COVID-19
Contacts
Map this location
T. 705-534-7248 x232
Toll Free 1-800-281-8869
E-mail this person
1110 Highway 26
Midhurst, ON L9X 1N6
Map this location
T. 1-800-263-3199
T. 705-735-6901
E-mail Service Simcoe
16984 Hwy 12, PO Box 820
Midland, Ontario, L4R 4P4
Map this location
T. 705-534-7281
F. 705-534-4470
E-mail Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
COVID-19 Impacts on Municipal Services
This page will be updated with information about any COVID-19 impacts on Tay Township municipal services.
On this page:
- Impacted Municipal Services
- Accessing Muncipal Services
- Township News Items
- Seasonal Residents
- Internet Services
- Tay Township Municipal is CLOSED to the Public
-
Tay Township COVID-19 Precautionary Measures
- Closure of Tay Township Public Library
- County of Simcoe
-
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
-
Information Resources
-
Mental Health Supports
Impacted Municipal Services
Municipal Service |
Impact |
Additional Information |
Applications(including building permit, sewage system and planning applications) |
Tay Township will resume issuing building permits on May 20, 2020. Staff will contact anyone who has already submitted a complete permit application that is now ready for issuance with the details of when and how it can be picked up and paid for. Applications are being accepted online at this time. Email planning@tay.ca to submit a planning application. Email building@tay.ca to submit a building application. Applications may also be dropped off in person. Please contact the building division at 705-534-7248 x220 in advance to schedule a time to do so. |
For zoning certificate application forms see: https://www.tay.ca/en/resident-services/additions-and-renovations.asp For building permit application forms see: https://www.tay.ca/en/resident-services/do-i-need-a-permit.asp
Payments for building permits may be made by cheque, money order or bank draft at this time. Cash and debit cards are currently not being accepted. |
Beaches |
OPEN. |
Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach water testing web page for water advisories that may occur during the beach season. |
Boat Launch |
The Boat Launch in Victoria Harbour is OPEN. | The Victoria Harbour boat launch re-opened on May 21, 2020. Please adhere to physical distancing guidelines while using the boat launch and observe parking regulations in effect around the boat launch. |
By-law Enforcement |
Urgent complaints will be investigated. Other complaints will be deferred until further notice. | Violations of orders made by the Province of Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police for follow up. Common concerns are gatherings of more than 5 people or the operation of non-essential businesses (remote working is permitted). You can report violations online or call 1-888-310-1122. For emergencies call 9-1-1. |
Committees of Council Meetings |
All Council Advisory Committee meetings have been cancelled until further notice. | Notice will be issued when the meetings resume. |
Community Centres & Rentals |
All community centres are CLOSED, recreation programs have been cancelled and facility rentals have been cancelled until further notice. | Notice will be issued when programming and rentals resume. |
Council Meetings(including Committee of All Council and Regular meetings of Council) |
Council and Committee of All Council meetings are proceeding by video and telephone conference. Times and dates may change. See the Council calendar at tay.ca/calendar for the up-to-date meeting schedule. |
See tay.ca/Meetings for information on how to view Council meetings online or listen in by telephone. |
Fire Stations |
Closed to the public. | Fire and emergency services remain fully functional; however, access to the fire stations will not be permitted to members of the public. |
Inspections(including building inspections and sewage system inspections) |
Inspections will be conducted under limited conditions. | Contact the building division at 705-534-7248 x220 or building@tay.ca for advice specific to your situation BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH WORK. |
Library |
All branches of the Tay Township Public Library are currently closed to the public. |
Online Library services remain available at tay.ca/Library. Library staff remain available by phone and email to assist you. Visit the library website at tay.ca/Library for info. |
Municipal Administration Office |
Closed to the public. |
Staff remain available by phone and email to help you. Many of our services are available over the phone or online. Give us a call, we're here to help. Visit our contact page at tay.ca/contact for a list of staff phone numbers or to send us an email. |
Parks, Greenspaces and Trails |
Parks, greenspaces and trails remain open with limited services. Park washrooms are OPEN. Park amenities such as gazebos are OPEN. |
Residents continuing to use municipal parks, greenspaces and trails are required to follow the healthcare guidelines, including physical distancing, proper handwashing, sanitization, etc. |
Planning Public Meetings |
Land Use Planning Public Meetings are proceeding by video and telephone conference. Times and dates may change. See the Council calendar at tay.ca/calendar for the up-to-date meeting schedule. |
See tay.ca/Meetings for information on how to view Council meetings online or listen in by telephone. |
Playgrounds |
Closed for public use until further notice |
Notice will be issued when playgrounds have been reopened for public use. |
Property Tax, Water Bill and Other Payments |
To assist anyone who is not able to make payments at this time, late fees and interest will not be charged until after July 31, 2020 for any bills due after March 16, 2020. |
Check this page for further updates to this policy.
