Wondering how coronavirus affects things in Aurora? Here's a handy guide

From recreation to parking to breaking the rules, we've got the answers

Yorkregion.com
April 22, 2020
Lisa Queen

Like other municipalities, Town of Aurora facilities are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

HOW DID THE TOWN MAKE THAT DECISION?

On March 18, the town declared a state of emergency, which allows the town to access additional funding and resources, if necessary, to help control the spread of the virus.

WHEN YOU SAY TOWN FACILITIES ARE CLOSED, EXACTLY WHAT PLACES CAN'T I GO TO?

The town hall, joint operations centre, Aurora Seniors Centre, Aurora Public Library, Stronach Aurora Recreation Centre, Aurora Community Centre, Aurora Museum and Cultural Centre, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and courts and the dog park.

Town trails are still open, but don’t use park benches and picnic tables and avoid touching surfaces.

ANYWHERE ELSE CLOSED?

Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area, as the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has closed all of its conservation areas during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce Home and Living Show has been postponed. New dates will be announced in the future.

The Aurora Chamber Street Festival on June 7 has been cancelled.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE PEOPLE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES BY USING OFF-LIMITS SPACES?

Send an email with day, time, and location of the incident to bdepartment@aurora.ca or leave a voice mail at 905-727-3123 ext. 4240. Complainants are asked to leave a telephone number and name in case followup is required.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK THE RULES?

The town is handing out fines to people who don’t comply with emergency orders banning more than five people gathering. That doesn’t include family members living at the same address. The orders also cover people trespassing in areas closed to the public. Anyone found price gouging on necessary goods such as hand sanitizer and household cleaners can also be fined. Fines start at $880. Failing to identify yourself to a bylaw officer carries a fine of $1,250. Defying the rules is also punishable with up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual and up to $10 million for a corporation.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH RECREATION PROGRAMS?

No recreation programs are running during the coronavirus outbreak. If you signed up for programs and camps cancelled by the town, you will be get a complete refund.

CAN I GET AN EXTENSION ON MY PROPERTY TAXES OR WATER BILL?

The April 21 interim tax instalment for residential tax bills is deferred to June 23. Commercial tax bills can be deferred by approval of the treasurer if businesses demonstrate they have passed on this leniency to their tenants. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.

Penalties on taxes will be temporarily suspended until June 30.

Residents are asked to pay water bills to the best of their ability. Water bills that are not paid will still be moved to the tax account but will not accrue interest due to the temporary suspension of penalties on taxes.

The town will also offer the same flexible options to those on a pre-authorized payment plan. They will have the ability to suspend their tax payments by two months. Contact info@aurora.ca to make these arrangements.

If you are interested in deferring paying your taxes, including pre-authorized payments or commercial tax bill payments or putting a hold on postdated cheques, email info@aurora.ca with your name, address, phone number and roll number.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL TOWN SERVICES?

Essential services such as water, wastewater, roads and solid waste collection services are not expected to be affected. Medical masks and gloves should be disposed of in garbage bags only. All tissues and napkins should be placed in closed bags to protect collection workers and help reduce the spread of the virus. Until further notice, public access to the GFL building has been suspended.

I'VE GOT STUFF TO GET RID OF. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The textile recycling program has been suspended so keep this material at your home until service resumes. All Diabetes Canada and Cornerstone to Recovery community bins are closed. Again, keep these items at your home until service resumes.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH PARKING RESTRICTIONS?

Overnight parking enforcement has been suspended but will be in place if there is a snow event. Daytime parking enforcement is still active for all general offences.

ARE THERE ANY INITIATIVES TO HELP DURING THE CRISIS THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

The town has launched an Aurora Business Continuity Task Force, an Aurora Cares Community Action Team, a Mayor’s Roundtable of Sport and invites residents to support local businesses at shopfromhomeaurora.ca.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Visit aurora.ca/covid19.