COVID-19 Updates

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 Municipal Response May 26, 2020 Update - Report CLK2020-17 (May 26, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Financial Implications Update 3 - Report FIN2020-19 (May 12, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Centennial Park Pool Closure - Report REC2020-02 (May 12, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Plan to Re-open Community Garden - Report REC2020-01 (May 12, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Municipal Response April 28, 2020 Update - Report CLK2020-13 (April 28, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Financial Support Resources - Report FIN2020-16 (April 28, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 2020 Budget Impacts - Report FIN2020-15 (April 28, 2020 Council Meeting)
• County Levy Due Date Deferral - Report FIN2020-14 (April 28, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Business Survey - Report ED2020-03 (April 28, 2020 Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Municipal Response - Update - Report CLK2020-10 (April 7, 2020 Special Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Finance Update - Report FIN2020-13 (April 7, 2020 Special Council Meeting)
• COVID-19 Municipal Response - Report CLK2020-09 (March 19, 2020 Special Council Meeting)

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.

The Brockton Municipal Office will be closed to the public until further notice. Documents and payments can still be dropped off in the Drop-Off Box and will be processed by staff.

Lottery licensing and commissioning services are currently suspended. Marriage licensing will be postponed and reviewed by staff on a case-by-case basis.

As of March 24, 2020 the Municipality of Brockton’s tax due date of March 31, 2020 still remains; however the Municipality has decided to waive the penalty and interest charges on the March 31, 2020 and May 29, 2020 tax bill installments until June 2020.

Please review our Property Tax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheet for more information.

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:

• Pre-authorized Payment Plan: Automatic withdrawals from your bank account on the 15th day of each month or automatic withdrawals from your bank account on the four installment due dates.
• Telephone or Internet Banking: Check with your financial institution for set-up, and allow up to 5 business days for processing. (Note: Use your property roll number for your account number and use all 19 digits. If only 15 digits are allowed, leave off the last four zeroes.)
• Mail: Allow up to 5 business days for processing.
• Post-dated cheques can be dropped off at the municipal office or mailed. Send in your tax stubs with your post-dated cheques to ensure payment is applied correctly. Cheque payments can be dropped in the night deposit box located in the front door of the municipal office.

Visit www.Brockton.ca/Payments for more information.

The tax due date and utility bill due date of March 31, 2020 is still in effect. Residents can drop off payment by cheque to the Drop-off Box, or sign up for online payments through their banking institution.

The tax due date and utility bill due date of March 31, 2020 is still in effect. Residents can drop off payment by cheque to the Drop-off Box, or sign up for online payments through their banking institution.

Please review our Utility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheet for more information.

Cemetery

Residents are asked to please refrain from using the Walkerton Cemetery as a gathering place apart from funerals. As per Provincial Order Funerals are only permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time. 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.

Recycling

March 30, 2020 -The Municipality of Brockton has made arrangements for curbside recycling services to resume for all residents as per the usual schedule starting March 31, 2020. (Brant residents Tuesday, Walkerton residents Thursday and Greenock residents Friday) and for the material to be recycled and not landfilled. Staff and Council thank residents for holding on to their recyclables until a safe and responsible solution was found by the Municipality of Brockton. 

The Walkerton Recycling Report (MTO Yard) will be closed to the public, however, cardboard recycling and styrofoam drop-off are still available. 

Landfill Sites

The Brant Landfill has changed its hours of operations for Spring. The Brant Landfill is open on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

The Brant Landfill is introducing a limit of 10 vehicles in the Landfill at a time to assist staff with physical distancing. We encourage residents accessing the landfill to please be patient and cooperate with physical distancing requirements. Thank you for your cooperation.

As of March 17, 2020 the Greenock Landfill Site is closed to the public until further notice. 

The Brant Landfill Site is currently still open and will accept transfers from the Greenock Landfill. Increased protocols have been established to protect staff and the public.

We ask that residents please be patient when using the landfill. Thank you for your cooperation.

Regular hours will continue at Brant and Walkerton/Hanover Landfills unless otherwise advised.

Household waste and recycling pickup will also continue as normal.

Bag Tags

Residents can purchase bag tags from the Municipality’s Bag Tag retailers, including Walkerton Foodland, Walkerton Valu-Mart, Cargill Country Variety, Paisley Freshmart, Towne Convenience, and Circle K.

