| Vaccine Information |
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Vaccination Clinics:
For the most up to date information and details on how to book an appointment visit: https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/covid-19-vaccine-appointments.asp
For information about the COVID-19 Vaccine roll-out locally:
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Website - Vaccines
For information about the COVID-19 Vaccine, including frequently asked questions regarding vaccines:
- Parry Sound Family Health Team information page
- North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Website - Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
For information on the Province of Ontario's vaccine distribution implementation plan:
- Provincial vaccine distribution website
Additional information will be added as it becomes available. |
Current Control Area, Shut Downs and Orders
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July 9, 2021 - The Ontario Government announced that Ontario will move to Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen on Friday July 16, 2021. See the press release and roadmap webpage for additional information.
Past announcements:
June 24, 2021 - The Ontario Government announces that Ontario will move to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 30, 2021. See the press release and roadmap webpage for additional information.
June 7, 2021 - The Ontario Government announces that Ontario will move to Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 11, 2021. See the press release and roadmap webpage for additional information.
May 20, 2021 - The Ontario Government releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province and effective May 22, 2021 some outdoor recreational amenities re-open. See the press release and roadmap webpage for additional information.
May 13, 2021 - The Ontario Government has extended the Provincial State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home order until June 2, 2021. See the press release for additional information.
April 16, 2021 - The Ontario Government has extended the Provincial State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home order for 2 additional weeks and have imposed additional restrictions. See the press release or see list of restrictions.
April 7, 2021 - Effective Thursday April 8, 2021, at 12:01am, The Ontario government is imposing a Provincial State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home order.
For details on the State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order, see the press release.
April 1, 2021 - Effective Saturday April 3, 2021, at 12:01am, The Ontario government is imposing a provincewide emergency brake shutdown.
For details on the emergency break shutdown, see the press release and provincial webpage.
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Remote Learning & In Person Learning
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For specific plans regarding in person or remote learning visit the school board websites:
Conseil scolaire public du Nord Est de l'Ontario
Near North District School Board
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board
A head of the fall 2020 re-opening the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit released a guide for parents and guardians to assist in preparing their children for a safer return to school.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19SchoolsGuide
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| Mandatory Face Coverings |
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The Province of Ontario has mandated the use of face coverings Province wide, please refer to their website for information.
Effective Friday July 24, 2020 face coverings were required in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, including the Town of Parry Sound when in an enclosed public space. www.myhealthunit.ca/facecoverings
By-law #2020 - 7057 requiring mandatory face coverings in the Town of Parry Sound was repealed with the implementation of the Health Unit mandate.
| Non-Medical Face Covering Resources |
Information on the proper use of Non-Medical Face Coverings are available from:
Remember, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must also wash your hands often, practise physical distancing and stay home if you are sick.
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| Municipal Services |
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Municipal Facility Open for In-Person Services
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In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound has implementing the following precautionary measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by implementing closures to public access for the protection of our staff, residents and our community by limiting exposure to others.
If you have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days, are feeling unwell, or anyone you have close contact with is feeling unwell, please refrain from visiting municipal facilities.
| Municipal Office - 52 Seguin Street - Open |
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The Town of Parry Sound Municipal Office is open to the public with controlled access. Visitors will access the main reception area using an intercom and/or buzzer system. This controlled access will ensure compliance with capacity limits to ensure physical distancing is maintained. It is recommended that members of the public book an appointment with staff to ensure an appropriate meeting space is available. When arriving at the Municipal Office, members of the public should be prepared for a brief wait outside.
Payment Options
Short, transactional services such as tax and utility payments can be made without an appointment at the main reception area.
Non-contact payment options for property taxes and water accounts are available through online banking, at financial institutions or cheques can be deposited into the relocated drop box, located at the main entrance adjacent to the parking lot.
How to reach Municipal Office staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone and emails. Should an in-person meeting be required with a staff member, meetings will be by appointment only and screening will be required. Please call the office at (705) 746-2101 to speak to staff.
