Town of Grimsby

March 22, 2020 Update

Mayor Jordan is urging all residents that have returned home from March Break and/or out of country to self-isolate for 14 days and ask family, friends or neighbours to assist with groceries and supplies. All residents must be vigilant with the public health directions to stop the spread of COVID19 right now.

Limit your activities to essential needs, use physical distancing if you must go out, and use extra caution with frequent touch surfaces when you are outside of your home. 

“I want to thank all of the residents in Grimsby that are doing their part and following the public health directions closely.  Everyone MUST do that right now, so that we have our best chance of flattening the COVID19 curve.  If you have family or neighbours that might need assistance, please reach out to them today.  We need the compassionate spirit that is strong in Grimsby to support our residents who may need assistance.” Says Mayor Jeff Jordan.

For more information on the current public health guidelines visit

https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/default.aspx   

March 23, 2020 - Media Release (Niagara Businesses)

COVID-19 in Niagara - March 23, 2020

As you may have heard, Niagara's Mayors announced a new initiative to support businesses last week, the Economic Rapid Response Team (ERRT). Economic Development offices across Niagara are collaborating to provide assistance to those businesses impacted by COVID-19.

As COVID-19 evolves on a daily basis, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest tools and programs available to support your business. Here are four ways the Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team can help your business through this difficult time:

#1 You can reach out to the Niagara Economic Rapid Response team directly by email to get answers to any questions you may have about how COVID-19 is impacting your business.

#2 You can access the latest information on Federal funding programs, as well as supplier opportunities being promoted by the province and other COVID-19 related programs and resources that are available to support your business by visiting Niagara Economic Rapid Response’s website.

#3 You can share your input on how COVID-19 is impacting your business to by taking a moment to fill out this survey.

#4 You can stay up to date when we release new information about programs and tools available to support your business by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.  

The Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team is here to support you and your business in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Valerie Kuhns
Acting Director
Niagara Economic Development

March 16, 2020 - Media Release

TOWN OF GRIMSBY ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL APRIL 5, 2020

In response to ongoing and evolving updates from Government and Public Health authorities, the Town of Grimsby all Town Administration buildings will be closed to the public, effective immediately. This includes Town Hall, Operations Centre (Clarke St), Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2. These closures are in addition to the previously stated municipal facility closures.

Despite these facility closures, Town staff will continue to assist and serve citizens online and over the phone. Our phones will continue to be answered between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday (905-945-9634), and online service requests will remain available at www.grimsby.ca

We thank all of our residents for their patience and support during these challenging times. The Town of Grimsby will provide updates as they become available. Please visit www.grimsby.ca/covid19 for the latest information on Town facilities, programs and services.

Contact
Harry Schlange
Chief Administrative Officer
905-945-9634

Additional Information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Public Health Ontario
https://www.publichealthontario.ca

Niagara Region Public Health
https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

Government of Canada Travel Advisories
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

March 13, 2020 - Media Release

Town of Grimsby Announces Closure of Town facilities in response to COVID-19

March 13, 2020 – While Niagara Region Public Health has reported the risks surrounding COVID-19 remain low to residents, out of an abundance of caution; the Town of Grimsby will be cancelling all recreational programs and closing community facilities to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Town will continue to collaborate with Niagara Region Public Health and post updates on Town programs and facilities to our website www.grimsby.ca/covid19.

The Town of Grimsby’s Emergency Operations Group continues to meet and assess developments. Please note, the virus is not currently spreading locally in the community.

Effective at the end of the business day today (March 13, 2020), until April 5th the following facilities will be closed to the public:

• Peach King Centre
• Grimsby Art Gallery
• Grimsby Public Library
• Grimsby Museum
• Livingston Activity Centre
• Southward Community Park
• Town (Municipal) programming – Nelles Public School (gymnastics and March break camp)

As a result of these closures, all Town programs – including March break programming and third party events and booking at the above locations have been cancelled. All facility and program related fees will be refunded without penalty.

All other Town programs and services will continue to be delivered.
In addition, the Town is enacting a number of measures to protect the health and safety of our employees and the community.

The Town of Grimsby will provide updates as they become available. Please visit www.grimsby.ca/covid19 for the latest information on Town facilities, programs and services.

Additional Information:
Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Public Health Ontario
https://www.publichealthontario.ca

Niagara Region Public Health
https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

Government of Canada Travel Advisories
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Again, the risk in the Niagara Region remains low. We are working closely with Niagara Region Public Health to monitor the situation and updates will be shared as they become available.

Contact
Harry Schlange
Chief Administrative Officer
905-945-9634

At a special meeting of Grimsby Council on March 25, 2020, Council approved the following financial supports to help Grimsby residents during the COVID-19 outbreak:

•  waive penalty and interest charges on current (2020) taxes that are past due from May 1 until June 30, 2020
•  waive penalty charges on past due water accounts from April 1 until June 30, 2020
•  waive interest charges on past due accounts receivable from April 1 until June 30, 2020
•  waive NSF charges on tax and water payments from April 1 until June 30, 2020
•  the Town will continue to process pre-authorized payments for taxes and water on their regular billing schedule.  Those that wish to be remove from pre-authorized payments should contact the Town.

Ratepayers that are able to continue to pay their property taxes and water bills are strongly encouraged to do so.  This assistance is intended for Grimsby residents who are not able to pay at this time, due to COVID-19 impacts. These rate supports will continue to be reviewed as timelines for COVID-19 become more clear.  For questions please call the Town of Grimsby at 905-945-9634.

PLEASE NOTE: Town staff will continue to assist and serve citizens online and over the phone. Our phones will continue to be answered between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday (905-945-9634), and online service requests will remain available at www.grimsby.ca

Some municipal services will still be made available by appointment.  We would ask that you please contact our staff through phone or email. If an appointment is required our staff would be happy to guide you through our public interaction protocol to determine if we are able to facilitate an in-person meeting at this time.

Effective at the end of the business day March 16, 2020, until April 5, 2020 the following facilities will be closed to the public:

• Town Hall
• Operations Centre (Clarke St)
• Fire Stations 1 and 2

• Peach King Centre
• Grimsby Art Gallery
• Grimsby Public Library
• Grimsby Museum
• Livingston Activity Centre
• Southward Community Centre
• School based municipal programming (March Break Camp and gymnastics)
• Elizabeth Street Pumphouse
• Carnegie Community Centre

As a result of these closures, all Town programs and third party events and booking at the above locations have been cancelled. All facility and program related fees will be refunded without penalty.

• Dog Parks, the Skate Park and all equipment in Town of Grimsby municipal parks are CLOSED.  Parks equipment including playgrounds, swing sets, picnic tables, benches and other amenities are not cleaned or sanitized.  PLEASE do to not use any of the equipment until further notice.  If you are outdoors for a walk please maintain physical distancing, avoid gathering in groups and if you are sick – stay home

We thank you for your patience and your consideration at this time.

For inquiries regarding municipal services - please see the contact us page.