The Municipality of Brockton will be providing updates on the COVID-19 pandemic through this webpage.
Nine Public Health Regions Moving to New Levels in the COVID-19 Response Framework
The Grey Bruce Health Unit will enter Green Prevent Level of COVID-19 Response Framework on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Read the Provincial News Release for full details.
COVID-19 Reports to Council
Please visit our COVID-19 Reports to Council tab to read staff reports that were presented to Council regarding the Municipality's response to COVID-19.
Municipality of Brockton State of Emergency Declaration, Information Bulletins and Press Releases:
As of March 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. the Municipality of Brockton issued a Press Release declaring a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19. Since then, a number of Information Bulletins and Press Releases have been issued regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Read all the Information Bulletins and Press Releases in the tab below to learn more:
Business Recovery and Support
Visit our Business Recovery and Support page for more information on how Brockton Businesses are being supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Support our local businesses by shopping online, ordering by phone, and arrange pick-up or delivery from the convenience of your home. We are In It Together.
| About COVID-19 |
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COVID-19 is a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. Symptoms of COVID 19: Symptoms of COVID 19 range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe, and can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Complications from COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure. There are no specific treatments for COVID-19, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illnesses will recover on their own. Health authorities recommend drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest and sleeping as much as possible and trying a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough. |
| COVID-19 Reports to Council |
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| Mayor Chris Peabody Video Updates on COVID-19 |
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Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with a 2021 video update on January 27, 2021 regarding the COVID-19 Provincial Stay at Home Order and Lockdown and Grey Bruce Health Unit's vaccination response. Remember to practice the 3 W's to help prevent the spread of COVID-19! Sparky the Fire Dog and Mayor Chris Peabody offer reminders on how to Watch Your Distance, Wear a Mask/Face Covering, and Wash Your Hands! Please do your part to keep our community safe! Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with an 15th video update on November 20, 2020 regarding the Provincial Government's COVID-19 Response Framework Levels. Effective, Monday, November 23, 2020 Grey Bruce will move into the Yellow "Protect" Level. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with an 14th video update on July 15, 2020 regarding the Medical Officer of Health's Face Coverings Order. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with an thirteenth video update on June 24, 2020. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with an twelfth video update on June 10, 2020.
Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with an eleventh video update on May 8, 2020 including the Brockton Child Care Centre Expansion, Brucelea Haven, COVID-19 Testing, Brockton Burn Ban, and the Order Prohibiting Garage Sales until the completion of the COVID-19 pandemic. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor Chris Peabody provides residents with a tenth video update on April 30, 2020 including Brucelea Haven, Residential Hospice Grey Bruce, Small Business Forum Zoom meeting, and the April 28, 2020 Brockton Council and Committee of Adjustment Meetings. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a ninth video update on April 20, 2020 thanking businesses for their strength, resilience, and innovative spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a eighth video update regarding the Municipality's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on April 14, 2020 including the participation in Brockton's Connecting Community Challenge, Provincial extension of emergency orders, social distancing etiquette reminder, Brucelea Haven, and information on who to call regarding COVID-19 matters. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a seventh video update regarding the Municipality's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on April 6, 2020 including the importance of physical distancing, the Bruce County Burn Ban, Ontario's List of Essential Services, Bruce Power Town Hall Meeting, Brockton Council Meeting, and an update on Brucelea Haven. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a sixth video update regarding the Municipality's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 31, 2020 including the importance of physical distancing, recycling collection, office closures, recreational facility closures, and services at Brucelea Haven. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a fifth video update regarding the Municipality's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 27, 2020 including the waiver of penalty and interest charges on tax bills, recycling collection, health care services, and a reminder to continue practicing physical distancing. Municipality of Brockton's Mayor, Chris Peabody provides residents with a fourth update regarding the Municipality's response to the COVID-19 virus including the suspension of recycling collection, continued access along recreational trails, and COVID-19 Community Information Sheet. Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody provided residents with an third update on the Municipality's response to COVID-19 on March 23, 2020, including the Declaration of a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 as of March 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody provided residents with an additional update on the Municipality's response to COVID-19 on March 19, 2020. Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody provided residents with an update on the Municipality's response to COVID-19 on March 16, 2020. |