|
Recreation Programs |
All recreation programs are cancelled until further notice. |
Full refunds will be issued to affected users. We expect to process all refunds by April 15, 2020. If you registered online you will receive a refund to the original payment card. If you registered in-person you will receive a refund by cheque, mailed to the address you have supplied. |
Township of Tay Soccer |
The 2020 TOTS (Township of Tay Soccer) Program has been cancelled. |
Full refunds will be issued by May 15 to anyone who had registered children for the 2020 TOTS Program. If you registered online you will receive a refund to the original payment card. If you registered in-person you will receive a refund by cheque, mailed to the address you have supplied. |
Accessing Municipal Services
With the municipal office closed to the public, the following alternative options are in place for select municipal services:
Service |
Alternative Options | Additional Details |
Building and Planning |
Tay Township will resume issuing building permits on May 20, 2020. Staff will contact anyone who has already submitted a complete permit application that is now ready for issuance with the details of when and how it can be picked up and paid for. Applications are being accepted online at this time. Email planning@tay.ca to submit a planning application. Email building@tay.ca to submit a building application. Applications may also be dropped off in person. Please contact the building division at 705-534-7248 x220 in advance to schedule a time to do so. |
For zoning certificate application forms see: https://www.tay.ca/en/resident-services/additions-and-renovations.asp For building permit application forms see: https://www.tay.ca/en/resident-services/do-i-need-a-permit.asp
Payments for building permits may be made by cheque, money order or bank draft at this time. Cash and debit cards are currently not being accepted. |
Council Meetings |
Council meetings will be held via online video conference with the option for the public to view online or listen in by telephone. |
See tay.ca/Meetings for information on how to view Council meetings online or listen in by telephone. |
Dog Tags |
Dog Tags will not be sold at this time. Please call the Canine Enforcement Officer at 705-534-7248 x248 to register your dog and intent to purchase a Dog Tag once the COVID-19 situation has passed. |
The two dog per household limit remains in effect. |
Fire Permits |
For assistance call 705-534-7248 x262. | |
Payments |
|
To assist anyone who is not able to make payments at this time, late fees and interest will not be charged until after July 31, 2020 for any bills due after March 16, 2020. Check this page for further updates to this policy. |
Summer Day Camp |
Full refunds have been issued. If you registered online you will receive a refund to the original payment card. If you registered in-person you will receive a refund by cheque, mailed to the address you have supplied. |
Township News Items
Visit tay.ca/news for the latest news releases from Tay Township and to subscribe to email news updates. You can also follow us on Twitter @TayTownship.
Be sure to check this page at tay.ca/COVID-19 for the latest information about COVID-19 impacts to municipal services.
News & Notes by Mayor Ted Walker & Council
- May 9, 2020 - Click to view.
- April 13, 2020 - Click to view.
Visit tay.ca/subscribe to sign up for our eNewsletters and news items.
COVID-19 Updates by Mayor Walker on RogersTV
- March 27, 2020 - View on YouTube for free.
- March 19, 2020 - View on YouTube for free.
County of Simcoe Business Impact Survey
The COVID-19 Business Survey 1.0 ran from March 19 to April 9 and received 811 responses from area businesses. After analyzing feedback, the County of Simcoe and area partners have developed an action plan that contains numerous initiatives under six categories, including: financial support; business outreach; support and resources; workforce alignment; economic development network collaboration and research; business promotion; and potential broader economic stimulus. The survey results for phase I are now available online and can be viewed at https://edo.simcoe.ca/Shared%20Documents/Phase%20I%20final%20results.pdf.
