The Municipality of Brockton will be providing updates on the COVID-19 pandemic through this webpage.
Information Bulletin: Municipality of Brockton’s Updated Response to COVID-19 - January 19, 2021
The Municipality of Brockton’s State of Emergency originally issued on March 23, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect. There is a Provincial-wide lockdown, and the Reopening Ontario Act emergency orders were extended on January 16, 2021 for an additional 30 days. The Municipality of Brockton continues to prioritize the health and well-being of residents and businesses by following advice from the Grey Bruce Health Unit and Provincial Government. The Municipality of Brockton will be closed to the public until February 11, 2021. Read the full Information Bulletin to learn the measures that have been taken by the Municipality in response to the Provincial Order extension.
Province Issues Stay-at-Home Order and Introduces Enhanced Enforcement Measures to Reduce Mobility
On 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 Lives
On 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.
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 |
Sparky the Fire Dog Practices 3 W's for COVID-19 ProtectionRemember 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 |
The Brockton Municipal Office is closed to the public until February 11, 2021, but staff will continue to offer customer service virtually. We are happy to assist you via email and telephone. The Drop-Off Box is also available for residents to drop off documentation and payments, which is checked regularly by staff. Email info@brockton.ca for general inquiries.
Licensing and Commissioner of OathsLottery and Marriage Licensing services are available by appointment only. Please contact the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 to book your licensing appointment. Commissioner of Oath services are suspended until further notice. 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. 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 and utility bill 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. 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:
Visit our Payments page for more information. |
| Utility Department Updates (Utility Bill Information) |
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The utility bill 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. Visit our Payments page for further instructions on e-Billing services. Please review our Utility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheet for more information. |
| 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 wishing to obtain building permits can drop off documentation at the Municipal Office Drop-Off Box or, preferably, via email. Inquiries can be directed via email or telephone to 519-881-2223. |
| 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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The Recreation Office at the Walkerton Community Centre remains closed to the public until further notice, with the exception of drop-offs for well water samples. Well-water samples can be dropped off at the Walkerton Community Centre between the hours of 8:30-1:40 p.m. Monday to Friday. Recreation Department inquires can still be made by telephone 519-881-0625 or email recreation@brockton.ca. All facility rentals, recreational and leisure programs, including private bookings have been postponed until further notice. The Elmwood Community Centre, Cargill and District Community Centre and Bradley School House Community Centre are closed to the public until further notice. The Lobies Park Skating Oval will be opened to the public shortly, weather permitting. Opening will be announced and at that time residents must book a timeslot to skate, and follow physical distancing protocols, with no more than 15 users at a time on the oval. Call 519-881-0625 or email recreation@brockton.ca to book your timeslot once the skating oval is operational. All other Parks, Trails, Open Spaces and Amenities remain open expect those seasonally closed, where individuals must maintain a physical distance of least two metres apart from others and social gatherings are not to too exceed 5 persons. 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 |
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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