2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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The Township of North Dumfries is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and, in consultation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, taking steps to help prevent the spread of infection in the community.

Township Municipal Offices are closed to public walk-in traffic until at least May 31, 2020 as a precaution for staff and to maintain business continuity. Residents, businesses, and other municipal customers are encouraged to delay any non-essential business if possible.
Contact the Region of Waterloo's Call Centre at 519-575-4400 or email the Region of Waterloo Public Health inbox for any activities that are in violation of the Provincial Orders as issued under the Ontario Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act (opening of Non-Essential Business, public gathering)
Resources:
- Region of Waterloo Public Health
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Public Health Canada
- Government of Canada employment & social benefits
- Waterloo Economic Development Corporation resources for businesses
Contact the Township at 519-632-8800 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) or email any time about accessing a core Township service. Persons will be directed to online services or offered alternative options. If staff deem that an in-person visit to the Township Office is required, persons will be asked about their health and travel history prior to booking an appointment. Those who have confirmed appointments must show identification upon arrival.

Township Service Updates - updated May 20

The situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing. We will continue to adjust our operations according to the recommendations of health authorities to protect the health and well being of township residents. The Township of North Dumfries, in conjunction with the other six municipalities in the Region of Waterloo, declared a State of Emergency on March 25, 2020. This declaration is a precaution, providing the Township of North Dumfries and its local municipal partners the speed and flexibility to make important decisions that protect the safety and well being of our residents.

Current Closures and Cancellations

The Township Office is closed to public walk-in traffic until May 31st. Staff are monitoring their email and voicemail accounts remotely.
All municipal recreational and leisure facilities are closed until June 30th, including:

Ayr Community Centre
Community Hall, Ayr Fire Station
North Dumfries Community Complex
Roseville Community Centre

All recreation and leisure programs and activities offered in these municipal facilities, including organizations, service providers and private rentals, are cancelled until June 30th.
All playgrounds, play structures and equipment, park washrooms at Cowan and Schmidt Parks and the splash pad at Cowan Park remain closed.
The following outdoor recreation spaces are open, effective immediately:
- Leash-free dog park located at the North Dumfries Community Complex is now open.
- Residents can once again use picnic tables, benches or shelters, in parks or recreational areas provided that users maintain a physical distance of at least two metres. Outdoor furniture is not sanitized and we remind residents to wash and clean their hands after use.
- Sports fields, such as baseball diamonds and soccer fields in Victoria Park, Schmidt Park, and Cowan Park are open for public use. Public gathering thresholds of 5 persons and spatial distancing of a minimum of 2 metres continues to apply.
- Tennis courts in Victoria Park are now open and available for public use.
Green spaces, trails, ravines and conservation areas that are not otherwise closed remain open for walk-through access, however, individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others.
Ontario Provincial Parks are all open as of May 15, 2020. See the Ontario Parks website for specific uses.
Grand River Conservation Area parks and trails - some parks are reopening as of Saturday, May 16. See the Grand River Conservation Area website for details.
Council & Advisory Committee meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Council has amended the Procedural By-law to allow electronic meetings during a declared emergency. Meetings scheduled throughout the month of April will be assessed as events continue to unfold. Refer to the Agenda/Minutes webpage for updated information for Council meetings, including any upcoming Special Council meetings.

Township Updates

General Inquiries

Email mail@northdumfries.ca
Use the Staff Directory to contact a specific staff member

Building Department

To submit a Building Permit, please email buildingpermits@northdumfries.ca
To book a building inspection (in unoccupied buildings only) please email building@northdumfries.ca

Fire Department and Public Works

All essential services provided by these departments will remain operational

Tax Payments

Payment through a financial institution
Pre-authorized payment
Cheque payment via mail
Cheque payment in drop box at the Township Municipal Office main entrance

Township Economic Response Plan

Township Council has passed an Economic Response Plan which includes a series of measures to support local residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. To alleviate some of the financial burdens, North Dumfries will waive penalties and interest charges for property tax payments until May 31, 2020.