Your input is valuable, and we appreciate your time in completing the survey. To participate in the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey 2.0, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YVSYPZ2. We want to hear from you so we can further support you during this challenging economic time. The deadline for survey submissions is May 8, 2020.
Seasonal Residents
For most people, staying at your primary residence will be the safest solution with best access to health care resources.
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Avoid heading to your cottage or seasonal residence
- Society of Rural Physicians of Canada - Thinking of Cottaging or Camping during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Think Carefully!
- May 9, 2020 News & Notes by Mayor Ted Walker & Council
Internet Services
Trying to learn or work at home and aren't sure where to turn for rural Internet services? The Township has assembled a list of providers that may be able to get you Internet service in rural Tay. See our Internet Services page for information.
Tay Township Municipal Office is CLOSED to the Public
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation and in response to Public Health Authority requests for everyone to help slow the spread of COVID-19, all Tay Township municipal facilities, including the Municipal Office at 450 Park St, are currently closed to the public.
- Staff are available by telephone and email to help you with your immediate needs.
- Please call us at: 705-534-7248
- Visit our contact page at: tay.ca/Contact
To talk to one of our staff during regular business hours please call us at 705-534-7248. Due to high call volumes you may need to leave a message. We will call you back.
Tay Township COVID-19 Precautionary Measures
Tay Township has taken further measures to separate staff in all departments into at least two groups to ensure that we are in a position to deliver critical services at all times. We have also made arrangements with neighbouring municipalities to share resources if necessary.
Please rest assured that we will continue to provide essential services such as fire and emergency services, water, wastewater and road maintenance services. The health and well-being of our community, both residents and staff is our number one priority. While we pride ourselves on normally providing all of our services reliably every day, we have taken the above measures to limit many of our non-essential or non-time sensitive services in order to ensure that we stay in a position to provide the critical services you rely on. Council and staff thank you for your understanding during this difficult time for all Ontarians.
Closure of Tay Township Public Library
The Tay Township Public Library has closed effective 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2020 and will remain closed for the duration of the public school closure. Visit the Library website for online services and status updates at tay.ca/Library.
County of Simcoe
For information about COVID-19 impacts on County of Simcoe services and facilities, please visit https://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
With the increasing news and concern regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Newmarket-Tay Power recognizes the importance of continuing to serve you reliably, safely and efficiently and is taking extra precautions to keep customers, employees and communities at large safe.
In an effort to minimize the spread of an outbreak, Newmarket-Tay Power will be closing its facilities to the public effective March 16, 2020. Although public access will be restricted, business will continue.
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd. Office Closure Advisory
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd. – http://www.ntpower.ca
Information Resources
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit – http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org
Public Health Ontario – https://ontario.ca/coronavirus
Public Health Canada – https://canada.ca/coronavirus
Telehealth Ontario – 1-866-797-0000
Province of Ontario Newsroom – https://news.ontario.ca/newsroom
Mental Health Supports
- For Ontarians currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options.
- For Ontarians interested in public addictions services and mental health services for those over 18, they can contact ConnexOntario, Ontario's mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line at 1-866-531-2600.
- Children and youth under 18 can locate mental health services through the Ontario.ca and Kids Help Phone websites, or contact Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 support, if they need someone to talk to.
- Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to postsecondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Learn more at www.good2talk.ca.
- To access BounceBack and their guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support, visit bouncebackontario.ca or ask your primary care provider for a referral.
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The MHCC leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. The MHCC has launched a webpage to help you manage your mental health, work from home, and deal with social isolation during COVID-19.
MHCC: Resource Hub for Mental Health and Wellness
With guidance from Dr. Keith Dobson, clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Calgary, the MHCC has compiled a list of tips to help Canadians protect their mental health as they strive to safeguard their physical well-being and that of their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MHCC: Choosing sources of information carefully is critical to COVID-19 mental well-being
COVID-19 Assessment Resources
COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Midland
As of Wednesday, March 25, 2020, a COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open by appointment only in Midland. The centre is located adjacent to the Chigamik Community Health Centre at 845 Unit 3 King St, Midland in the Cedar Room.
