What you need to know during coronavirus state of emergency in Markham

#essentialservices: Guide to COVID-19 city closures, cancellations, aid, penalties and relief measures

Yorkregion.com
April 23, 2020
Heidi Riedner

 As the COVID-19 crisis continues to lock down just about every "normal" way of life as we know it, the City of Markham continues to provide essential services to residents despite the closure of municipal facilities and officials and staff working remotely.

Check out our guide of what you need to know during the continued state of emergency.

WHAT SERVICES ARE ESSENTIAL?

Fire and emergency services, water and wastewater, roads maintenance and waste collection continue to be delivered while non-essential staff are working from home.

WHAT HAS BEEN CLOSED?

All city facilities and park amenities are closed to the public until further notice, including community centres, libraries, art centres and galleries.

You are allowed to use parks or trails, as long as you practice physical distancing, but you are not allowed to use sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash, skateboard or BMX parks, benches, picnic areas or community gardens.

You are also not allowed to congregate in groups of five or more.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK THE RULES OR SEE SOMEONE WHO IS?

Defying the rules (which are backed by provincial orders) can land you 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.

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 conducting an investigation under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act carries a fine of $1,250.

York Regional Police is the lead agency when it comes to handing out tickets. If you see someone breaking the rules, you should call their non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423.

HAVE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS BEEN CANCELLED?

Yes, all city-run festivals and events are cancelled up until June.

All spring recreation, culture and library drop-in and registered programs, spring facility bookings and sports field permits have been cancelled through to June 1.

CAN I GET FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE CITY?

Council approved a list of relief measures to help ease the burden for residents and businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the extended closures.

Residents:

No late payment (penalty and interest) charges for residential property taxpayers from April 1 to Dec. 31, 2020.

Property owners enrolled in the Pre-authorized Payment Program (PPP) who are not able to make their April 1, 2020 tax payment should contact their bank to stop payment of the instalment.

For PPP payments beyond April 1, 2020, there is an option to opt out of the program at least two weeks in advance of the instalment date by completing the cancellation form online.

The 2020 stormwater fee of $50 has been eliminated.

The April 1, 2020 water rate increase of 7.8 per cent has been deferred to next year.

Businesses:

No late payment (penalty and interest) charges for non-residential property taxpayers from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020.

Deferral of the 2020 stormwater fee, which equates to a savings of $560 for a property valued at $2 million.

Elimination of the April 1, 2020 water rate increase of 7.8 per cent.

Suspension of the Municipal Accommodation Tax from April 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, to provide relief to hoteliers.

The city is calling on everyone who is able to pay property taxes to continue to do so, since it is critical for the city to continue to provide essential and necessary services to the entire community.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up and use ePropertyTax online services to monitor their tax accounts and complete transactions.

WHAT ABOUT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL?

Elected officials are still working; however, public meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Council meetings are being held via online chat platforms.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE CITY?

While in-person services at the municipal offices are not available, residents can connect with staff by calling 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.

For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected city services, visit markham.ca/covid19.