Please see the 'Building and Planning Services' tab for information about making applications and inspections during the closure. |
| Provincial Offences Office - 52 Seguin Street - Open |
| The Provincial Offences Office is open to the public with controlled access. Visitors will access the Provincial Offenses Office using an intercom and/or buzzer system. This controlled access will ensure compliance with capacity limits to ensure physical distancing is maintained. When arriving at the Municipal Office, members of the public should be prepared for a brief wait outside.
Payment Options
Payment of Provincial Offences fines can be made by phone (705) 746-2553, by mail or online at www.paytickets.ca.
Cheques can be deposited in the relocated drop box, located at the main entrance adjacent to the parking lot.
How to reach POA staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone by calling (705) 746-2553.
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| Fire Hall - 4 Church Street- Open |
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The Fire Hall is open to the public with controlled access. Visitors will access the main reception area using a buzzer system. This controlled access will ensure compliance with capacity limits to ensure physical distancing is maintained. It is recommended that members of the public book an appointment with staff to ensure an appropriate meeting space is available. When arriving at the Fire Hall, members of the public should be prepared for a brief wait outside.
Additional ways to reach Fire Hall & Bylaw staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone and emails. Should an in-person meeting be required with a staff member, meetings will be by appointment only and screening will be required.
Fire hall staff can be reached at (705) 746-2262. Bylaw staff can be reached at (705) 746-2413.
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| Parks - Outdoor Recreational Amenities |
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How do we stay safe while using outdoor recreational amenities?
Everyone using these outdoor recreational amenities is required to physically distance from anyone who is not in their household. This means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people. If you arrive at a park, for example that is crowded, you should wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time.
Users of the Town of Parry Sound’s parks system are reminded that these areas are available for use at your own risk and are not regularly sanitized. An inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases including COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.
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| Waubuno Beach & Centennial Beach |
| Anyone using outdoor recreational amenities are required to continue physical distancing from anyone who is not in their household or group as permitted by the Province. |
| Fitness Trail & Rugged Trail |
| The Fitness Trail and Rugged Trails are open. Individuals utilizing the trail, except for members of the same household or gatherings as permitted by the Province are asked to maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) apart and to travel through and not congregate on the trail. |
| Public Boat Launches - Mill Lake, Waubuno Beach, Champaign Street, Salt Dock Road |
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Our four public boat launches have re-opened for the summer season.
- Champaigne Street boat launch, public and commercial launches - Open
- Waubuno Beach boat launch - Open
- Mill Lake boat launch - Open
- Salt Dock boat launch - Open
If you need to go out on the water remember you must continue to physically distance.
1. Maintain a safe distance while loading or fueling the boat.
2. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly and after touching surfaces such as a fuel pump.
3. Pack what you need and be prepared for emergencies on the water.
Do your part to avoid injury and prevent the need for emergency service response.
If there is a need to go out on the water, take extra precautions including:
1. Be weather aware, check before you leave and watch for changes while on the water.
2. Check operation of navigation lights.
3. Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
4. Carry a VHF Radio, GPS, and Marine Charts.
5. Life jackets should be worn, the water is cold.
6. Monitor fuel consumption and remaining range - Use the “Three-Thirds Rule” (one-third outbound,
one-third inbound, one-third reserve).
7. Monitor VHF radio Channel 16 for emergency traffic - Be prepared to lend assistance if you are the nearest vessel.
8. Know the waters you are navigating - Refer to local charts and stay within marked channels.
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| Bobby Orr Community Centre |
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For information regarding the re-opening and COVID-19 precautions in place please see:
Bobby Orr Community Centre
Ice Surface
Hall and meeting rooms
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| Charles W. Stockey Centre, Bobby Orr Hall of Fame & Information Centre |
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The Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop re-opened to the public on July 2nd, 2021. Operating Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.
Visit www.stockeycentre.com/events/safety-guidelines for further information and protocols in place.
For information regarding programming, visit the Stockey Centre’s website.
The Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Gift Shop is open for online shopping from the Hall of Fame website.
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| Waste Transfer Station - Macfarlane Street |
The transfer station remains open to the public.
Please follow all directions given by the attendant. Please anticipate longer wait times and wait at the gate until directed to proceed and be patient. Only 1 vehicle will be permitted to dispose of waste at a time. Please continue to practice physical distancing while at the Transfer Station.
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| Curbside Waste Collection |
| Curbside Waste Collection continues as normal. Pick-up dates and bag limits remain the same. It is suggested to reduce the amount of air-borne garbage that you ensure bags are tied securely. Please ensure recycling bins are not overflowing to limit air borne recyclables to protect the health & safety of the collector. |
| Public Washrooms - Reduced hours |
| The public washrooms at the corner of Seguin Street and Gibson Street remain open, however to ensure cleanliness of the facility the hours of operation have been reduced to 9am - 4pm daily. |
| Hillcrest Cemetery & Sylvan Acres Cemetery |
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Interments are now being scheduled in accordance with the regulations of the Provincial Government and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Please contact the cemetery administrator to make arrangements for a date and time.
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario in following guidelines implemented at Provincial Stage 3 has determined that outdoor funeral services may operate under these requirements as of July 16, 2021:
- No capacity limits, except for physical distancing requirement.
- All attendees and staff must adhere to local public health unit restrictions.
- Cemeteries can restrict access as they deem necessary. For capacity limits please contact the cemetery administrator.
Cemetery staff will NOT interact with persons at the grave site and within the cemetery. All inquiries are to be directed to the cemetery administrator at the office.
Specific information on interments can be found on the Interments page.
All those accessing the cemeteries during this time MUST practice physical distancing, wear a mask or face covering, and follow proper health and safety advice. Any inquiries should be directed to the cemetery administrator at the municipal office.
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| Parry Sound Public Library - 29 Mary Street |
Please visit the Library website for details of available services including curbside pick-up.
www.parrysoundlibrary.com |
| The Museum on Tower Hill - 17 George Street |
Please visit the Museum website for information regarding closure/re-opening.
www.museumontowerhill.com |
| Other Municipal Buildings - Closed to public access |
| The remaining municipal buildings remain closed to public access, as per regular protocols. |
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| Meeting and Event Cancellations |
| Provincial Offences Act Court |
Provincial Offences Act court has resumed with electronic court hearings.
How to reach POA staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone by calling (705) 746-2553. |
| Council Meetings |
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Council Meetings are being held electronically via Zoom Videoconferencing for the safety of our community, Council and staff.
Agenda's and minutes are available through the Council Calendar. Meetings are available for viewing through live streaming or through our Youtube channel following the meeting.
For further information about participation in electronic meetings contact the Clerk, Rebecca Johnson.
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| Messages from Mayor Jamie McGarvey |
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March 25, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding COVID-19
April 1, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding Transfer Station Temporary Service Changes
April 2, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding supporting your local businesses as they adjust to COVID-19
April 10, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding waiting to visit the cottage
April 13, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding Tax, Water and Sewer billing interest relief
April 15, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding continuing physical distancing
April 17, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Thank you to our essential workers and volunteers
April 21, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Keep doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19
May 15, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Boat Launches and Transfer Station update
November 11, 2020 - A Remembrance Day message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey
December 17, 2020 - A Holiday message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey
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| Penalty and Interest Relief – Municipal Taxes, Water and Sewer Billing |
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In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound implemented temporary relief for penalty and interest for taxes and water and sewer billing.
This program was offered in 2020 and is no longer available.
Payment options for property taxes and water accounts during the temporary closure to the public are available through online banking, at financial institutions or cheques can be deposited into the relocated drop box, located at the main entrance adjacent to the parking lot.
