Stouffville creates economic recovery plan in response to coronavirus pandemic

All spring programs cancelled as are all special events being held throughout the months of May and June

Yorkregion.com
April 15, 2020
Simon Martin

The town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has created a new business continuity and economic recovery plan to help deal with the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The plan calls for closure of town facilities and all outdoor recreation amenities until the province’s directive is lifted.

“We are continuing to make the health, safety and well-being of our citizens and businesses a top priority,” Mayor Iain Lovatt said. “This plan outlines how we are moving forward and what needs to be done to minimize the effects on Stouffville’s residents and business.”

As a result of the closures, it is the town’s intention to redeploy staff wherever possible to avoid layoffs.

Because of the facility closures, all spring programs are being cancelled as well as all special events being held throughout the months of May and June. Trails and green spaces are open for families who respect the two-metre distancing requirements. The town continues to urge residents to stay home and partake in recreation in the safety of their own backyards.  

“This is a difficult time for a lot of people for many different reasons,” Lovatt said. “We are doing everything we can for the benefit of the physical, mental and financial health of the community.”

It is extremely important that we maintain momentum on regular business, Lovatt added. The town’s corporate priorities include projects that assist the local economy.

“For a lot of projects, this is a perfect time to work on them,” he says. “Certain capital infrastructure projects, such as road repair and paving, would benefit greatly from reduced traffic and public interactions. This plan addresses situations like that to the benefit of all involved."

The town continues to accept building and planning applications and customers can drop non-confidential plans and relevant information in the drop-box at town hall. The town will continue to schedule and conduct building and engineering inspections on unoccupied buildings and inspections that are outside only.

Council made the decision to waive tax and water bill penalties and interest until May 29 with the hope of easing the burden on the many families struggling to make ends meet during this time.

“We certainly recognize the financial hardships experienced by everyone,” Lovatt said. “However, we do ask if you can pay your taxes on time, please do. You will be encouraging civic responsibility!”

The plan also outlines plans for moving forward with the town’s new economic strategy and will update council on downtown Stouffville business grants which will take COVID-19 concerns into account.

The Town has partnered with Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, King Township and the York Region Economic Strategy Office to assist local businesses through the crisis. By signing up at bit.ly/2Rmq61w, businesses can stay up-to-date with changing business funding opportunities and resources.

The town is also preparing a multi-year business campaign with local partners to help post-COVID-19.

“We all can’t wait until things get back to normal -- and when they do, Stouffville will have a party!” Lovatt says. “We have already started planning it.”

Further information about town-related COVID-19 concerns, can be found at townofws.ca/COVID19. Further information about the virus can be found at york.ca/COVID19. Customer service can be reached at 905-640-1900 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for any town inquiries.