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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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COVID-19 Banner

Last Updated - April 7, 2020 - 4:00pm

The West Parry Sound Area Municipalities are working together to ensure proper communication is made with our community members and that community partners are engaged. We are working collaboratively to actively monitor the situation as it evolves and to ensure business continuity while following direction from the Ministry of Health and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

The safety and health of our community members is of utmost importance to us throughout the duration of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Currently there is one positive case in the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit Region. The individual had travelled internationally and followed the recommendations for self-isolation upon return. 

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.
Packages are also available for pickup from the red bin in front of the Municipal Office, 52 Seguin St.

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

 

 

Donations Needed

 The WPSHC has an immediate need for Scrubs, Lab Coats and N95 Respirators.

 

West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) is asking community members to donate any ‘scrubs’ or lab coats they might have at home.

 

Under normal circumstances, the health centre would have capacity to supply all appropriate staff with hospital-issued scrubs, but there are currently not enough to go around, and these items are on back-order.


All donated scrubs will be laundered and made available to clinical staff, separate from the health centre’s ‘usual’ supply to decrease the chance of people taking the virus out of the health centre.

The WPSHC is also in need of N95 respirators, if you have extras (expired is ok) donations would be appreciated.


Anyone with scrubs, lab coats or N95 respirators to donate can drop them off the following locations:
Parry Sound – Fire Hall, 4 Church Street Parry Sound, please leave in a sealed bag outside the front doors
Carling – Carling Rink, 2 West Carling Bay Road, Nobel, please leave in bin
McDougall – Fire Station 1, 10 Municipal Drive Nobel, please leave in blue bin at front door
McKellar – Fire Station 1, 1 Sharon Park Dr. McKellar, please leave in a sealed bag under the covered entrance.
Seguin – Humphrey Fire Station, 115 Highway 141
Whitestone – Fire Hall, 21 Church Street Dunchurch, please ring doorbell and leave in sealed bag outside the side door.

Nursing Stations – Please phone ahead and arrange for drop off, the nursing stations are not accepting any walkins due to COVID-19.

Pointe Au Baril – (705) 366-2376
Argyle – (705) 757-1717
Britt – (705) 383-2375
Moose Deer Point – (705) 375-9900
Rosseau – (705) 732-1095
Whitestone – Drop off at the fire hall

Rotary Club
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

Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks
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.


 Parry Sound Facility Closures / Restricted Access

In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound will be implementing the following precautionary measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by implementing closures for the protection of our staff, residents and our community by limiting exposure to others.

Municipal Office - 52 Seguin Street - Closed to public access

Effective 12:00pm Wednesday March 18, 2020 until further notice the Town of Parry Sound Municipal Office will have no public access. Municipal services will continue to be provided.

Payment Options
Payment options for property taxes and water accounts are available through online banking, at financial institutions or cheques can be deposited into the drop box located at the front of the Town Office (old entrance).


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.

Provinical Offences Office - 52 Seguin Street - Closed to public access
 Effective 12:00pm Wednesday March 18, 2020 until further notice the Provincial Offences Office will have no public access.

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 drop box located at the front of the Town Office (old entrance).

How to reach POA staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone by calling (705) 746-2553.

Please note: Provincial Offences will not be enforcing late payments and no drivers’ licences shall be suspended until April 23, 2020.


Provincial Offences Act court is closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, April 3, 2020.
 

Fire Hall - 4 Church Street- Closed to public access
Effective 12:00pm Wednesday March 18, 2020 until further notice the Fire Hall will have no public access. Municipal services and fire protection will continue to be provided.

How 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.

All Parks - CLOSED

Effective March 31, 2020 and until further notice per the provincial order, all playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities are closed to the public. 

This is for all parks including:
- The Yvonne Williams Park and Dog Park - William St
- The Skateboard Park - Great North Rd
- Kinsmen Park - Parry Sound Dr
- Waubuno Beach - Prospect St
- The Old Town Beach - Waubuno Rd
- Market Square Park - Open to walkthroughs only - Mary/McMurray/Gibson
- The sports courts - Mary St - BOCC Tennis & Basketball Courts
- William Street Park - William St
- Cherry Street Park - Cherry/William
- Mission Park - Parry Sound Rd/Emily/MacFarlane
- Booth Street Park - Booth/Melissa/Railway
- Tower Hill Heritage Garden and Tower - George St
- Treetops Community Forest - Beatty St
- Seguin River Parkette - McIsaac Way

Fitness Trail & Rugged Trail
Effective March 31, 2020 the Fitness Trail and Rugged Trails remain open to through traffic only. Individuals utilizing the trail must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) apart, must travel through and not congregate on the trail and no groups greater than five people shall use the trail together.

Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts - 2 Bay Street - Closed to public access
 

Effective March 16, 2020 until further notice,  the Charles W. Stockey Centre will be closed to the public. Programming has been cancelled or postponed.

Contact: Nicole Mullen - (705) 746-4466 x 202 or by email

 Bobby Orr Hall of Fame - 2 Bay Street - Closed to public access
Effective March 16, 2020 until further notice, the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame will be closed to the public. Programming has been cancelled or postponed.
Contact: Caitlin Dyer - (705) 746-4466 x 208 or by email

Bobby Orr Community Centre -  7 Mary Street - Closed to public access
 Effective March 16, 2020 until further notice, the Bobby Orr  Community Centre will be closed to the public. Programming has been cancelled or postponed.
Contact: April McNamara - (705) 746-2701 x 1 or by email

Parry Sound Public Library - 29 Mary Street - Closed to public access
www.parrysoundlibrary.com - Out of an abundance of caution, the Library Board of Directors will be closing the Parry Sound Public Library until further notice, effective Tuesday, March 17th, 2020.

The Museum on Tower Hill - 17 George Street
www.museumontowerhill.com - Effective March 17, 2020 the museum will be closed to public visits until further notice.
The musuem is posting interative online activities on their website so you can 'visit' the museum from home.

Other Municipal Buildings - Closed to public access
 The remaining municipal buildings remain closed to public access, as per regular protocols.

 

 Facilities Open to the Public

As of Wednesday March 18, 2020 the following municipal facilities remain open to the public. 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.

 Waste Transfer Station - Macfarlane Street
The transfer station remains open to the public for the collection of household garbage and recycling disposal only.
Effective March 28, 2020 - Household Hazardous Waste is temporarily closed as we have limited storage and are unable to ship out the waste at this time.

Effective March 28th the Parry Sound Transfer Station will temporarily not be accepting yard waste, concrete, scrap metal, furniture, appliances, scrap wood, drywall, tires and e-waste.  

Effective March 28th the Town will temporarily suspend the use of the “Dump Coupon” used for ½ ton load of household junk or 1 household appliance with freon.
 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

The cemeteries remain open to the public. For those accessing the cemeteries, you must practice social distancing. No groups greater than five (ten for funeral services).

 

 

Building and Planning Services
 Building Services

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 (no cash payments).


Code Related Inquiries:

Building code and fee related inquires can be made by email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 221 or ext 234


Inspection requests:

Permit holders can request an inspection by email email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 221 or 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 social distancing (physical 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
John - Ext 221
Will - Ext 234
Jessie- Ext 225
 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:

All Committee meetings, including the Committee of Adjustment meetings are cancelled until further notice. 

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
Jessie - Ext 225

 

Meeting/Event Cancellations

 

 Provincial Offences Act Court
Provincial Offences Act court is closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, May 29, 2020.
 Bobby Orr Community Centre
 All programming is suspended until April 6, 2020.

 Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
 All programming has been cancelled or postponed until further notice. Visit www.stockeycentre.com for details.
 Recreation and Culture Centre Public Meetings
Public Meetings have been cancelled.
Council Meetings
Tuesday March 17 - Council Meeting - This meeting continued as scheduled. The meetingminutes and a video of the live stream are available through the Council Calendar.

Wednesday March 18 - Special Budget Meeting - This meeting continued as scheduled. The meeting minutes and a video of the live stream are available through the Council Calendar.

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, contact your local merchants before shopping non-local online retailers.
Most grocery stores and pharmacies have reduced their retail hours, and many are offering seniors only hours. 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.

If you would like to assist with shopping and deliveries, the 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.


Food Banks
Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks remain open.
Harvest share is open by appointment only, however they are offering a delivery service for those in need - 1-833-Food4HS OR 1-833-366-3447


Student Nutrition Ontario - Nipissing, Muskoka, Parry Sound

Student Nutrition Ontario is offering assistance to children, youth and their families to ensure the needs of our community are met during this difficult and uncertain times as schools are closed, and children and youth are still hungry.
Families who wish to receive support are asked to register by emailing, names, address, phone number(s), number of children and the school the children regularly attend to studentnutrition@communitylivingnorthbay.org or by phone at 705-476-3288 ext. 1611

Self-Isolations / Social Distancing - What does it mean? What you can do to protect our community
Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit website for information on how to practice Social Distancing andSelf 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.

Social 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 1-2 meters (3-6 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.

Interactive Self Assessment Tool Now Available

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.

