UPDATE: A handy guide about Georgina trails, boat launches and burn permits

#EssentialServices: A resident's guide to services impacted by coronavirus shutdown

Yorkregion.com
May 21, 2020
Amanda Persico

On March 19, Mayor Margaret Quirk declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19.

While the town is maintaining essential services for residents, several town facilities are closed and programs are temporarily suspended.

But what does that mean for residents?

We found the answers for you.

WHAT TOWN FACILITIES ARE CLOSED?

The Civic Centre is closed to the public until further notice. Residents can still contact customer service 905-476-4301 or by email at info@goergina.ca.

Payments can still be made through online banking.

Other closures include: all branches of the Georgina Public Library, Stephen Leacock Theatre, the Link, Georgina Leisure Pool, Georgina Gym, Sutton Arena, Georgina Ice Palace and Club 55 locations.

WHAT HAPPENED TO COUNCIL MEETINGS? 

The town will be hosting virtual council meetings April 22, May 6 and May 27 at 9 a.m., via ZOOM as well as live streamed on the town's website.

Residents can provide written or email comments to the town clerk rdillabough@georgina.ca, which will be read during the council meeting an entered into the public record. 

WHAT ELSE IS OFF LIMITS?

All town parks are closed to the public including: the dog park, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, skateboard parks and sports fields.

All spring recreation and culture programs are cancelled until further notice.

WHAT IS OPEN?

The town has re-opened trails under the following guidelines:

• Practise physical distancing of at least two metres;

• Leash and pick up after your dog;

• Take your litter home with you;

Parks remain closed with walk-through access only while on designated trails. Park closures include playgrounds, benches and picnic tables.

WHAT IF I SEE SOMEONE VIOLATING THE CLOSURES?

Call the town’s bylaw department, 905-476-4301 x 2279. After hours, call 905-476-4301 x 2281. Residents are encouraged to leave a detailed message with the date, time and location of the violation. A bylaw officer will investigate.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK THE RULES?

The town’s bylaw officers can issue fines starting at $750.

WHAT ABOUT MY PROPERTY TAXES? DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY THEM?

Yes.

The town will waive any penalty and interested associated with the April 27 interim tax bill for 90 days. There will be no penalty added in May, June or July for an unpaid April 27 instalment.

Those with an outstanding balance prior to April 27 will still incur penalty and be charged interest.

The 2019 water/wastewater rates will remain in place for the rest of 2020.

CAN I PARK OVER NIGHT?

Yes.

Overnight parking enforcement and the three-hour limit on all streets have been suspended. Daytime parking enforcement is still active.

WHAT ABOUT GARBAGE TAGS? WHERE CAN I GET THEM?

No need.

The town has waived the bag tag program until further notice. The five-bag limit still applies and will be picked up as per the regular schedule.

Used tissues, latex gloves and masks go in the garbage lined with a plastic bag to help prevent further contamination.

If you need to replace a blue box or green bin, contact Green For Life at 1-866-421-5625 or WasteLine@gflenv.com for a porch drop-off.

I HAVE A LOT OF JUNK, CAN I HAVE A GARAGE SALE?

No.

The town is not issuing garage or yard sale permits until further notice.

I'M BORED AT HOME AND WANT TO START BUILDING A BACKYARD DECK. DO I STILL NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

Yes.

The town is accepting building permits and pool enclosure permits by email building@georgina.ca or by courier mail during regular business hours.

The town does not have the ability to accept permit fees online or by phone. Instead, a cheque can be sent to the town’s building department, payable to the Town of Georgina and must include your permit application number.

CAN I REMODEL MY BATHROOM WITHOUT AN INSPECTION?

No.

All interior building inspections of occupied buildings are temporarily suspended, which includes inspections for plumping; HVAC; framing and insulation; fire safety, fire alarms and sprinklers; and occupancy inspections.

That means, interior construction projects that require an inspection are to stop until further notice.

For more information, call 905-476-4301, email building@georgina.ca or visit georgina.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating.

THE WEATHER IS GETTING NICER. CAN I GET MY BOAT IN THE WATER AND GO FISHING?

Yes.

The town opened public boat launches including: Young’s Harbour; Adeline Park; Rayners Park, King Road End; Homes Point Road, across Peninsula Resort; and 101 Clovelly Cove.

Parking is limited and available on a first come basis.

Parks and beaches remain closed including playgrounds, benches and picnic tables.

Park ambassadors will be at waterfront parks to assist with monitoring park grounds and providing customer service related to waterfront closures.

I WAS PLANNING TO BURN MY FIELD/CROP TO GET READY FOR PLANTING SEASON. CAN I?

Yes.

Applications for agricultural and open-air burning are being processed online.

To obtain a permit, property owners are to complete the application and email the form to fireadmin@georgina.ca for processing.

The annual permit fee is $35 and will take up to eight days to process.

Only credit card payment is being accepted at this time.

WHAT ABOUT OUR FURRY FRIENDS?

The Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre is closed to the public, however, staff are still on-site taking care of the animals.

The centre is not taking in healthy stray cats, trapping cats or accepting animals for surrender or donated materials.

Animal claims and adoption inquiries are conducted by appointment only. For more information, email animal-control@georgina.ca or call 1-800-898-8606.

To purchase, replace or renew a pet license, contact DocuPet at 1-855-249-1370.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

Georgina.ca/covid-19.