hall, only enter from the Talbot Street Council Chamber entrance, utilizing the ramp, and exit only through the Tot Park door.
    • Sanitize hands when entering our facilities.
    • Follow marked lines on the floor when lineups occur to ensure physical distancing is maintained during peak periods.
    • Only one customer per counter at a time.
• All indoor recreation facilities are closed and upcoming facilty rentals have been cancelled.
• Tennis courts, dog parks, parks, and trails are now open. Residents must continue to adhere to physical distancing requirements and group size limitations.
• Groups and individuals may use parks for fitness activities as long as they maintain physical distancing and maintain groups to five or fewer individuals.
• Sports fields remain closed.
• 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

• All in-person recreation programs have been cancelled. Instead, the Town's Culture and Recreation team are sharing stay-at-home activities for all ages. Check out the daily postings and online activities at www.essex.ca/PlaysAtHome
• All indoor recreation facilities are closed and upcoming programs have been cancelled.

Dog Tags

• The increase to dog tag license fees has been extended to June 1, 2020. Residents can still purchase dog tags over the phone by calling 519-776-7336 during regular business hours. Purchased tags will be mailed to dog owners.

 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.