 COVID-19 and Government Support for Businesses

Last updated - March 25, 2020

 

Just like you, we are deeply concerned with the impact of the global pandemic on our local economy and businesses.

 

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:

 

1. Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) has been established through Business Development Canada (BDC - www.bdc.ca):

 

  • Small Business Loan: Up to $100,000 can be obtained online
  • Purchase Order Financing: Loans to fulfill domestic or international orders
  • Working capital loans of up to $2 million with flexible terms and payment postponements for up to 6 months for qualifying businesses
  • Postponement of payments for up to 6 months, free of charge, for existing BDC clients with total BDC loan commitment of $1 million or less
  • Reduced rates on new eligible loans

 

For more information call 1 877 232 2269 or reach out to your account manager.

 

2. Temporary Wage Subsidy was announced on March 18.  The subsidy will be equal to 10% of remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.  The application guideline is not available yet, but we expect it to be available shortly.

 

3. 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


4. 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.

5. 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.

 

6. 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. 


7. 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 July 1, 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

8. Ontario providing electricity relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms during COVID-19

9. Stop the Spread - Business Information Line now open at 1-888-444-3659

10. New $50 million Ontario Together Fund to support the development of essentail equipment and supplies.


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

Mental Health Support

Times like these are very challenging, please know you are not facing this alone. If you are in need of mental health support www.bigwhitewall.ca provides  24/7 Anonymous online support.

Below are some support documents related to mental health during COVID-19:

At Home Family Activities and Resources

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/

The Town of Parry Sound Recreation Staff have also complied a list of at home activities, check it out.

 Fire Restrictions During COVID-19
The Province of Ontario has implemented restrictions on all outdoor fire during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Starting April 3, 2020, Ontario's entire legislated fire region will be designated a Restricted Fire Zone. Residents who live in an area with a restricted fire zone cannot have an outdoor fire—this includes burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit.

This restriction will remain in place until Ontario's ability to respond to emergencies is no longer impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Ontarians can learn about the rules under a Restricted Fire Zone at www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions or www.ontario.ca/forestfire.

 

 

 Additional Information -  Posters / Information Sheets / Press Releases

Please see the following links for relevant information as it becomes available.

Town of Parry Sound Media Releases

April 2 2020 - Media Release - Facilities Closures to Public - Extended until further notice
March 23 2020 - Media Release - Government Supports for local businesses
March 23 2020 - Media Release - Additional Closures - Playgrounds and Park Equipment

March 18 2020 - Media Release - Additional Facility Closures - Town Office, POA Office & Fire Hall

March 16 2020 - Media Release - Facilities open and closures - Stockey, BOCC & Hall of Fame
March 13 2020 - Enhanced Status Yellow - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posters, information and press releases from our Health Unit, Provincial and Federal Agencies

April 7 2020 - Health Unit News Release - Ministry of Health Launches Online Portal for Individuals to Check COVID-19 Test Results
April 7 2020 - Health Unit PSA - Physical Distancing Still in Affect Over Easter
April 6 2020 - Health Unit News Release - Stay Home Except for Essential Reasons
April 3 2020 - Ontario Extends Business Closures to stop the spread of COVID-19
April 2 2020 - Fire Ban Across Province of Ontario
April 1 - 20202 - New $50 million Ontario Together Fund to support the development of essentail equipment and supplies.

March 27, 2020 - WPSHC Printable Information Package
March 23 2020 - Office of the Premier - List of Essential Services - 14 Day Mandatory Closure
Novel Coronavirus - How to Self-Monitor
Novel Coronavirus - Self Isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts
Novel Coronavirus - How to Self Isolate
Novel Coronavirus - Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings - English
Novel Coronavirus - Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings - French
Novel Coronavirus - Community Based PH Measures to Mitigate Spread
Novel Coronavirus - Handwashing
Novel Coronavirus - Helping you and your family stay healthy
Novel Coronavirus - Self Isolation
Novel Coronavirus - Vulnerable Populations
Novel Coronovirus - Enhanced Public Health Measures - Ministry of Health
Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19

 

 

 

A press conference regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Parry Sound Area was held on March 13, 2020 and is available for viewing on our Youtube Channel.

 

As additional information becomes available, communications will be made with regards to the West Parry Sound Area (Township of Carling, Municipality of McDougall, Township of McKellar, Seguin Township, Township of The Archipelago, Municipality of Whitestone and the Town of Parry Sound) though the Town of Parry Sound website and social media accounts.


www.parrysound.ca/coronavirus

www.facebook.com/townofparrysound

www.twitter.com/townparrysound

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