Mayor Margaret Quirk has issued a declaration of emergency in response to COVID-19 in the Town of Georgina.
The Town of Georgina is working closely with York Region Public Health and N6 municipal counterparts monitoring the global situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community challenge to support Georgina Food Pantry: The Keswick Lions Club is donating $2,000 to the Georgina Food Pantry and is calling on all other service clubs to do the same. To support the food bank, the Town of Georgina is issuing a challenge by calling on all community groups, corporations, businesses and individuals to give, if they are able, during this challenging time. Online donations received by April 13 by the Georgina Food Pantry will be matched by the Town of Georgina up to a total of $25,000. Visit georginafoodpantry.com/donate to make a donation.
The Town has taken precautionary measures regarding facilities, programs and services.
Civic Centre: Closed to the public until further notice. Residents can contact customer service at 905-476-4301 or by email at info@georgina.ca, and make payments through online banking.
Property taxes and water/sewer bills: Council previously provided a 30-day waive of penalty and interest associated with the April 27 instalment of the interim tax bill. The Mayor and CAO have now decided to extend this to 90 days. There will be no penalty added in May, June or July for an unpaid April 27 instalment. Residents who have an outstanding amount before April 27 will still incur penalty and interest on those amounts. As well, 2019 water/wastewater rates will remain in place for the duration of 2020. The Town encourages everyone who is able to pay their property taxes on time to continue to do so, as this will allow the municipality to provide relief programs to those in need.
Short-term rental accommodations: By provincial order, every person who provides short-term rentals in rental accommodations shall ensure that any rentals booked after April 4, 2020 are only provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period. In the Town of Georgina, Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA) require a licence that is issued by the Town. Licensed STRAs are allowed to operate under the conditions of the provincial order. Report violations of the provincial order and unlicensed STRAs to the Municipal Law Enforcement Division by calling 905-476-4301, ext. 2272 or 2279. After hours and on weekends, call ext. 2281. If your call is not answered, leave a detailed message.
Recreation and culture programs cancelled: The Town has cancelled all spring recreation and culture programs. Those impacted by cancelled programs and third-party rentals will be contacted directly. The Town will fully refund all user fees charged. All memberships have been put on hold and the length of the membership will be extended.
Recreation at Home: The Town's Recreation and Culture Department is here for you. Are you looking for something fun to keep you and your family engaged while at home? Visit georgina.ca/RecreationAtHome for activities such as games, craft ideas and more. New content will be added regularly.
Town parks: All Town of Georgina parks are closed to the public. This includes the dog park, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, skateboard parks, trails and sports fields. Town boat launches and fishing areas within Town parks are also closed. See someone violating Town closures? Let us know. All Town parks are closed to the public. Georgina by-law officers can issue fines starting at $750 for violation of the provincial orders during COVID-19. If you see non-compliance, call the Municipal Law Enforcement Division at 905-476-4301, ext. 2279 or 2272. For after hours and weekends, call ext. 2281. If your call goes to voicemail, leave a detailed message including the date, time and location of the violation, and an officer will investigate.
Garbage and recycling: Will continue to be picked up as per regular schedule. The Town has waived the requirement for bag tags until further notice. The bag limit of five bags/items remains in place. GFL will pick up bulky items such as a mattress. Used tissues, latex gloves and masks go in the garbage lined with a plastic bag. They do not go in recycling. If you have questions, contact customer service at 905-476-4301 or GFL at 1-866-421-5625. For more about waste and recycling, download the free Recycle Coach app or visit georgina.ca/WasteandRecycling.
The Link, Georgina Public Library, Stephen Leacock Theatre, Georgina Leisure Pool, Georgina Gym, Sutton Arena, Georgina Ice Palace and Club 55 locations: Closed until further notice.
Council meetings: Council meetings will resume once the Civic Centre is reopened to the public.
Committee meetings: Cancelled until further notice.
Building services: The Building Division can accommodate most building permit and pool enclosure permit needs at building@georgina.ca or 905-476-4301. If you are unable to reach someone in person, we will make every attempt to contact you within three hours. Visit georgina.ca/building to learn more.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services: The Fire Services administrative building at 165 The Queensway South is closed to the public. Open-air and agricultural burn permits will not be issued at this time.
Parking: Overnight parking enforcement and the three-hour time limit on all streets have been suspended but will be in place if there is a snow event. Daytime parking enforcement is still active.
Noise By-law: The Town’s Noise By-law currently meets the requirement to allow all service or delivery trucks, who are providing essential services to continue with their business outside of current daytime hours. This will ensure all essential services and stores will be stocked for our community.
Georgina Animal Shelter: Closed to the public. Staff are on site to provide animal care. The shelter is not accepting any donations. Visit georgina.ca/AnimalServices for more.
Human Resources: The health and well-being of Town of Georgina employees, residents and job applicants is our top priority. In response to COVID-19, the Town will not be conducting any in-person interviews at this time. We will be suspending all new postings until further notice.
As this matter is continually evolving, residents are encouraged to follow the Town’s communications channels, including this webpage and social media, for updates (Facebook and Twitter).
All inquiries related to COVID-19 should be directed to York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on COVID-19, visit York Region Public Health’s website at york.ca/covid19 or the Province of Ontario’s website at ontario.ca/coronavirus.