| Brockton Municipal Office Updates |
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Residents are encouraged to continue to limit unnecessary contact by making electronic payments, using the drop box at the Municipal Office and sending inquiries through email or by phone 519-881-2223. The Municipality of Brockton will resume in-person services on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Municipal Office located at 100 Scott Street with regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Members of the public are required to complete a COVID-19 Screening Protocol if they are interacting with staff. Members of the public entering a municipal facility must wear a face covering, sanitize their hands, and obey physical distancing requirements. Licensing and Commissioner of OathsMarriage Licenses and Lottery Licenses will be provided by appointment only at the Municipal Office, along with the witnessing of documents requiring a Commissioner of Oaths. Please email or call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 to make an appointment or for general inquiries about all types of municipal licensing. Council and Committee/Local Board MeetingsCouncil and Committee/Local Board Meetings will continue to occur electronically via Zoom video-conferencing. If the majority of committee or board members are unable to participate in Zoom meetings, they are to contact Clerk, Fiona Hamilton by email or phone at 519-881-2223 Ext. 124 to arrange alternative solutions. By-Law EnforcementThe Animal Control/By-Law Enforcement Officer continues to respond to matters. To report By-Law complaints please call 519-881-2223 Ext. 141. Response times will vary based on the nature of the complaint. |
| Finance Department Updates (Tax Bill Information) |
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The tax due date due date of March 31, 2021 is still in effect. Residents can drop off payment by cheque or cash to the Municipal Office Drop-Off Box, or sign up for online payments through their banking institution. Property owners are encouraged to consider signing up for one of our convenient pre-authorized payment plans. Payment of property taxes can be made in several different ways:
Visit our Payments page for more information. |
| Utility Department Updates (Utility Bill Information) |
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The utility bill due dates are still in effect. Residents can drop off payment by cheque or cash to the Municipal Office Drop-Off Box, or sign up for online payments through their banking institution. Visit our Payments page for further instructions on e-Billing services. |
| Operations Department Updates (Cemetery, Landfill, Garbage and Recycling, Bag Tag Information) |
CemeteryResidents are encouraged to call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 for all cemetery inquiries. Residents are asked to please refrain from using the Walkerton Cemetery as a gathering place apart from funerals. Residents must also obey Provincial Orders when attending ceremonies. Dogs or other pets are not allowed in the Walkerton Cemetery. The Municipality of Brockton encourages residents to maintain appropriate physical distancing when visiting the cemetery and respect services occurring in the cemetery at all times. We thank you for your cooperation. Landfill SitesThe Greenock Landfill remains closed to all residents to accommodate staff health and safety. Greenock Landfill staff have been transferred to the Brant Landfill to maintain landfill service in rural areas. Greenock residents are able to use the Brant Landfill during this temporary closure. The Brant Landfill and Walkerton/Hanover Landfills remain open. The Brant Landfill is open Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Walkerton/Hanover Landfill is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic residents are reminded to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing when attending the Landfills. A limit of 10 vehicles at a time remains in effect for the Brant Landfill. We encourage residents to use curbside pickup whenever possible. Garbage and RecyclingHousehold garbage and recycling pickup will continue as scheduled unless otherwise advised. The Walkerton Recycling Depot (MTO Yard) will be closed to the public, however, cardboard recycling and styrofoam drop-off are still available. Bag TagsResidents are encouraged to continue using weekly curbside garbage collection. Residents are encouraged to purchase more than one tag when out getting necessities such as groceries and gas. Bag tags can be purchase for $2.00 each at grocery and convenience stores in Cargill, Walkerton, and Hanover. Visit our Household Waste page for the full list of retailers selling Bag Tags. |
| Building Department Updates |
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Residents are encouraged to submit Building Permit Applications and general inquiries by email to the Building and Planning Manager/Chief Building Official or Building Inspector or call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 Ext 127 or 130. Building Permit applications will also continue to be accepted through the drop box at the Municipal Office. |
