COVID-19

Effective Tuesday, April 14
Transit operations will be revised so that each route will be visited once per hour instead of twice until further notice.

Routes 1, 3 and 4: 

• will depart the terminal at the top of the hour
• the last trips on these routes will depart the terminal at 9:00pm

Routes 2, 5 and 6:

• will leave the terminal at the bottom of the hour
• the first trips on these routes will depart the terminal at 6:30am

Hours of operation will remain the same:
Monday – Friday             6:00am – 10:00pm

Saturday                        8:00am – 10:00pm

Please plan and adjust your routines accordingly

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this situation.

A Message from Southwestern Public Health

During these difficult times it is common to have issues finding food in the grocery store or receiving food from an emergency meal service provider. If you need to have groceries delivered or require emergency access to food and meals, Southwestern Public Health has compiled resources for you.
  

Several weeks ago, we distributed messaging regarding the use of non-medical masks. We recommended against the use of non-medical masks for people who were well, and recommended only for instead the use of medical masks for health care workers and people who were unwell. That message was based on the best available information at that time. Today, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, changed her recommendations and suggested that non-medical masks could be worn by people who are well in conjunction with social distancing. It is important to note that, according to Dr. Tam, non-medical masks are more for the benefit of the people around the wearer, not for the wearer themselves.  

Many individuals tested for COVID-19 can now get their results online. Please note, not every lab in Ontario is connected to this results portal at this time.

Spring Programs - Cancelled

The City of Woodstock Cancels Spring Programs.

Midst the current COVID-19 pandemic, and to keep our participants safe, the City of Woodstock has cancelled all Spring Recreation, Culture and Aquatic programs taking place up to and including June 15.

Participants will be withdrawn from all scheduled programs, and full credits will be placed on the participants’ Legend account. The credits can be used for all future programs in the City of Woodstock.

Woodstock Fire Department

Open Air Fires

The Woodstock Fire Department is advising residents that as of April 3, 2020, all open air burning as per the Open Air Burning By-Law 8843-13 in the City of Woodstock will be banned until further notice. The ban on open air burning applies to all solid fuel burning appliances, wood burning appliances which includes but is not limited to: chimineas, fire tables, fire pits, and fire bowls. ULC/CSA listed appliances that are fuelled by propane may be used, provided that they are three (3) feet or more away from anything combustible such as wood fences, decks, trees, bushes, or siding on your home.

The Issuing of new permits is also suspended at this time.

The Woodstock Fire Department is currently operating with essential services only and would like to remind the citizens of Woodstock that yard waste is not permitted to be burned during spring maintenance.

We want to appeal to all citizens of Woodstock to respect the Fire Ban so that Firefighters don’t have to go out unnecessarily to investigate complaints which results in tying up of resources and potential exposure to COVID-19 virus.

Fireworks
The City of Woodstock is currently moving to suspend the sale and discharge of fireworks for the Victoria Day holiday weekend, as identified within the City By-Law Chapter 802 – Consumer Fireworks.

The City continues to assess the Province of Ontario orders and local Public Health directives to determine the sale and discharge of fireworks for the Canada Day period as well.

This proposed suspension includes and is not limited to consumer fireworks brought in from outside sources. A definitive decision will be made by Woodstock City Council during their schedules April 16^th meeting.

Public Works/Waste Management

Enviro Depot

Reduced hours continue:  the Depot will ONLY be open on Wednesday’s 10am – 6pm until further notice

                                      We will NOT accept Styrofoam (EPS) or ANY Household Hazardous Waste  

Recycling Depot

Completely closed until further notice, regular curb side pickup will continue.

Please do not put any items that have come in contact with your mouth in regular recycling (water bottle, juice cartons et.) This also goes for tissues and wipes … please dispose of in your regular garbage.

Please refrain from engaging with your garbage/recycling collector, please respect the service they are providing and maintain proper social distancing!

Curbside Brush Collection

As of April 3^rd, plans are to still move ahead with this service commencing Monday, April 6

Curbside Bulk Item Pickup

As of April 3^rd, plans are to still move ahead with this program that will commence the week of April 20^th.

Please find additional information and details about this program in your recently distributed City Services calendar or search for atwww.cityofwoodstock.ca Please note that some dates and changes could be altered due to Covid-19

Yard Waste and Brush Drop Off - 944 James St.

This facility will remain available and open 7 days a week 8am – 9pm

Leaf Collection

This City service is only available in the fall.  Any one raking leaves to the curb in the Spring could be subject to

fines from Woodstock Police Service or City Bylaw

The City of Woodstock has undated information from MPAC – Municipal Property Assessment Corp has updated their 2020 Assessment Update page to reflect the postponement. You can find that page here https://www.mpac.ca/HowAssessmentWorks/2020AssessmentUpdate. 