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| Building & Planning Services |
| Building Services |
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Application Submission:
During this time, we ask that all submissions be submitted by email, or hard copies by mail or by dropping an envelope in the drop box at 52 Seguin Street. If the application has large paper plans which won’t fit in a normal mail slot, please email to arrange a drop off appointment.
Fees are required to be paid by cheque or etransfer (no cash payments).
Code Related Inquiries:
Building code and fee related inquires can be made by email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 234.
Inspection requests:
Permit holders can request an inspection by email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 234.
A questionnaire will be required ahead of booking inspections.
An inspector may refuse to make an inspection, for their own health and safety, if persons on the job site are not practicing physical distancing (distance between people must not be less than 2 metres ) or a person on the job site appears to be ill (coughing, etc.).
If you have any building related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at:
Phone: 705-746-2101
Mark - Ext 221
Nick - Ext 234
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| Planning Services |
Pre-Consultations
Pre-consultations will be done by phone and/or email. Please contact Taylor - (705) 746-2101 ext 223
Application Submission:
During this time, we ask that all submissions be submitted electronically by email, hard copy by mail or by dropping them in the drop box at 52 Seguin Street. If the application has large paper plans, please email ahead to arrange for a drop off time.
Application fees are required to be by cheque (no cash payments).
Applications are still being reviewed and what work possible is being completed.
Zoning Inquires:
During this time, we ask at all inquiries be restricted to email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 223.
Committee Meetings:
Committee of Adjustment meetings have resumed and are being held by zoom.
Site Inspections:
Staff will conduct site inspections in a safe manner while respecting social distancing.
If you have any planning related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at:
Phone: 705-746-2101
Taylor - Ext 223
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| Fire Restrictions During COVID-19 |
Please check with your municipality for burning restrictions.
Visit the fire department web page for the current Town of Parry Sound Fire Danger Rating.
Some fire danger ratings permit recreational fires, however burning must be in compliance with the open air burning bylaw or have a valid incinerator or outdoor fireplace permit.
Residential Fireworks are permitted on the May long weekend, and July 1st long weekend only.
For information about what is allowed and permits in the Town of Parry Sound visit:
https://www.parrysound.ca/…/fire-depar…/open-air-burning.asp
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| Community Supports |
| Donations |
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Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks
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The need for assistance from the local food banks is currently higher than normal. If you are able to donate, food and financial donations are needed.
Harvest Share - 93 James Street, Parry Sound - (705) 774-9111
Food donations can be made at the side door. Financial donations, please reach out to Harvest Share directly as no walk-ins are currently being accepted.
Salvation Army Food Bank - 61 Gibson Street, Parry Sound - (705) 746-5391
Donation bins are also available at some local grocery stores.
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Rotary Club
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The Parry Sound Rotary Club is running a grocery delivery and pick-up service in partnership with Sobeys. This program aims to support vulnerable citizens, those in self-isolation or people otherwise unable to complete their own shopping due to COVID-19. Many community members accessing this program are able to pay for their groceries and the delivery fee. However for those in need of assistance due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club is looking for food and financial donations to support their grocery requests.
Food donations can also be made at Sobeys or donations can be made through the clubs website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/217
For information on how to access the grocery program see the 'Shopping & Food Delivery Services' drop down below. |
| Salvation Army Thrift Store |
| The Salvation Army Thrift Store is accepting donations on a limited basis - check their facebook page for updates on how and when donations are being accepted. |
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| Shopping & Food Delivery Services and Food Assistance Programs |
Shop Local - Retail Stores
Keep in mind, many local businesses rely on shoppers and are heavily impacted by the closures. Many have switched to offer pick-ups or deliveries, we encourage you to contact your local merchants before shopping non-local online retailers.
Contact local businesses directly or visit their websites for up to date information.
Grocery/Supply Deliveries
The Rotary Club and Sobeys are working together to ensure that residents in the Parry Sound area can get groceries and supplies.
This service is intended for seniors, those with health issues and people who are self-isolating / quarantined and unable to shop.
Visit www.parrysound.ca/help or call (705) 996-0716 to request assistance.