GBGH: Midland opens COVID-19 Assessment Centre (EN)
GBGH: Midland opens COVID-19 Assessment Centre (FR)
Ontario Ministry of Health Self-Assessment Tool
If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care.
Assistance Accessing Essential Supplies
211 Ontario
211 Ontario can help you find grocery stores and pharmacies that are open and offering delivery service, as well as programs and services in your community that may be helpful to you during these trying times.
211: Grocery and Pharmaceutical Delivery Options
Financial Support
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more about Canada's Economic Response Plan on their website.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the CERB may provide you with temporary income support. This benefit is being offerred through the Government of Canada. Please visit the CERB website for more information.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Ontario's Support for Families
While schools and child care centres are closed, parents can apply for direct funding from the Government of Ontario to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing. Please visit the Government of Ontario's website (www.ontario.ca/supportforfamilies) for more information.
Government of Ontario: Support for Families
Businesses
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
The County of Simcoe and the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) are pleased to share that local businesses that were unable to access existing federal COVID-19 relief measures can now apply for funding under a new Government of Canada initiative called the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
Contact the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation or view the joint media release for more information.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The spread of COVID-19 poses important challenges to Canadian businesses. With the situation constantly evolving, you need to be prepared for any disruptions. Join BDC experts as they share short-term economic perspectives and advice on how to manage through the crisis.
Webinar: How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business
County of Simcoe Economic Development Office: COVID-19 Business Resources
The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office is working with partners to consistently update COVID-19 business resources. Find a full list of business resources on their website.
Simcoe EDO: COVID-19 Business Resources
Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (EDCNS)
EDCNS has developed a webpage, Business Support 2020, to direct the community to available support measures from all levels of government for both employers and displaced workers. The webpage communicates changing needs, available funding and product development supports.
The EDCNS has created a Manufacturing Business Recovery Fund. The purpose of the fund is to respond to the government call for healthcare products to be developed in response to COVID-19 by providing financial assistance to North Simcoe manufacturers.
EDCNS: Manufacturing Business Recovery Fund
Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce (SGBCC)
Visit the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce's webpage for a list of local businesses that remain open to the public.
Stop the Spread Business Information Line
The Province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the Province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Tourism Simcoe County
Tourism Simcoe County has created a resource webpage for COVID-19. It includes an up-to-date list of the tourism businesses that have pivoted to offer delivery, curbside pick-up or other safe ways to purchase their goods and services, as well as industry resources. Is there something missing from Tourism Simcoe County's webpage? If so, get in touch with Brittany Black at brittany.black@simcoe.ca.
Tourism Simcoe County: Support for Businesses During COVID-19
How You Can Help
Food Banks in Midland, Penetanguishene & Area - Donations
Find a list of local food banks at the link below. The needs at each food bank may vary. Please contact the food bank directly to find out how you can help.
Food Banks in Midland, Penetanguishene & Area
Food Banks Canada - Donations
Providing food to those in need can be difficult at the best of times. With COVID-19, that task just got harder. Yet food banks continue to be leaders in their communities in providing food to those that live with food insecurity. Food Banks Canada is currently accepting donations to support food banks' coronavirus response efforts across Canada. Canadians wishing to help can donate through the Food Banks Canada website.
Donations to Food Banks Canada
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) - Donations
Help GBGH tackle COVID-19 with support for their most urgent critical needs. You will give the hospital the ability to address the changing circumstances and priorities during these challenging times. Visit their website for a list of ways you can help.
Community Engagement
County of Simcoe's Letters to Seniors: Pen Pal Program
The County of Simcoe's Long-Term Care and Seniors Services is launching Letters to Seniors, a Pen Pal Program to encourage school-aged children to write to and connect with residents.
Letters to Seniors: Pen Pal Program
Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay
In response to COVID-19 and current physical distancing measures, the Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay has created an Online Culture Festival to showcase and highlight culture in the Heart of Georgian Bay.
Culture Alliance: Online Culture Festival
Last Updated: June 15, 2020 at 10:14 a.m.