The Brockton Child Care Centre will be closed until further notice.

Recreational Amenities Reopened as of May 22, 2020:

Residents must remain two (2) metres or six (6) feet apart while using these amenities. The Provincial Order restricting gatherings of more than five (5) people remains in effect, unless they are members of the same household. Individuals should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer to clean their hands before and after using the pavilions, and stay home if ill.

Even though these amenities are reopened, the play structures located at some of these parks (including the Splash Pad at Centennial Park) remain closed until further notice. These amenities are open for walkthrough access only.
The washrooms and facilities at these locations remain closed at this time.

Residents are reminded that trails and greenspaces continue to remain open with the same restrictions. 

The Parks and Recreation Office, Community Centres, play structures at the parks, and the splash pad remains closed to the public until further notice. The Walkerton Centennial Pool is unfortunately closed for the season.

Walkerton Centennial Pool Closure:

Unfortunately, the Municipality of Brockton was faced with the difficult decision to close the Walkerton Centennial Pool for the 2020 season due anticipated operating restrictions related to Covid-19 as well as delayed timelines for completing necessary capital repairs. The Splashpad and Washrooms at the Walkerton Centennial Pool may be opened in the coming months depending on the orders lifted by the Province of Ontario.

Brockton Community Garden Reopened:

As of May 15, 2020, the Brockton Community Garden, located on Jane Street in Walkerton will reopen with certain restrictions. On April 25, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced that Community Gardens could reopen provided appropriate physical distancing could be maintained. The Municipality of Brockton has implemented a safe plan with increased protocols to reopen the Community Garden to ensure that no more than five (5) plot owners may visit the garden at one time. 

Brockton Doors Open Event Cancelled:

The Brockton Doors Open Event was originally scheduled for September 2020 to showcase Brockton’s historical buildings, private homes and interesting landmarks. The Doors Open Event has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 related risks associated with touring private homes. The cancellation of the event complies with Provincial Orders restricting gatherings over five (5) people, physical distancing, and ensures the safety and protection of our residents. We must continue to remain vigilant to protect all residents in our community.

Municipal Events and Recreational Facility Bookings Cancelled Until June 30, 2020:

The Municipality of Brockton has made the difficult decision to cancel bookings and events for all municipal facilities and properties through to June 30, 2020.  Extending our cancellation period provides the community with clarity and the ability to adjust plans accordingly.  While we are proud of our community events and festivals, the safety and well-being of our residents, visitors and staff must remain our first priority.

Staff have notified all event/booking contacts who were provided the opportunity to rebook subject to availability, if postponement was option. If you are unsure as to whether your event is affected at this time, and have not received notification, we ask that you please contact the facility or department that you booked with directly.  As the situation surrounding the pandemic emergency evolves, the need to re-evaluate cancellations beyond June 30, 2020 may be required.

Residents are reminded that the the Parks and Recreation Office, Community Centres, play structures at the parks, and the splash pad remains closed to the public until further notice. The Walkerton Centennial Pool is unfortunately closed for the season. Brockton greenspaces and trails remain open at this time for walk through; however residents are asked to maintain a minimum of 6 feet or 2 meters physical distancing from others.

Furthermore, with the Provincial Declaration of Emergency extended until May 12th, the current emergency orders, such as the closure of all non-essential workplaces, recreational facilities and amenities, as well as restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people remains in effect.  If you choose to ignore the restrictions not only are you putting your health, the health of your family and the health of your community at risk, you could face a fine for failure to comply with an order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It is vitally important that all residents strictly follow these measures to help stop the spread. Stay Home where possible and only go out for essential items like food and medical reasons. 

Further Information: 

The Recreation Office is closed to the public until further notice. All outdoor recreational amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters and facilities are also closed until further notice. Greenspaces in parks and trails would remain open for walkthrough access but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others.

