'There’s no need to panic,' Georgina Mayor says, as town declares state of emergency

Georgina latest municipality to make declaration in face of coronavirus concerns

Yorkregion.com
March 20, 2020
Amanda Persico

Georgina has issued a declaration of emergency in response to coronavirus crisis.

"This is an unprecedented global pandemic and our role in helping to manage the spread of COVID-19 is critical," Mayor Margaret Quirk said.

The town’s emergency operations centre has been activated and town services have been adjusted to ensure the protection and safety of both residents and town staff.

The town will still provide essential services to residents.

"There is no need to panic, but we do need to take strong action as a community in stopping the transmission of COVID-19," Quirk said. "This emergency declaration reinforces the importance of social distancing and self-isolation."

Declaring an emergency grants the mayor the authority to take action necessary to implement the town’s emergency plan, including the power to protect emergency workers.

Along with declaring an emergency, council is currently considering deferring property tax payments, waiving penalty and interest charges for April and adjusting water/wastewater billing dates.

The town has also suspended council and committee meetings moving forward. Council meetings will resume once the Civic Centre is reopened to the public.

For information on what’s closed in Georgina, click here.

The March 25 council meeting only includes a closed session and there are no public reports.

The province passed legislation permitting municipalities to conduct council meetings electronically when faced with local and provincewide emergencies.

The town has also suspended its overnight parking and three-hour parking limit on all streets, but restrictions will still be in place if it snows. Daytime parking enforcement is still active.

The town also modified its noise bylaw to allows for 24-hour service delivery, so all service or delivery trucks providing essential services can continue with their business.

For more information, visit georgina.ca.