Enforcement of Ontario Government’s Emergency Orders

Woodstock, ON – The Woodstock Police Service in partnership with Woodstock City Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the Ontario Government’s Provincial Closure orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) which:

• Prohibits anyone from attending:
• An organized public event of more than five (5) people, including a parade;
• A social gathering of more than five (5) people; or
• A gathering of more than five (5) people for the purposes of conducting religious services or ceremonies.

 Please note, these prohibitions include gatherings or events held in private dwellings. Exemptions where these orders do not apply include gatherings of; members of a single household, a funeral service with no more than 10 people in attendance, inside of an essential business establishment, and emergency child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders.

For more information on the emergency orders, please visit: www.ontario.ca/laws/regulations/200052

Additionally, Ontario Government Emergency Orders include closures of recreational facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts and dog parks. The fines for individuals who disobey Emergency Orders range from $750 up to $100,000 and one year imprisonment. Fines of up to $10,000,000 apply to non-essential corporations disobeying the emergency closure orders.

The Emergency Orders require individuals being charged with an offence under the EMCPA to identify themselves to police officers, special constables and city by-law enforcement officers. Failing to identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing a person in exercising a duty.

The Woodstock Police Service and City of Woodstock take these emergency orders very seriously and will be actively enforcing the strict legislation under the EMCPA.

If you witness a noncompliant business that is deemed non-essential or any activity at City Parks or recreational facilities in violation of Provincial Closure Orders, please call the Woodstock Police Service at (519) 537-2323

DO NOT CALL 911

For additional information and updates www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19 Facebook and Twitter.

The WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE would like to encourage anyone having information about these investigations or any other investigations, to contact the WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers 421-TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Victoria Day Weekend and Parade

The City of Woodstock has cancelled the 2020 Victoria Day weekend festivities scheduled for the weekend of May 14 – 18. This would have been the 73rd such Victoria Day celebration. We look forward to continuing this unique and traditional event May 20 – 24, 2021.

The Province has mandated the following closures as of Monday, March 30, 2020:

• Playgrounds
• Sports fields
• Basketball and tennis courts
• Off-leash dog parks
• Beaches
• Skateboard and BMX parks
• Picnic areas
• Community gardens
• Park shelters
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Condo parks and gardens
• Other outdoor recreational amenities

 These closures will remain in effect until further notice

EnviroDepot

Until further notice the Enviro Depot is modifying its Summer Hours to be open only on:
Wednesdays' from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Hazardous waste and EPS (styrofoam) will not be accepted at the depot at this time. Thank you for cooperation and understanding.

Taxation

Council has approved waiving penalty and interest on outstanding taxes normally charged on April 1st, and May 1st. 

Tuesday, March 24 - Update

Taxation

Property taxpayers participating in the Monthly Preauthorized Payment Program can request to have the April and May payments withdrawn in November and December.  You can email your request to the Treasury department here.  Please include your name, property address, roll number and a phone number where you may be reached.  

City Services Calendar

The annual City Services Calendar is currently being distributed to Woodstock residents. Due to the ever increasing evolution of COVID 19, all City events promoted in this yearly publication are at this time pending, postponed or cancelled. 

We strongly urge you to monitor the City of Woodstock Website at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19, Facebook and Twitter social media platforms for additional information and updates 

Transit - Update

Anyone that uses a wheelchair and plans to utilize conventional transit must provide their own assistance to board, disembark and secure their wheelchair so that we do not violate the recommended social distancing recommendations. If you are not accompanied by an attendant, City Staff will make arrangements for riders using wheelchairs to be picked up by Para Transit and brought to their destination with minor delays.

Riders needing the Para Transit service can book online, or they can call 519-539-2382 x2510.

Waste Management and Garbage Bag Tags

The Garbage Bag Tag program is facilitated by Oxford County. Any questions or concerns you may have regarding the County's bag tag program should be directed to the County at 519-539-9800 or by email info@wasteline.ca. At this time, garbage bag tags as still required for garbage pickup.

If you are in isolation and cannot leave your home to purchase garbage tags,  contact  the County directly at 519-539-9800 or 1-800-755-0394, or by email at customerservice@oxfordcounty.ca, to arrange to have your bag tag purchased remotely.

http://www.oxfordcounty.ca/Home/Newsroom/News-Details/ArticleId/16376/COVID-19-Media-update-1

Treasury Department

The City will be suspending all walk-in traffic until further notice.

