COVID-19: Owen Sound Resources and Information

I want to thank all members of our Owen Sound community for your understanding and compassion in these trying times. 

Many of the facilities, services and stores that are important to us are closed, and activities that have kept us occupied and entertained are on hold for now.

City staff and contractors will continue to maintain the critical functions including water, wastewater, winter road maintenance, garbage pickup, transit, police and fire. 

We are monitoring events provincially and locally.   In consultation with medical officials there may be further steps taken to protect city staff and residents.  

I encourage everyone to practice social distancing, avoid large groups of people, and wash your hands often. Please continue to show compassion and understanding to each other.  

Thanks.

Mayor Ian Boddy

March 25, 2020

To the citizens of Owen Sound and area,

I wish to update you on behalf of the Council and staff of the City of Owen Sound with regard to COVID-19.

These are unprecedented times for all of us. Our lives have been turned upside down in less than two weeks with changes almost daily.  The spread of COVID-19 and the health of our citizens is of utmost importance.  We recognize the seriousness of this issue.

All things considered, our community is doing a good job so far of minimizing the spread of COVID-19.  The number of known cases in Grey and Bruce remains low for now, but we expect that to increase in the coming days.  For a highly social, caring community, the challenges will become more difficult.  We all need to increase our efforts.  We have to keep listening to our health experts and follow their recommendations.

The City has taken steps to prepare for emergencies like this.  We have an Emergency Response Plan in place, which is reviewed annually.  We do exercises to prepare us for a variety of emergency situations and we have a Pandemic Plan as an appendix to the Emergency Response Plan.  City staff meet every morning to stay on top of the quickly changing news and advice, guided by the Emergency Response Plan and the Pandemic Plan.

The City has closed facilities and playgrounds, and have suspended non-essential services. We are currently maintaining transit service for those who rely on it.  All buses are carefully disinfected.  Most City staff are working remotely from home.  We have suspended some fees and extended payment deadlines to help ease the financial stress on our citizens.  Most importantly, City staff continue to focus on providing the essential services we all depend on – water, waste water, police, fire, and garbage and recycling collection.

COVID-19 is a medical emergency that doesn’t respect municipal boundaries, and all of Grey County is covered by the Provincial Declaration of Emergency.  The City is working closely with County staff, which manage the regional ambulance and paramedic services.  We will continue to rely upon the expert advice provided by the Grey Bruce Health Unit.  Together, we will make decisions in the best interests of our community at the appropriate time, based on the advice we receive from the experts.

We encourage everyone to stay disciplined and do what the health experts are advising. Wash your hands carefully and often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay at home as much as possible.  Get outside daily for some exercise but no matter where you are, keep two metres apart to reduce exposure to other people.  If you have been out of the country, exposed to anyone ill, or feel ill, please immediately self isolate.  For more information, go to www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

Finally, I want to thank all of the City and regional staff, frontline emergency workers, and all members of the Owen Sound and Grey-Bruce Community for your efforts.  Please keep it up. Help friends, family or neighbours with essential errands.  Phone to check up on them.  Take care of each other.  We're all in this together!

Thanks!

Ian C. Boddy

Mayor of the City of Owen Sound

To the citizens of Owen Sound and area,

Yesterday, we received a rather stark message from Premier Ford regarding COVID-19.

It is now confirmed how much worse the spread will be before it gets better, and it is going to take longer than any of us were hoping.  Each of us has a part to play to change the province's outcome.  The message to stay home and leave only for essentials is not a request.  It’s a direction that requires respect and cooperation to help reduce the spread of this virus and reduce the number of deaths it will cause.  Keep a safe distance from other people when you have to be out.  Each of us must do our part.  We can look after each other by looking after ourselves.

The number of deaths in Ontario would have been greater if we had not made the sacrifices we have to our daily lives over the past few weeks. The numbers in our own community have remained relatively low.  For that, I say thank you to all of you who have stayed at home and have maintained your distances from each other when you have to be out.  We have to keep going.

The City will do its part.  We will maintain essential services to protect you.  Our police, fire and Grey County paramedics are prepared.  We will continue to follow the lead from the Federal and Provincial governments and Public Health Officials, and request you do the same.

If you require essentials, I ask that you continue to support our local businesses.  They are our friends and neighbours.  Please use the phone and call them.

Our community is an active and vibrant community with little shortage of things to do to keep us engaged – but for now we have hit pause because that’s what society requires from us.  By buying into what is required and doing our part now, sooner rather than later, we will be able to #hitplay.

Thanks!

Ian C. Boddy

Mayor of the City of Owen Sound

Owen Sound, Ontario – Friday, April 3, 2020 – On March 16^th and 17^th, the City of Owen Sound closed several public facilities as a precautionary measure due to COVID-19, with re-evaluation to take place on Friday, April 3^rd.

