On Saturday afternoon, mayor Terry Ugulini sent out this letter as the first week of the new restrictions caused by the pandemic draws to an end.
Read the full letter below:
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Dear Residents of City of Thorold,
During these trying times, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, rest assured that Council and I, in conjunction with City Staff, are committed to delivering City
Services while maintaining the safety of our residents and employees.
Niagara Region Public Health is the lead agency in the Region monitoring COVID- 19. They are coordinating appropriate responses in partnership with hospitals, emergency service providers, provincial and federal agencies. I encourage you to access their website to stay informed.
Here is a list of key actions that have been implemented to date:
Friday, March 13, 2020
At 8:00 a.m. the City of Thorold partially activated its Emergency Operations Centre. This was done in response to the spread of the virus and we implemented best practices to protect the health and safety of the Public and City Staff. The senior City Staff and I are meeting at least once daily to monitor and respond to the evolving situation.
At 4:30 p.m. the following facilities were closed to public access until Monday, April 6. 2020 at 8:30 a.m. (with the option to extend, if necessary): the Thorold Community Arenas, Thorold Public Library, Ontario Paper Thorold Seniors Centre, Lock 7 Viewing Centre, Darlene Ryan Port Robinson Community Centre and the Allanburg Community Centre.
All public meetings, including the Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Council Meeting, Committees of Council Meetings, Runway of Recognition 14th Annual Gala Awards Ceremony and Public Information Centres were also postponed.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
At 4:30 p.m. all municipal buildings were closed to public access until Monday, April 6, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. (with the option to extend, if necessary), these additions included City Hall, Operations Centre, Cemetery and Fire Stations (no public access).
Despite these closures City Staff are available to assist and serve the community by email ([email protected]) or phone (905-227-6613) during regular business hours. For additional information, please visit the City website.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
At the end of the business day, the decision was made to have all City Staff work from home during their regular business hours and respond to calls on an as needed basis.
The focus of this operational change is for the containment of COVID-19, by balancing our concern for personal safety with our ongoing commitment to the community. Despite these changes City Staff will remain available to assist and serve the community. Friday, March 20, 2020
An announcement, consistent with the Province and other area Municipalities, was made that the City of Thorold will provide some relief to our residents that may be negatively impacted by COVID-19. Relief for residents includes:
Penalties and NSF Fees waived to June 30, 2020 as follows:
- - No penalty on Water-Sewer Bills
- - No penalty on Current Year Taxes
- - Interest will continue to apply for Prior Years Taxes
- - No NSF Fees for returned payments
- - Normal Pre-Authorized Payments will proceed, however, there will be no penalty for withdrawing from the PAP Program. Deadline to withdraw for the March 31s PAP is March 24th
This information is posted on the City Website.
Additionally, this week Niagara’s twelve Mayors and the Regional Chair announced the formation of a Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team. The team will support businesses of all sizes across the municipalities by providing information and resources to aid them in continuing operations. For more information contact: [email protected]
Once again, Niagara Region Public Health is the lead agency in the Region monitoring COVID-19. For more information visit: www.niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19/
The City of Thorold has and continues to be proactive in implementing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge you to do your part and follow the recommended best practices as laid out by the Region’s Public Health Department:
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily
- KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
- Avoid sharing personal items
We are working together with all levels of government and will continue to make the necessary changes required to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we will get through this and emerge stronger than ever!
In closing let us not forget about those in need of our assistance, the needs of our food banks and to thank those on the front lines! (health care workers, municipal service workers, fire and emergency services, EMS, truck drivers, courier services, grocery store staff, pharmacies, waste collectors, bank tellers, etc.).
Coming together in difficult times is what community is all about!
Sincerely,
Terry Ugulini
Mayor, City of Thorold