Residents are reminded that the Municipality of Brockton’s recreational facilities and amenities are closed to the public until further notice. Brockton greenspaces, and trails are still open, but residents are asked to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet or 2 meters. Staff continue to inspect municipal parks, properties, and facilities on a regular basis. Residents with concerns of damage, vandalism, or mischief occurring in Brockton’s recreational facilities or amenities are encouraged to notify the Brockton Parks and Recreation Department at 519-881-0625. If residents witness damage, vandalism, or mischief while occurring, they are encouraged to call 911 to notify the O.P.P. The O.P.P. also have an online reporting tool available on their website www.opp.ca which allows residents to report minor occurrences such as theft, mischief to property, lost property and driving complaints that occur in areas policed by the O.P.P. The Municipality of Brockton cares for the health and safety of our community, and encourages residents to stay home, and practice physical distancing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

All recreational and leisure programs, including private bookings have been postponed until further notice. The Municipality of Brockton will postpone or cancel bookings with refunds based on the preferences of the event organizers.

Event and program cancellations may be extended based on updated information from the Grey Bruce Health Unit and other health agencies about the spread of COVID-19 in Bruce County.

As of 6:00 p.m. on May 14, 2020, the Municipality of Brockton’s Chief Fire Official has lifted the Open Air Burn Ban in accordance with Bruce County Fire Chiefs. 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:

• Remove all vegetation and other material that could spread the fire prior to burning
• Burn only clean, dry wood (burning of waste is prohibited)
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep the fire on a non-combustible surface and away from other combustibles
• Have an adequate supply of water available to extinguish the fire

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.

Fireworks are not recommended at this time for health and safety and fire response reasons.

As of March 16, 2020 the Bruce County Public Library Walkerton and Cargill Branches will be closed until further notice.

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. The County of Bruce has also cancelled programs held at all Bruce County Public Library branches until further notice. 

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.

As a result, the Municipality of Brockton will be suspending all Committee and Board meetings until further notice. Staff will continue to work on initiatives already in progress.

Please note that the open meeting provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001 prohibit electronic or conference call meetings as they do not allow for accountability and transparency for the public.

Visit our Business Recovery and Support page for more information on how Brockton Businesses will be supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many Brockton businesses are closed to the public, but open for business and still offering services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our Stay Home and Shop Local page to support our local businesses! Shop online, order by phone, and arrange pick-up or delivery from the convenience of your home, following social distancing practices. 

Grey Bruce Huron Strong App

Access 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.

Grey Bruce Huron Strong App

Community Information Sheet

The 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 Ontario

The 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 Poster

The following Notice of Implemented Proactive Measures has been posted at the Municipal Office.

Individuals can assist in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the following ways:

• Frequent hand washing
• Refrain from touching face
• Keep a distance of 1-2 metres between people
• Avoid shaking hands
• Stay home if sick and call telehealth to report symptoms
• Avoid crowds and large gatherings
• Minimize all non-essential travel, especially outside of Ontario

It is important to avoid visiting long-term care centres and hospitals unless necessary to help protect those who are most vulnerable.

Province of Ontario Restriction on Gatherings Over Five People

On March 29, 2020, the Province of Ontario restricted gatherings of more than 5 people with a few specific exemptions for funerals, household with more than five people, child care centres supporting health care workers, and necessary gatherings of emergency responders (if under 50 people). The Provincial Order took effect immediately and was made to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians. The Municipality of Brockton encourages residents to obey the Provincial Order, maintain social distancing and only go out for essential items like food and medical supplies.

Volunteer to Help Others:

SPARK Ontario

The 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.

TheDo

A 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. 

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.

1. If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the Assessment Centre.
2. If you have mild symptoms, and you can manage at home, please stay home and self-isolate.  Do not come to the Assessment Centre. Information on self-isolation, as well as guidance for care givers and family members in the home, is available at www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
3. If you have symptoms, and are struggling at home, come to an Assessment Centre.
4. If you are very ill, go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911. 

Assessment Centre Locations:

1. Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound Regional Hospital
   Location: Portable facility just outside the entrance to the Owen Sound Hospital Emergency Department
   Opening Date: Wednesday, March 18
   Hours of Operation: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 7 days per week 
2. South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Kincardine Hospital
   Location: Portable facility located between hospital and medical clinic
   Opening Date: Thursday, March 19
   Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 7 days per week 
3. Hanover and District Hospital
   Location: Main entrance to the hospital
   Opening Date: Thursday, March 19
   Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday 

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.  

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:

• Public Health Ontario https://www.publichealthontario.ca
• Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
• Ontario Government https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
• Grey Bruce Public Health Unit https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
• Grey Bruce Health Unit COVID-19 Helpline at 1-800-263-3456 press 3000 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm).
• Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for questions specific to an individual health concerns