Watch a video about the program on our YouTube Channel.
If you would like to assist with shopping and deliveries, the www.parrysound.ca/help website also has a place for you to sign up to volunteer or to donate.
Restaurants/Takeout
Many local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options - contact the restaurants directly to order.
With the move to Step Three of the Roadmap to reopening most local restaurant are also open for in person dining options.
Food Banks
Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks remain open.
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| At Home Family Activities and Resources |
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The Town of Parry Sound Recreation Staff have also complied a list of at home activities, check it out.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere staff have created a running list of activity ideas and online resources designed for kids and families to complete at home. These are fun, engaging, and educational for everyone.
Check it out at www.gbbr.ca/at-home-family-activities-resources/ |
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| Business Supports |
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If you are a business owner with questions about operating contact the Stop the Spread - Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
We are closely monitoring announcements of the response measures at all levels of governments to help businesses survive these difficult times. Although all the details are not yet available, here is what we do know:
| Federal – Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan |
The Federal Government has announced programs for individuals, businesses and industries through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan web page
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| Provincial – COVID-19: Support for Businesses |
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The Provincial Government has announced programs for businesses through the COVID-19 Support for Businesses web page.
Financial relief
- Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant - *NEW May 13, 2021*
- New Ontario Small Business Support Grant - Applications now Open
- Municipal property and education tax rebates and energy costs
- NOHFC - Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- NOHFC - Northern Ontario Recovery Program - Opening October 1, 2020 - Closing November 30, 2020
- Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program
- Interest and penalty relief
- Education property tax deferrals
- WSIB payment deferrals
- Affordable electricity bills
- Rent Assistance for small businesses
- Pausing commercial evictions
Tax Relief
- Employer Health Tax relief
- Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
How your business can help defeat COVID-19
- Ontario Together Initiative
Guidance for employers
- Your responsibilities
- Emergency leave and other employment standards protections
- Sector-specific guidance and posters
Other helpful resources
- Ontario Made - Supporting Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
- Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses: COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre
- Ontario Chamber of Commerce: Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for COVID-19
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Business Resilience
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Pandemic Preparedness Guide for Business
- Retail Council of Canada: Road to Recovery Playbook
- Regional Tourism Organization RTO12 – Explorers Edge
- Framework for re-opening our Province
- Ontario Made Program
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| Municipal Support – Town of Parry Sound |
Penalty and Interest Relief
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound implemented temporary relief for penalty and interest for taxes and water and sewer billing.
This program was offered in 2020 and is no longer available.
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| Other Programs and Supports Available |
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1. Stop the Spread - Business Information Line 1-888-444-3659
2. The EI program has been restructured. Any employee requiring sick days or isolation can apply for EI Illness. The wait week is waived under this program and medical documentation is not required. Required benefits can also be obtained for employees that have been laid off. Records of Employment are required but not to start the application. For more information on Employment Insurance (EI) call 1 833 381 2725 or apply on the Government of Canada website.
3. Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and ServiceOntario, is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to promote social distancing and contain the spread of the virus. These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services.
4. Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN - www.pmcn.ca) is starting to roll out the Business Technology Improvement Fund which aims to encourage businesses to become early adopters of digital technology. Businesses who are interested in the 50% funding up to $25,000 to adopt technology and add ecommerce are encouraged to visit the PMCN website and leave their email addresses to receive details in the coming days.
5. Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre (CB&DC – www.cbdc.parrysound.on.ca) has implemented the following measures, effective March 20:
All outstanding loans will be suspending payments until September 23, 2020
All loan interest during the same period is to be suspended in full
For more information call (705) 746 4455 or e-mail: info@cbdc.parrysound.on.ca
6. If you already have the approved government grant or interest-free loan, the situation may impact your project. We recommend you reach out to your funding organization contacts to discuss contingency plan or project timeline extension. There is an understanding of the situation among all levels of government and you will not be penalized for what is out of your control.