Region of Waterloo Updates

Regional Pandemic Control Group

Did you know, the Region, area municipalities & local community partners meet regularly as the Regional Pandemic Control Group to make sure our COVID-19 response efforts are coordinated throughout the region? This group provides a weekly COVID-19 Coordinated Response Newsletter.

Well Water Testing

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary plan has been put in place to resume private well water testing for bacteriological testing only (i.e., E. coli and coliforms). The service will continue to be funded by the Region of Waterloo. Information is available on the Region's website.

Federal Updates

Please visit the Government of Canada website for the latest information and updates on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus global pandemic
Government of Canada Travel Advisories
See the latest news releases issued by the Government of Canada
Information from Public Health Agency of Canada
See Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan for Individuals
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) details
See Canada's Resources for Canadian Businesses
Sign up for a Canada Revenue Agency MyAccount
Connect with your Member of Parliament (MP) Bryan May at 519-624-7440 or bryan.may@parl.gc.ca

Provincial Updates

Please visit the Government of Ontario website for the latest information and updates on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus global pandemic
See the latest news releases issued by the Government of Ontario
Information from Public Health Ontario
List of essential workplaces
Support for Ontario businesses call 1-888-444-3659 for details
Connect with your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Belinda Karahalios at 519-650-2770 or belinda@pc.ola.org

Safety Tips and Prevention

Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Like the flu, most people recover on their own. Use the Region of Waterloo's COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to determine if further care is required. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at (519) 575-4400.

How to safely wear a mask
How to safely remove gloves
Public Health recommends everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid social gatherings and practice social distancing (2 meters or 6 feet from another person).
- Stay home if possible.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please see additional Public Health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Region.

Community Supports

Supports for the Vulnerable Population

The Region of Waterloo is working with its municipal and community partners to ensure that vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 get the supports they need. The community supports for the vulnerable page is updated regularly.

Canadian Mental Health Association

Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website for useful tools and techniques to manage the stresses of dealing with COVID-19. Resources are categorized according to:

Children, Youth & Parents/Guardians
Adults
Seniors and caregivers
Employers and employees
Front line health care

Recreation and Leisure at Home

Visit the Recreation and Leisure at Home page for great ideas to keep you busy!

Physical Distancing and Social Gatherings

We are hearing concerns about physical distancing and social gatherings occurring in the Township of North Dumfries. To report an issue, call the Region of Waterloo Call Centre at 519-575-4400. This line is open 24/7. Use it for:

social gatherings of more than five people
improper use of outdoor spaces
non-essential businesses still open

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to #plankthecurve.

Press Releases

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a public health emergency of international concern. On March 11, 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region on March 5, 2020. Additional confirmed cases are updated daily on the Region's website. Region of Waterloo Public Health is working closely with local hospitals, health care partners, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and national partners to monitor the situation. The City is receiving regular updates and guidance from Public Health.

Agri-Food Open for E-business

The Governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors to capture online e-business opportunities that will help create new, expanded or enhanced markets and open new retail channels to help generate new revenue streams for future growth.

The Agri-Food Open for E-Business targeted intake will help businesses/organizations quickly expand their marketing channels and respond to new market challenges, increase online sales in the sector and provide consumers with access to more local food.

Job Opportunities

Do you want to make a difference in our efforts against COVID-19? Become an agri-food hero and play an essential role in Ontario’s food supply chain to help put food on store shelves and kitchen tables. Check out this one-stop shop for agriculture and agri-food jobs.

Looking for essential work during COVID-19? Visit the Region of Waterloo's Employment Services job board to have opportunities sent to you as soon as they are posted.
The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin, along with its partners the Region of Waterloo, Wellington County, City of Guelph, and Dufferin County, has developed Job Seekers Hub, a resource to help local job seekers find jobs in one location.

Media Appearances

April 16, 2020 - Township Mayors on 570 News: The Mike Farwell Show
April 8, 2020 - Mayor Foxton on Rogers TV.