Wondering how coronavirus affects Stouffville? Here is a handy guide

#essentialservices: From recreation to property tax to getting help, we've got the answers

Yorkregion.com
April 23, 2020
Simon Martin

Like other municipalities, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville facilities are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

HOW DID THE TOWN MAKE THAT DECISION?

On March 13, the town closed its facilities to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Stouffville declared a state of emergency on March 24 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Ontario. The declaration followed the Ontario government’s announcement of a provincewide state of emergency. The declaration allows the town to access additional funding and resources, if necessary, to help control the spread of the virus. The town is working with York Region public health to monitor COVID-19.

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

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The town hall, leisure centre and library, arenas, SoccerCity, 19 on the Park, community centres, the 55+ Club, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard parks.

Town trails are still open, but residents are advised not to use park benches and picnic tables, and to avoid touching surfaces.

ANYWHERE ELSE CLOSED?

The TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority) has closed Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, while York Region has closed the trails in York Region Forest.

The Stouffville Strawberry Festival has been cancelled on Canada Day weekend. The town has also cancelled all events until July.

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

Please send all bylaw enforcement inquiries by phone or email only. Bylaw will not be setting up meetings or facilitating tickets in person.

Parking bylaws are still being enforced. If any residents have bylaw questions, call townofws.ca/taxes. For more information about water and sewer bills, please visit townofws.ca/waterbills. Further inquiries should be directed to Customer Service at 905-640-1900.

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.

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.

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

The town launched the Stouffville Community Care Network, which is a webpage that connects those in need of help with those willing to offer assistance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance or willing to provide help to vulnerable residents, please register your interest at www.townofws.ca/communitycarenetwork and staff will work to connect you with someone nearby. If you do not have access to a computer, call the Office of the Mayor at 905-640-1910 ext. 2227.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Visit townofws.ca/covid19.