7. Webinar: COVID-19 How to get through the crisis with an online strategy, a pre-recorded webinar by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
8. Boating Ontario has released a guide to Social Distancing for marine industry personnel.
9. The Province of Ontario has released industry specific resources to protect workers, customers and the general public and are a vital resource for businesses planning their re-openings.
10. RTO12 - Explorers Edge holds regular webinars focused on tourism support during COVID-19 in Parry Sound and Muskoka.
11. Community Business & Development Centre Emergency Assistance Loan.
12. West Parry Sound Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier list.
13. Digital Main Street ShopHERE powered by Google - Get Online for Free
14. Canadian Manufactures & Exporters Launch "Ontario Made" Program
15. Rotary Club of Parry Sound has purchased masks for distribution to local businesses.
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For businesses re-opening and in need of protective equipment, we have developed a list of local suppliers. The list will be amended as additional suppliers are identified. The Province has also developed a list of PPE suppliers which is available at www.ontario.ca/ppe.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates on financial solutions and additional measures to help our local businesses owners through this.
For More Information Contact:
Vladimir Shehovtsov
Economic Development Officer
Town of Parry Sound
Tel.: 705-746-2101 Ext. 231
E-mail: vshehovtsov@townofparrysound.ca
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| Your Health |
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The safety and health of our community members is of utmost importance to us throughout the duration of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are encouraging members of our community to take precautions by learning about the disease and what you can do to help protect yourself and to prevent the disease from spreading.
Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit website for information about the disease including, how to protect yourself, symptoms and treatment and updates as they become available.
For up to date information regarding the virus in Ontario visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website. For up to date information regarding the virus in Canada visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
No internet access? An information package has been developed by the West Parry Sound Health Centre, this easy to print information package will provide information about COVID-19 in our community for those without internet access. If you know of someone without access to our website, please print a package for them or direct them to contact their municipality by phone.
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Self-Isolations / Physical Distancing - What does it mean? What you can do to protect our community
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Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit website for information on how to practice Physical (social) Distancing and Self Isolation.
Self Isolation is required for individuals returning from international travel or who meet certain criteria, such as having symptoms or having had close contact with an individual with COVID-19. Self-isolation is staying home to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues - from possibly getting COVID-19. Call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 to be assessed.
Physical Distancing measures are being put in place throughout Canada to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 from person-to-person. This is important so a large number of people do not get sick at the same time. We all share in the responsibility to keep one another healthy. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The earlier these social actions start the better protected we will all be. Social distancing does not mean you must stay in your home. You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. It is simply recommend that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from those around you.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, wash your hands often, cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and stay home if you are feeling sick.
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Interactive Self Assessment Tool for COVID-19
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With the increasing severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario has now launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool. This new easy-to-use tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.
Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms or may have travelled outside of Canada should self-isolate and use the interactive self-assessment tool or contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. |
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Connect with a Doctor Virtually
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Ontario Health (OTN) and partners have launched a virtual care clinic at www.seethedoctor.ca. The website supports the people of Ontario who do not have a family doctor or who cannot access their family doctor during the pandemic.
This free, 24/7, secure online service is for non-urgent, non COVID-19 primary care issues. Once patients register with their OHIP card and code ‘health’, they wait briefly to connect with the next available on-call physician by secure video or audio.
Please keep in mind, this is not to replace usual care by your family doctor, our local Parry Sound Family Health Team medical offices remain open and have made alternations such as offering phone appointments to continue servicing patients in our community.
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Mental Health Support
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Times like these are very challenging, please know you are not facing this alone. If you are in need of mental health support there are many resources available to you.
Resources for Kids
- jack.org
- Kids Help Phone - www.KidsHelpPhone.ca / 1-800-668-6868 / Text 686868
- LGBT Youth Line - www.youthline.ca or text 1-647-694-4275 (Sun-Fri 4pm-9:30pm)
- Mental Health Crisis Line for Children and Youth - 1-844-287-9072
Below are some support documents related to mental health during COVID-19:
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