Below is a summary of the changes to Town of Essex operations and facilties due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town of Essex declared a state of emergency on Sunday, March 22 at 1:00pm. Council and administration continue to monitor the situation and makes changes to municipal operations as needed. While all facilities to the public are closed, the Town also offers a number of online service options, available by visiting the Online Services page.
The Town continues to urge residents to limit all non-essential trips and travel, avoid gatherings, and maintain thorough environmental and personal cleaning practices. 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.
The list below provides a summary of the changes to operations in a number of categories.
Council & Committees
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- 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.
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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.
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Property Tax and Water/Wastewater Payments
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- Penalties and interest for property tax payments have been waived up to and including September 30, 2020.
- Interest charges on all water and wastewater bills have been waived through the period ending September 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
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Local Businesses and Economic Development
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Construction & Development Permits
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- 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).
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By-law Enforcement
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- 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.
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Parks & Facilities
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- Colchester Beach and Harbour are now open, with new safety precautions in place for all users.
- Splash pads are now open. All users are asked to maintain physical distancing while enjoying local splash pads.
- 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:
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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.
- Indoor recreation facilities, besides the Essex Recreation Complex, 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.
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Garbage Collection
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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.
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Recreation Programs
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Dog Tags
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- 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.
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Infrastructure Services
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- 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.
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