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?

Can Sports Fields be used?

Sports Fields are OPEN at this time for passive use. Training for individual and team sports up to 10 persons is permitted with physical distancing and a valid permit for activities on Town property. 

Those looking to resume Sport activities must contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture department @ 905-945-1288. 

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

What businesses are open and which are closed? 

• For an up to date list on current business restrictions please visit the Government of Ontario's website

When am I required to wear a mask? 

On October 2, the Ontario government mandated face coverings in public places.  For information about those requirements please visit this link: Face coverings and face masks

On Sept. 17, 2020, Niagara Regional Council extended the temporary face covering by-law (By-law 2020-46) to require residents to wear mandatory face coverings in enclosed public places, and on Regional and municipal transit during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This by-law is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in indoor public spaces as more businesses and services begin to reopen.
This link provides further details about the requirements, on the Niagara Region's website:  Further Mask Details

• Limits for all organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained:
  • Outdoor gatherings are permitted for up to 10 persons. 
  • People that live alone may gather with one other family
  • Indoor gatherings are not permitted
• Religious services, rites and ceremonies indoors at 15% capacity and outdoors with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres

For current gathering limitations and information please refer to current restrictions and public health measures.

A recovery team has been established for the Town of Grimsby, to ensure focused attention on the recovery and adaptation plans needed from COVID-19.  The recovery team is focusing on three key areas:   Rework, Respond and Reimagine.

REWORK

Preparing and adapting the work environment to ensure safety, productivity and adaptability to fluctuating work environments, related to COVID-19.

RESPOND

Adjusting corporate plans and customer service approaches such as preparing financial impact reviews, opening up some municipal services safely, exploring ways to interact with the community virtually, and providing safe and functional customer service experiences

REIMAGINE

Renewing, reimagining and adapting community services; preparing for flexible and impactful community engagement, providing support for our community service partners.   

As municipal services resume, additional information will be shared with community members.

Grimsby is currently in Stage 3 of the Ontario Framework for Re-opening.  

While visiting public spaces, everyone must continue to follow Public Health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Continue Frequent Hand washing and hand sanitization

• Maintain 2 m (6 feet) meter physical distancing

• Face coverings are required in public facilities

• Avoiding touching shared surfaces

• Staying home if feeling ill

The health and well being of our community remains top priority to the Town of Grimsby.  As services begin to resume, updates can be found here as to what is currently open. 

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.

NOTE: Currently municipal buildings are CLOSED for most services and appointments.  Staff are happy to assist as best as they are able through phone calls and emails

Please note the following if planning a visit to one of our municipal buildings that are open for public use:

• All facilities require face coverings to be worn at all times (exceptions - sport and strenuous fitness and exceptions as part of the Niagara Region Face Covering Bylaw)
• All patrons are asked to complete self screening prior to arriving at the site.  Please use this Niagara Region Public Health screening tool 
• All patrons will be asked for confirmation of screening upon entering the facility and will be asked to provide contact information for attendance tracing purposes
• Attendance tracing information will be shared with Public Health if requested for purposes of contact tracing.  Please note that any instances of contact tracing related to COVID-19 will be completed by Niagara Region Public Health, not by Town Staff or rental group organizations.
• Facilities are open for specific planned uses only, they are not currently open for general visiting
• Visitors to the Peach King Centre facility are restricted to those that are part of a specific rental, program or activity, or for brief general counter inquiries.  Reduced facility capacity restrictions are in place, and all uses have prescribed entrance and exit times that must be adhered to.
• All public facilities have additional cleaning protocols in place.  Space modifications have been made to ensure physical distancing can be maintained.  Hand sanitizer is available at all sites.   
• Some facilities, including Town Hall, are providing services by appointment only.

COVID-19 Response Framework:  Keeping Ontario Safe and Open

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Niagara Health (Niagara hospitals) 

Public Health Ontario - Dedicated COVID-19 webpage

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