All facilities that were closed on March 16^th and 17^th as a precaution will remain closed indefinitely. This includes:

• Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre;
• Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre;
• City Hall.

Additionally, all boat launches within the City are now closed to the public, effective immediately.

This above list is not a comprehensive list of all City facilities that have been closed, only those that were to be evaluated further on April 3^rd.

All City press releases associated with COVID-19, including facility and recreational amenity closures can be found at www.owensound.ca/covid19. This page also includes Frequently Asked Questions, self-assessment tool, business and health resources, and additional information related to COVID-19.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – The City of Owen Sound’s Leaf & Yard Waste Composting Facility located at 2800 28^th Avenue East is currently open between the hours of 8:30 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week. This facility is open to all residents within the City.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the City will be restricting access to the facility to 15 vehicles at one time. Residents are to exercise social distancing practices while onsite.

Items you can bring to the site to dispose of include:

• Grass clippings and leaves
• Branches, logs and twigs

Please also take this as a reminder that the following items are not acceptable and must be brought to the Miller Waste Transfer Station:

• Garbage
• Pet Waste
• Kitchen Waste
• Plastic Bags or Flowerpots
• Dimensional lumber
• Rocks, Rubble and Construction Waste

For more information, please contact Dennis Kefalas, Director of Public Works and Engineering at 519-376-1440 ext. 1201 or dkefalas@owensound.ca .

Owen Sound, Ontario – Wednesday, April 1, 2020 –The City of Owen Sound has discovered, during routine sewer cleaning, greater than normal amounts of wipes and paper towel materials in the sanitary sewer system.

Continued disposal of these products into the City’s sanitary sewer system will eventually lead to sewer backups. We remind residents that to avoid sewer backups and to protect your sewer pipes, you MUST dispose of the following items in the trash, not the toilet. This includes:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Baby wipes
• Towelletes
• Paper towels
• Facial tissues
• Any wipe that states it is “flushable” is not, and must be disposed of in the garbage

Owen Sound, Ontario – Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – In response to the Province of Ontario’s order issued March 30 at 6:00pm under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act,  all City of Owen Sound outdoor recreation amenities are closed effective immediately. 

Outdoor recreation amenities means the following:

1. All outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment.

2. All outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, including,

i.  baseball diamonds,

ii. soccer fields,

iii. frisbee golf locations,

iv. tennis, platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts,

v. basketball courts,

vi. BMX parks, and

vii. skate parks.

3. All off-leash dog areas.

4. All portions of park and recreational areas containing outdoor fitness equipment.

5. All outdoor allotment gardens and community gardens.

6. All outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in park and recreational areas.

(2) Outdoor recreational amenities that are intended for use by more than one family are closed, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned and regardless of whether they are attached to a park system.

(3) No person shall enter or use an outdoor recreational amenity described in subsection (2) except for a maintenance, safety, law enforcement or other similar purpose.

( 4) For greater certainty, nothing in this Order precludes individuals from walking through or using portions of park and recreational areas that are not otherwise closed and that do not contain an outdoor recreational amenity described in subsection (2).

Staff are locking gates on outdoor sports facilities where possible and installing signs at each facility to remind the public.

At this time, City trails and open spaces remain available for public use, provided users are doing so in accordance with physical (social) distancing measures and are in groups of 5 people or less.

If you have been feeling unwell or have travelled in the last 14 days, you are required to self isolate and not use any public area during that time.

The COVID-19 virus can survive outdoors in the current weather conditions. As weather conditions change, the City will consult with Grey Bruce Public Health respecting the effect on the virus on outdoor facilities.

City Staff will continue to take advice and direction from Public Health Officials and take appropriate measures as necessary.

Members of the public are reminded to be diligent in their hygiene practices: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Owen Sound, Ontario – Monday, March 30, 2020 – In response to the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 mitigation measures, the Owen Sound Dog Park is closed until further notice.

Signage has been placed on site at the Dog Park and the gates have been locked by City Staff.  

The COVID-19 virus can survive outdoors in the current weather conditions. As weather conditions change, the City will consult with Grey Bruce Public Health respecting the effect on the virus on outdoor facilities.

City Staff will continue to engage and work alongside Public Health Officials to take appropriate measures as necessary.

Members of the public are reminded to be diligent in their hygiene practices: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Owen Sound, Ontario – Monday, March 30, 2020 – City Council will resume its regular meeting schedule beginning April 6, 2020.  The meetings will continue to be at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall.  The agenda will be limited to time sensitive and essential items and will be available on the City’s website three days before the meeting. 

The majority of Council members will be participating electronically since the Ontario Government passed new legislation allowing municipalities to hold digital meetings during the Provincially declared COVID-19 emergency. All Council meetings will use this format for the duration of the public health emergency.

