The Municipality of Brockton will be providing updates on the COVID-19 pandemic through this webpage.
Information Bulletin: Municipal Services - July 31, 2020
The Municipality of Brockton has continued to serve residents by electronic, telephone and remote working arrangements throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to move forward with re-opening plans with additional physical barriers and health and safety protocols in place as advised by health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Bruce and Grey Counties. Effective July 17, 2020, the Grey Bruce Health Unit has ordered that individuals wear face coverings when receiving goods or services indoors, unless an exemption applies. Read the July 31, 2020 Information Bulletin for full details.
Medical Officer of Health Order: Face Coverings in Indoor Public Places in Grey Bruce
On 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 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 Suppliers (Including Face Coverings) |
| 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. |
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 / Stay Home Shop Local Campaign
Visit our Business Recovery and Support page for more information on how Brockton Businesses are being supported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our Sidewalk Patio Application page to learn more about our new program and how to apply!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.
| 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 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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The Municipality of Brockton has continued to serve residents by electronic, telephone and remote working arrangements throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to move forward with re-opening plans with additional physical barriers and health and safety protocols in place as advised by health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Bruce and Grey Counties. Effective July 17, 2020, the Grey Bruce Health Unit has ordered that individuals wear face coverings when receiving goods or services indoors, unless an exemption applies. 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. The Municipality of Brockton will resume in-person services on August 10, 2020 at the Municipal Office located at 100 Scott Street. Additional physical distancing barriers have been installed to ensure safety for municipal staff and residents. While residents can attend the Municipal Office to purchase dog tags and bag tags. Bags tags can still be purchased at the following locations:
Licensing and Commissioner of Oaths:Marriage 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 call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 to make an appointment or for general inquiries about all types of municipal licensing. |
| Finance Department Updates (Tax Bill Information) |
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Individuals will be able to pay Tax Bills and Utility Bills via Debit, Cash, or Cheque at the Municipal Office as of August 10, 2020, but are reminded that payments can be left in the drop-box, or made via Pre-Authorized Payment Withdrawals or Online/Telephone Banking. 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 www.Brockton.ca/Payments for more information. |
| Utility Department Updates (Utility Bill Information) |
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Individuals will be able to pay Tax Bills and Utility Bills via Debit, Cash, or Cheque at the Municipal Office as of August 10, 2020, but are reminded that payments can be left in the drop-box, or made via Pre-Authorized Payment Withdrawals or Online/Telephone Banking. Please review our Utility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) fact sheet for more information. |
| Operations Department Updates (Cemetery, Recycling, Landfill, Bag Tag Information) |
CemeteryResidents 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. RecyclingMarch 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 SitesThe 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 Site has been accepting transfers from the Greenock Landfill. 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 Greenock Landfill will reopen on Saturday, August 1, 2020 with regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. 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 TagsWhile residents can attend the Municipal Office to purchase bag tags, bags tags can still be purchased at the following locations:
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| Building Department Updates |
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Residents are encouraged to submit Building Permit Applications and general inquiries for the building department through email to rholliday@brockton.ca or dpaquette@brockton.ca, or to call the Municipal Office at 519-881-2223 Ext 127 or 130 to make an appointment or speak with a Building Official. Building Permit applications and general inquiries 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 reopened July 6, 2020 with additional measures in place to protect the health and safety of staff, children, and parents. |
| Brockton Parks and Recreation Updates |
Facilities and Bookings:The Walkerton Arena, Cargill, Bradley School House and Elmwood Community Centres remain closed. For facility and event bookings and Lobies Park Campground reservations, inquires can be made by contacting the Brockton Parks and Recreation Office at 519-881-0625 or by emailing inquiries to recreation@brockton.ca. The Parks and Recreation office at the Walkerton Community Centre located at 290 Durham Street West, Walkerton remains closed to in-person walk-in inquires due to renovations. Please phone or email to arrange a future appointment. Department Staff and Committees are working to open facilities to the public for September. Dates to be determined. Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Playground Structures Open as of July 17The Municipality of Brockton’s outdoor recreational facilities and playground structures are open to the public as of July 17, 2020.However, physical distancing and gathering restrictions remain in effect. Residents are reminded to follow guidelines from the Provincial Government and the Grey Bruce Health Unit. Walkerton Kinsmen Club Splash Pad:The Walkerton Kinsmen Splash Pad will be opened as of Friday, June 26, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven (7) days a week. The Splash Pad will be fenced in and supervised by staff as required by the applicable provincial guidelines. Only ten (10) people will be allowed in the Splash Pad at one time. Residents will be able to access the Splash Pad for a period of 30 minutes during busy or peak times. There will be a “first come first serve” rule to allow residents equal time at the Splash Pad. Any child who exits/leaves the Splash Pad will be required to re-join the line and wait until another child leaves the Splash Pad before they are able to re-enter the facility. Lobies Park Campground:Lobies Park Campground will be opened as of Friday, June 26, 2020. The Campground will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven (7) days a week. Reservations will be accepted as of June 19, 2020. Campers can only access every other campsite to allow for appropriate physical distancing. The single use washrooms will be open, and staff will clean and disinfect the washrooms twice a day. The communal washrooms will not be opened. Summer Day Camp Program:The Council of the Municipality of Brockton, after careful consideration of the guidelines and recommendations from the Government of Ontario and the Grey Bruce Health Unit, sadly decided on June 16, 2020 to cancel the Brockton Summer Day Camp Program. This was a very difficult decision for everyone involved. The Municipality’s priority is ensuring the health and safety of our campers and staff. Staff are researching options to run alternative summer programming to support Brockton families. The Municipality will announce any additional measures in the coming weeks in order to offer a safe and quality program for children. The Municipality sympathizes and understands the impact of this cancellation on our families who rely on childcare during the summer. Due to the risk, liability, and responsibility involved with screening, health and safety protocols, program operation details, financial implications, and safely operating the camp it was determined that Brockton could not operate the Summer Day Camp for 2020. 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. Further Information:The Parks and Recreation Office and Community Centres remain closed to the public until further notice. 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.
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| 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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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. |
| Brockton Committees of Council Cancellations |
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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. |
| Brockton Business Information |
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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. The Municipality of Brockton recently adopted a Sidewalk Patio Application Program to allow businesses to adjust to the “new normal” and re-opening with continued physical distancing and other health protocols due to COVID-19. Many restaurant and pub establishments are in need of additional space for their operations. With the arrival of summer, sidewalk and on-street patios can provide businesses with expanded space to accommodate patrons safely, while also contributing to vibrant and active commercial districts and streets. The intention in reviewing sidewalk patio applications and requirements is to ensure that universal accessibility, public safety and streetscape experience is enhanced and not negatively impacted by the introduction of a patio. Visit our Sidewalk Patio Application webpage to learn more and apply! 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. |
| 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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