| Brockton Child Care Centre Updates |
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The Brockton Child Care Centre remains open, and the school-age program will only be run for eligible essential workers as identified by the Province of Ontario until the schools locally re-open. |
| Brockton Parks and Recreation Updates and Water Sampling Program |
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Effective February 20, 2021 the Walkerton Community Centre welcomes back ice users (including hockey groups, figure skating etc.) All ice rentals must be booked in advance. Ice rentals and/or organizations require a Return to Play Plan to be submitted and approved by the Municipality. This plan applies to both in-town and out-of-town rentals of any kind. All users will be required to sign a waiver. All users will also be required to complete COVID-19 screening when entering the facility. The Parks and Recreation Office at the Walkerton Community Centre will reopen on February 22, 2021 with regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person inquiries are by appointment only. Please email Brockton Parks and Recreation or call 519-881-0625 to book your appointment. Drop-in use of facilities is prohibited at this time. Well-water samples can be dropped off at the Walkerton Community Centre between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Monday to Friday. The Cargill, Bradley School House and Elmwood Community Centres remain closed at this time. Reopening plans are being drafted and reviewed and re-opening will be advertised as soon as practical. At this time, recreational programming, facility and event bookings, including hall rentals are postponed to provide staff the opportunity to refine the reopening procedures for each facility. The Lobies Park Skating Oval is open to the public Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. as weather permits. Residents must book a timeslot to skate, wear a face covering, and follow physical distancing protocols, with no more than 15 users at a time on the oval. Call 519-881-3435 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or email Brockton Parks and Recreation to book your timeslot. Staff will respond to all inquiries in order as soon as possible based on the volume of calls. Grey Bruce Health Unit Media Release: New Well Water Testing Drop-Off in BrocktonOn November 3, 2020 the Grey Bruce Health Unit and the Municipality of Brockton distributed a Media Release announcing a new location for well water sample bottle pick-up and drop off. Sample bottles can be dropped off or picked up at the Walkerton Community Centre, inside the front entrance, 290 Durham St. W., Walkerton, between the hours 8:30 am to 1:40 pm, Monday to Friday. Water bottle pick-up and drop off locations in Grey Bruce have temporarily changed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. View the Full List of locations, and visit the Health Unit's website for additional information. |
| Fire Department Updates |
Burn Permits:Both agricultural and recreational fires are permitted in compliance with follow Brockton’s Open Air Burn By-Law 2017-034. Residents who wish to have a recreational campfire are reminded that they must follow provincial orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act restricting social gatherings. These changing orders will restrict the number of people gathering at a fire. Please check current restrictions at Ontario.ca/Coronavirus or PublicHealthGreyBruce.on.ca. Fire departments remind residents of the following open-air burning safety precautions:
Residents are reminded that the Open Air Burn By-Law prohibits burn barrels and incinerators at all times. Please call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 to obtain an agricultural burn permit. Permits are not required for recreational campfires. |
| Bruce County Public Library Cancellations |
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Walkerton Library Branch Adjusted Hours During COVID-19 Pandemic:
Cargill Library Branch Adjusted Hours During COVID-19 Pandemic:
All events booked through the Municipality of Brockton for the Walkerton Branch of the Bruce County Public Library have also been cancelled until further notice. Library programming is available in alternative methods. Visit library.brucecounty.on.ca to learn more. |
| Brockton Committees and/or Local Boards of Council |
Council, Committee, and Budget MeetingsCouncil and Committee Meetings will continue to occur electronically via Zoom video-conferencing. The 2021 Municipal Budget meetings scheduled on January 19th and 20th, 2021 will also be held remotely via Zoom video-conferencing and streamed to the Municipality of Brockton’s YouTube Channel. It is expected that the February 9th, 2021 Budget Meeting will also occur electronically. Committee MeetingsAt the November 10, 2020 Council Meeting, Brockton Council approved the 2021 Council Meeting Schedule, including the option to continue meeting electronically via Zoom Video Conferencing until April 2021. Committees and/or Local Boards of Council will continue to meet as required by electronic meeting until April 2021. If the majority of committee or board members are unable to participate in Zoom meetings, they are to contact Clerk, Fiona Hamilton at 519-881-2223 Ext. 124 or by email to arrange alternative solutions for those Committees or Local Boards. The Municipality of Brockton is committed to the health and wellness of all residents and volunteers and ensuring our staff and Council Members are well to respond to Municipal duties. We are adopting a proactive and cautious approach to responding to the COVID-19 infection. Although the threat of COVID-19 remains low in Brockton and Bruce County, we are taking proactive measures to limit the spread of viruses and bringing viruses into the Municipality of Brockton workplace. It is important to maintain social distancing to minimize the potential for community transmission of this virus. |