City Hall continues to be closed to the public at this time.  Council meetings can be viewed live on Rogers Cable TV or the Rogers TV Website or viewed the following day on the City’s Youtube channel.

City Council invites individuals who wish to ask a question during public question period to email the City Clerk at bbloomfield@owensound.ca by noon on the day of the meeting.  Questions will be read by the Clerk at the discretion of the Chair. 

Owen Sound, Ontario – Friday, March 27, 2020 – In accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, today the City of Owen Sound declared a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mayor Ian Boddy declared the emergency at 9:00AM as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is impacting residents and the services the City provides.

The City will continue to provide essential services as it has from the start of the pandemic. By declaring a State of Emergency, it allows:

• The City to share resources such as personnel and equipment with the Province, Grey County, and other lower tier municipalities;
• The City to emphasize and support the order made on Thursday, March 26^th by Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra that international travelers self-isolate and avoid non-essential travel to and from Owen Sound and within Grey and Bruce Counties.

COVID-19 continues to be an issue across Ontario and the number of cases is growing. Locally, the Grey Bruce Health Unit confirm 6 cases and is concerned about spread of the virus in our communities if people continue to take the recommendations to stay home lightly.

Mayor Ian Boddy urged the community to do as much as they can to stop the spread of this virus.  The Mayor supports the Medical Officer of Health in asserting the federal requirement for quarantine for all individuals returning from travel and his recommendation to suspend non essential travel to and from Bruce and Grey Counties to protect the health and safety of all residents and visitors.  

Earlier this week the Province ordered all non-essential businesses to close to further contain the spread of COVID-19. The City of Owen Sound supports this action and will continue to implement recommendations from the Province and the Medical Officer of Health. Every interaction that does not take place helps in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – As a reminder to all residents and businesses in Owen Sound, garbage and recycling collection limits still remain in effect.

Garbage bags can be no larger than 89 x 127cm (35 x 50in) and garbage cans no larger than 136 litres (30 imperial Gallons) capacity. Garbage bags or containers are limited to an upset weight restriction of 18kg (40lbs) including the container. 

Please continue to use bag tags as per usual. The City does not encourage residents to make the extra trip out from their homes to specifically purchase bag tags. We ask that if you do have them to please continue to use them.

The limit of 4 bags or containers per unit still remains whether residences have a bag tag on their waste or not. Any additional bags will not be collected and bulky waste such as furniture will not be collected.

Recycling must still be sorted in the blue bin or in clear plastic bags.

For more information, please contact Cassandra Cesco at 519-373-6067 or email to waste@owensound.ca.

Friday, March 20, 2020 – Over the last several days, City of Owen Sound officials have engaged in extensive conversation and consultation with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit respecting COVID-19. The safety and well-being of Owen Sound residents and staff remains our top priority.

In order to help ease the financial burden on City of Owen Sound residents during this time, the City will not charge any interest or penalty charges on any tax or water/wastewater bills for a period of three months, effective March 17^th, 2020. This penalty and interest free period may be extended depending on the duration of closures.

City Hall remains closed to the public, therefore tax, utility and accounts receivable payments will not be accepted in person.

Residents are reminded that payments can be made through any of our alternate channels, which include:

• Online and telephone banking
• At your financial institution
• Calling 519-376-4440 and selecting 0 to pay bills (including tax and utility payments) with a credit card until further noted
• By using the drop-box located at the front door of City Hall
• Mail

For more information, please contact Christine Gilbert, Manager of Revenue at 519-376-4440 ext. 1223 or email cgilbert@owensound.ca.

Friday, March 20, 2020 – In response to the COVID-19 virus spread in Ontario, the launch of the new intercommunity transit service connecting the City of Owen Sound and The City of Guelph and other smaller centres, has been postponed until further notice. The new service was scheduled to begin on April 1st.

 “All residents are being advised to stay close to home. Postponing the launch of this service is prudent at this time,” Mayor Ian Boddy. “We hope to be able to launch later this year, but an exact date is not yet available.” 

 Stay up to date on the City’s COVID-19 response by visiting www.owensound.ca/covid19.

Health information is available through the Grey Bruce Health website: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

For more information, please contact Dennis Kefalas at 519-376-4440 ext 1201 or email to dkefalas@owensound.ca. 

Thursday, March 19, 2020 –The City of Owen Sound is reminding residents to avoid sewer backups and to protect your sewer pipes, please dispose of the following items in the trash, not the toilet:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Baby wipes
• Towelletes
• Paper towels
• Facial tissues
• Any wipe that states it is “flushable” is not, and needs to be disposed of in the garbage

For more information, please contact Dennis Kefalas at 519-376-4440 ext 1201 or email to dkefalas@owensound.ca. 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – Over the last several days, City of Owen Sound officials have engaged in extensive conversation and consultation with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit respecting COVID-19. The safety and well-being of Owen Sound residents and staff remains our top priority.

