Town of Grimsby

Declaring an emergency together with the Niagara Region and other local municipalities underscores the critical nature of the COVID-19 situation. It further demonstrates that the Town and the Region are taking every step possible to protect residents from the Coronavirus threat. The declaration is also another way of conveying the severity of the situation to those in our communities who are ignoring the rules and regulations related to the COVID-19 emergency. 

Is there anything I should do differently during a State of Emergency?

Are Grimsby's Parks open?

All of Grimsby's parks, including the Skate Park, are currently open, however many amenities remain closed. See the questions below for further details. 

Effective May 19th 2020, the following park amenities are open with the condition that individuals using these amenities, except for members of the same household, are required to maintain a physical distance of at last two meters.

• Outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields (including baseball diamonds and soccer fields)
• Outdoor Basketball Courts
• The Skate Park 
• Off Leash Dog Areas
• Outdoor picnic sites, benches, and shelters in park and recreation areas

The following outdoor amenities remain closed:

• Playgrounds, play structures and equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Splash Pad

Can newly opened amenities be used to play Sports?

Individuals may use outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields for non-team sports such as walking, running, kicking a ball, etc. providing individuals who use them are physical distancing unless they are members of the same household. 

Individuals are not permitted to play team sports, such as soccer or baseball, even on fields intended for that purpose, unless they are members of the same household. 

What can I do in a Grimsby Park during COVID-19?

• No. There are no gatherings of five or more people, unless your household is more than five people.
• Right now, it's more important than ever to stay home unless for an essential outing like the grocery store or pharmacy
• This means, even if you maintain 6 feet:
  • no gatherings for bonfires
  • no faith-based holiday extended family/friends meals (Easter, Passover)
  • no happy hours or front porch get-togethers
  • no backyard parties
  • no driveway parties
  • no team street hockey

What businesses are open and which are closed? 

• A full list of other essential business that may open can be found on the Government of Ontario's website

How do I report a large gathering or use of closed facilities?

• For Grimsby non-compliance of parks, gatherings and similar concerns – please call Town Hall during works hours, submit an online bylaw complaint form, or call the emergency operations line after hours at 905-945-9201.  If the matter is more urgent or other attempts are unsuccessful call the Niagara Region Police COVID-19 Enforcement support line @ 1-866-389-7638.  Do not call 9-1-1

Am I able to take waste to the landfill?

Please see the Niagara Region's Temporary Waste Collection Changes due to COVID-19 page for up to date information on landfills and waste collection.  

Have changes be made to waste collection?

Waste collection schedules remain unchanged due to COVID-19, however there may be additional delays at this time.  Leaf and yard collections may also be delayed.  Effective Monday, May 11, the temporary curbside leaf and yard waste limit has increased from three to five bags. Please bag and tie all waste for the protection of the staff.  For further details please visit the Niagara Regions Waste Collection web page.

Can I have a fire in my backyard?

Grimsby’s burn by-law prohibits recreational fires within the urban boundaries. Help our firefighters stay safe by reducing these unnecessary call responses and limiting our physical contact – please stop having any backyard fire. Visit our Fire Prevention and Education page for more information. 

Can I fish from shore in Town Parks? 

The parks and beaches are open for ‘walk through’ only, and we are asking that there be no gathering, lingering or recreating of other kinds in our parks. While fishing may be permitted at the Ministry level, these activities lead to longer visits in parks and potential gathering, so we are asking that those activities not occur in our parks at this time.

 April 9th 2020

A video message from Mayor Jeff Jordan

April 7 2020

Grimsby residents may receive a phone call with a pre-recorded message from Mayor Jeff Jordan. The call is for information and awareness purposes.

April 3 2020 

On April 3, 2020, the Town of Grimsby joined with the Niagara Region and municipalities across the Region, to declare a state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The declaration underscores the call to action for all Grimsby residents to carefully follow the public health directives.  Stay home Niagara so we can keep everyone safe.  For more information please see the full media release.  

A message from Mayor Jeff Jordan

Mayor Jeff Jordan has released a video message for Grimsby residents. 

“The Town of Grimsby is working continuously with our community partners as we work through the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.  Every citizen in our community needs to do their part, and follow the public health directives.  I know how strong Grimsby’s community spirit is, and we need that compassionate and resilient spirit right now to get us through these challenging times.”

April 1 2020 Update

As part of ongoing measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Grimsby has made the decision that all municipal facilities will remain closed until further notice.  The Town’s Emergency Management Team will continually monitor the situation and they are working with local partners and agencies with respect to future timelines for public use and access of facilities.

All spring programming will be cancelled and credits will be placed on customer accounts through the online payment system.  Refunds will be processed upon request.  All facility rental agreements will be cancelled through until mid May, and further timelines for rental agreements will be reviewed at the end of April.  Summer Camp registration is open, however no fee is being collected until timelines for facilities and programs are better understood.  All other summer registrations are being postponed. 

In acknowledgement of the announcement made today by the Premier’s office, all parks equipment including playgrounds, pavilions, sports fields, dog parks and basketball/hard courts, tennis courts and outdoor rinks are CLOSED.  All residents must stay off of parks equipment and gatherings in outdoor spaces is prohibited. 

For residents who are out enjoying a walk, please maintain physical distancing of 6 ft. at all times and do not gather in common areas.  If you are sick or if you have recently travelled outside of Canada, please stay home. 

The Town of Grimsby thanks thank everyone for their patience and consideration at this time.  We must all work together right now to keep our community members and to flatten the curve of COVID-19.

Town staff will continue to respond to resident phone calls and emails. Please visit www.grimsby.ca/covid19 for the latest information on municipal service disruptions and for information on the Town of Grimsby’s response to COVID-19.

• For resident concerns regarding non-compliance related to businesses or gatherings during COVID-19 - please call Town Hall at 905-945-9634.  For after hour matters that are urgent please call the After Hours call line at 905-945-9201

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 COVID-19 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

Grimsby Council has 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 September 30, 2020
•  waive penalty charges on past due water accounts from April 1 until September 30, 2020
•  waive interest charges on past due accounts receivable from April 1 until September 30, 2020
•  waive NSF charges on tax and water payments from April 1 until September 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.

Until further notice 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.

Phase One Reopening

Effective May 19th 2020, the following park amenities are open with the condition that individuals using these amenities, except for members of the same household, are required to maintain a physical distance of at last two meters.

• Outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields (including baseball diamonds and soccer fields)
• Outdoor Basketball Courts
• The Skate Park 
• Off Leash Dog Areas
• Outdoor picnic sites, benches, and shelters in park and recreation areas

The following outdoor amenities remain closed:

• Playgrounds, play structures and equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Splash Pads

Playing Sports on Park Amenities

Individuals may use outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields for non-team sports such as walking, running, kicking a ball, etc. providing individuals who use them are physical distancing unless they are members of the same household. 

Individuals are not permitted to play team sports, such as soccer or baseball, even on fields intended for that purpose, unless they are members of the same household. 

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

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

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Niagara Health (Niagara hospitals) 

Public Health Ontario - Dedicated COVID-19 webpage

Public Health Ontario

Public Health Agency of Canada

Government of Canada - Travel Advisories

Niagara Region Community and Social Services

Government of Canada - Employment Insurance and Leave 

Government of Canada - Economic Response Plan