| Brockton Business Information |
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The Community Development Coordinator continues to communicate with business owners to assist them throughout the pandemic. Please email the Community Development Coordinator, or call 519-881-2223 Ext. 131 for assistance or inquiries. Visit our Business Recovery and Support page for more information on how Brockton Businesses will be supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Walkerton Business Improvement Area is closed to the public until further notice, but available to member businesses by appointment only. Looking to purchase your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (including face coverings/masks) locally? We have you covered! Download our PPE Supplier List to support local while keeping our community safe. |
| Provincial Information |
Nine Public Health Regions Moving to New Levels in the COVID-19 Response FrameworkThe Grey Bruce Health Unit will enter Green Prevent Level of COVID-19 Response Framework on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Read the Provincial News Release for full details. Ontario Returning 27 Public Health Regions to Strengthened COVID-19 Response FrameworkOn February 12, 2021 the Provincial Government announced that 27 Public Health Regions would be transitioned out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework. Effective February 16, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Grey Bruce Health Unit will be transitioned to the Yellow Protect level. Read the Provincial News Release for full details. Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order across Most of the Province to Save LivesOn February 8, 2021 the Provincial Government extended the Province-wide lockdown and Stay-at-Home order. When it is safe to do so, the province will gradually transition each region from the shutdown measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the "Framework"). Please review the Provincial Government's Press Release for additional information. Province Issues Stay-at-Home Order and Introduces Enhanced Enforcement Measures to Reduce MobilityOn January 12, 2021, the Province of Ontario has declared a second Provincial Emergency to address the COVID-19 Crisis and save lives. The Provincial Government further issued a Stay-at-Home Order and is introducing Enhanced Enforcement Measures to reduce mobility. Please review the Provincial Government's Press Release for additional information. Ontario Announces Province-wide Shutdown to Stop Spread of COVID-19 and Save LivesOn December 21, 2020 the Provincial Government announced a Province wide lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Read the full Media Release for additional information. The lockdown is in effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020 for a period of 28 days. Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health and Testing Measures to Keep People SafeOn October 2, 2020 in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local medical officers of health and public health experts, the Ontario government is tightening public health measures. At the same time, in response to the second wave of COVID-19 and in preparation for the cold winter months, the government is taking action to reduce testing turnaround times while prioritizing those who are at the greatest risk. The Government introduced New Measures for Testing, New Public Health Measures, and Further Restrictions Including:
Read the full News Release for all details, including the New Measures for Testing and New Public Health Measures. Provincial Government Changes Gathering Restrictions - September 19, 2020On September 19, 2020 the Provincial Government changed the Gathering Restrictions to:
Read the full News Release for more information. |
| Community Support Information |
Medical Officer of Health Order: Face Coverings in Indoor Public Places in Grey BruceOn July 14, 2020 the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arra, issued an Order regarding face coverings in indoor public places in Grey Bruce. The Order will be in effect Friday, July 17, 2020 at 12:01 p.m. and remain in effect for a period of four (4) weeks. Please read the Order and Media Release from the Grey Bruce Health Unit for further information on face covering restrictions. Local PPE SuppliersLooking to purchase your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (including face coverings/masks) locally? We have you covered! Download our PPE Supplier List to support local while keeping our community safe. Grey Bruce Huron Strong AppAccess the Grey Bruce Huron Strong App (GBHS) to stay connected with our communities during this extraordinary period. The GBHS App offers the latest, trusted health information, resources for people and businesses in need, a way for citizens to offer help to others, and things to do while at home. Community Information SheetThe Municipality of Brockton has developed a COVID-19 Community Information Sheet providing residents with information on available services, health questions,information available to seniors or people with compromised immune systems, pharmacies, grocery stores, and restaurants offering home delivery or take-out services.