As a result, City Hall remains closed to the public, therefore tax, utility and accounts receivable payments will not be accepted in person.

Payments can be made through any of our alternate channels, which include:

• Online and telephone banking

• At your financial institution

• Calling 519-376-4440 and selecting 0 to pay bills (including tax and utility payments) with a credit card until further noted

• By using the drop-box located at the front door of City Hall

• Mail

Furthermore, penalty charges for tax and water, including late notice fees, will not be charged for a period of 45 days. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balances during this time.

For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca. 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Striving to keep our residents and employees safe and to provide needed services, the City of Owen Sound is announcing the following changes effective Thursday, March 19th:

• Owen Sound Transit service will be free of charge to patrons. Please remember that safe personal hygiene practices are extremely important at this time.
• Bag tags are required for curbside garbage pick up. IF you are out of bag tags place household garbage at the curb on your normal scheduled day and it WILL be picked up.
• Downtown parking enforcement will not be undertaken until further notice.
• The following licences/permits are available at this time:
• Building Permits
• Street Occupation Permits
• Death Registrations

Arrange for these permits by phoning (519) 376-4440 ext. 0 or by emailing cityadmin@owensound.ca.

All other permits normally issued by City Hall will not be available until further notice.

As a result the following precautions are being taken and will remain in place until further evaluated on Wednesday, April 15^th:

• All City owned Park Playground Structures are closed. 

The COVID-19 virus can survive outdoors in the current weather conditions. As weather conditions change, the City will consult with Grey Bruce Public Health respecting the effect on the virus on outdoor playground structures.

Residents are encouraged to get outdoors, utilize park open spaces, trails and exercise social distancing practices.

Signage will be installed at each park playground structure to indicate the closure. 

City Staff will continue to engage and work alongside Public Health Officials to take appropriate measures as necessary.

Members of the public are reminded to be diligent in their hygiene practices: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca. 

Owen Sound, Ontario – Monday, March 16, 2020 – In consultation with Public Health and reviewing the Government of Canada’s information regarding Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings, the following City services, functions and promotions are being postponed or cancelled:

-       All City Council & Committee Meetings are cancelled effective March 18^th until otherwise notified.

-       The 2020 Home and Cottage Expo scheduled for April 25^th and 26^th at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is cancelled.

-       Savour Owen Sound. Residents are encouraged to contact all Savour Owen Sound Participants to inquire about hours of operation and take-out options, restaurants may remain open at their discretion.

-       Springfest Games (Senior Games) that were scheduled to take place at various facilities throughout the City in April and May are cancelled.

-       The household Hazardous Waste event scheduled for April 18^th is cancelled.

In addition to the above cancellations and postponements,City Hall is closed to the public effective 2:00pm on Monday, March 16.

The regularly scheduled Committee of Adjustment meeting for March 17^th at 3:00pm will take place with special provisions.

A full refund will be issued to all Home and Cottage Expo Vendors and to residents who have registered to participate in the Springfest Games. Staff will reach out to all those affected to discuss the most efficient way to return funds.

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For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca.

Owen Sound City Hall is located at 808 2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 2H4.

Owen Sound, Ontario – Friday, March 13, 2020 – Over the last several days, City of Owen Sound officials have engaged in extensive conversation and consultation with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit respecting COVID-19. The safety and well-being of Owen Sound residents and staff remains our top priority.

As a result of the consultation and in reviewing the Federal Government’s Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings, the following precautions are being taken and will remain in place until further evaluated on Friday, April 3^rd:

-       The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is closed to all ice rentals, public skating, users of the walking track and large-scale events that are deemed a risk per the Federal Government’s Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings.

-       The Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre is closed to all ice rentals and public skating. The public is encouraged to contact the YMCA Bruce Grey Owen Sound for programming related to YMCA services.

-       The Public Works Facility located at 1900 20^th Street East is closed to the Public. City Hall remains open for Blue Box and Bag Tag purchasing.

During the time of the public funded school closure, crossing guard services will not be in effect and will resume on Monday, April 6^th.

“City staff will strive to ensure that all vital utilities and essential services are maintained to the highest standard and that we protect the citizens of our community,” said Mayor Ian Boddy.  “While we recognize the closure of some city facilities affects the public, we encourage everyone to continue to be active in our many parks, open spaces and trail networks.”

City Staff will continue to engage and work alongside Public Health Officials to take appropriate measures as necessary.

Members of the public are reminded to be diligent in their hygiene practices: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca.

Owen Sound City Hall is located at 808 2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 2H4