Tax Payments:

• May be made through on-line banking or by attending your bank in person
• May be dropped in the mail slot at the Reeve Street Entrance of City Hall
• Sent through the mail
• Or taxpayers may sign up for pre-authorized payment by completing the form

PRE-AUTHORIZED DEBIT (PAD) PLAN AGREEMENT FOR PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES

All Other Payments:

• May be dropped in the mail slot at the Reeve Street Entrance
• May be sent through the mail
• Contact Administrative Services staff at Accounts Payable or Accounts Recievable to make alternate arrangements.

Woodstock Transit

As of 6 am Friday, March 20th, Woodstock Transit will suspend fares for the duration of the COVID -19 Pandemic Protocol as initiated by the City of Woodstock.

Riders will be asked, when possible to embark and disembark the bus from the back doors.  Transit will operate as usual under its regular schedule.

If you are a subscriber to the auto reload feature of a monthly pass, it is recommended that you turn it off so that you are not billed during this time.

Please be assured that the buses are being cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

The Wednesday weekly chartered grocery bus for seniors is cancelled until further notice.

Public Works

Please be notified that Household Hazardous Waste and Styrofoam will not be accepted at the Enviro Depot until further notice.  All other services will remain the same. The Clarke Street Recycling Collections Depot will be closed until further notice.

Parks Department

The City of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department asks that you please refrain from using the playground equipment in our public parks.

At this point public parks will remain open, but we will ask that park visitor’s exercise and respect social distance protocols of 2 meters (6 feet).

Winter Recreation programming has now been cancelled.

Registration for the Spring Session aquatic and recreation programs will be put on hold until further notice.

Wednesday, March 18 - City of Woodstock closes public access to City Hall, Engineering and Public Works.

As part of our ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in keeping with the Province of Ontario’s declaration of a State of Emergency, the City of Woodstock has made the decision that, effective Wednesday, March 18 at 4:30 p.m., City Hall (500 Dundas Street) and the Engineering and Public Works offices (944 James Street) will be closed to walk-in visitors until further notice. Services will continue to be offered over the phone (519-539-1291), via email (information@cityofwoodstock.ca), and on-line (www.cityofwoodstock.ca). Individuals who need to meet with staff will need to contact staff to make arrangements to meet either electronically or face to face after a screening process.

Sunday, March 15 - City of Woodstock to Close Recreation and Culture Facilities, and Cancel All Recreation and Culture Programs Effective March 16

In an effort to address the concerns of the community with regard to the impact of the COVID-19, the city will close the Woodstock District Community Complex, Southside Aquatic Centre, Cowan Park Sportsplex, Civic Arena, Woodstock Art Gallery, Woodstock Library, Market Centre Theatre, South Gate Centre, Woodstock Gymnastics Club, and Woodstock Museum and suspend all recreational programs and cancel all rentals.

The public planning and committee of adjustment meeting on Monday, March 16 and the City of Woodstock Council meeting on Thursday, March 19 are cancelled. All City of Woodstosck advisory committee meetings are postponed until April 6.

March Break programming is cancelled, including March Break camp, public skates and public swims. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but want to do our part to keep residents safe. Program credits or refunds will be arranged with those who have registered. This change will remain in effect at least until Monday April 6, consistent with Ontario Ministry of Education’s school closures, pending the progress of the virus.

Transit will continue to remain operational, and City Hall as well as Engineering will remain open. The waste depot will be open for regular hours. All other essential services will remain operational, including police and fire.

Woodstock City Hall at 500 Dundas Street remains open for business with normal business hours from 8:30 am -4:30 pm. Residents are encouraged to contact City Hall by telephone or by email and use online services where available. Due to COVID-19, we are asking individuals to avoid attending City Hall if they are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing.

These steps to reduce service levels is made out of an abundance of caution. At this time, Southwestern Public Health is reporting no cases of COVID-19 in Oxford County. The overall risk is low for residents of Oxford County. As such, these additional steps are being undertaken as a precautionary measure to help mitigate the risk of transmission within our community.

Community Preparedness – What Every Resident Can Do

For more information on the Coronavirus COVID-19, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the Southwestern Public Health’s  special web page: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

Along with the preventative information provided by the Health Unit, the City would also like to advise residents, if you are sick, please stay home.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and we are closely monitoring the updates issued by Southwestern Public Health and the Province of Ontario related to the spread of COVID-19.

We encourage you to continue to visit the city of Woodstock’s website and Facebook Page for updates.