SPARK OntarioThe Government of Ontario is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak. SPARK Ontario is the province's first bilingual volunteer hub designed to direct volunteers to where they are needed most. The needs of each community vary, but groups across the province are looking for volunteers to help deliver food or medicines, run errands or check-up on seniors and the most vulnerable by phone or email while they self-isolate. Volunteer organizations can visit www.sparkontario.ca to post volunteer opportunities available in their communities. Ontarians interested in volunteering are encouraged to check the website for opportunities to make a difference where they live Notice of Implemented Proactive Measures PosterThe following Notice of Implemented Proactive Measures has been posted at the Municipal Office. |
| How You Can Help |
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Individuals can assist in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the following ways:
It is important to avoid visiting long-term care centres and hospitals unless necessary to help protect those who are most vulnerable. Volunteer to Help Others:SPARK OntarioThe Government of Ontario is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak. SPARK Ontario is the province's first bilingual volunteer hub designed to direct volunteers to where they are needed most. The needs of each community vary, but groups across the province are looking for volunteers to help deliver food or medicines, run errands or check-up on seniors and the most vulnerable by phone or email while they self-isolate. Volunteer organizations can visit www.sparkontario.ca to post volunteer opportunities available in their communities. Ontarians interested in volunteering are encouraged to check the website for opportunities to make a difference where they live. TheDoA new website, www.thedo.ca, has been launched for volunteers interested in assisting people during the COVID-19 crisis in Grey and Bruce counties. The service is run by the United Way of Grey Bruce. |
| COVID-19 Grey-Bruce Assessment Centres |
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On March 17, 2020 the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit issued a Media Release announcing COVID-19 Assessment Centres opening in Grey-Bruce. Three COVID-19 Assessment Centres will open in the Grey Bruce region this week to help identify and triage patients with symptoms of COVID-19. The Assessment Centres will help expand hospital capacity to assess and screen patients who have symptoms of COVID-19, and free up Emergency Department resources to continue to safely manage the normal volume of patients. Who should come to the Assessment Centre?The Assessment Centres are for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 who are having difficulty managing at home. Please follow these guidelines to determine if you should come.
Assessment Centre Locations:
Appointments are not necessary. Patients will be pre-screened, and will be asked to wash their hands and put on a mask prior to entry. To reduce risk and traffic within the Centres, only those patients who require assistance will be permitted to bring a support person with them into the facilities. Following screening at the Assessment Centres, patients will be sent home to self-isolate and monitor symptoms, unless the patient is critically ill and requires hospitalization. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Most patients experience mild symptoms, and recover fully without treatment within two weeks. |
| Helpful Resources |
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The Municipality of Brockton will continue to obtain information and updates from the County of Bruce, The Grey Bruce Health Unit, the Province of Ontario and other health agencies and will provide new information to residents when available. The following links provide useful information about COVID-19:
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