COVID-19

Please be advised of the following adaptations to our Parks during COVID- 19

Due to COVID- 19 restrictions and impacts to staff resources, the Parks Department is operating at less than its normal service levels.

There is also more emphasis being placed on touch point cleaning and garbage removal in our Parks.
Grass cutting has moved from a weekly schedule to a bi-weekly schedule.

Currently, we are hopeful that we will be able to run camps this summer and provide this service to the community. In order for the municipality to be able to safely offer summer camp programs, we still need to receive both clearance from the Government of Ontario to operate summer camps, as well as guidelines from Public Health. 

As your children’s health and safety is our main priority, please be advised that it is possible that even if the Government of Ontario provides clearance to run summer camps that we will potentially not be able to safely comply with the regulations and guidelines that will be provided by Public Health. Restrictions such as ratios, activities, camp locations, staffing needs, etc. will all be factors in our ability or inability to observe the set guidelines.

The rapidly changing situation requires on-going risk assessment in regards to the Woodstock Summer Camp program. The health and safety of all registrants and staff is the top priority. If it is not cancelled, Summer camps will be a very different experience. 

As the current situation unfolds, we will continue to communicate the status of our summer camp program.

Tuesday, May 26 - Treasury and Taxation

The second instalment of the 2020 interim tax bill for all property classes is due on May 29, 2020.  There will be no penalty charged on June 1, 2020 if this instalment is not paid on time.  We do encourage taxpayers who are able to continue to pay their taxes.

AT THIS TIME CITY HALL REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Options for paying taxes include:

Internet Banking - requires the 15 digit tax roll number.  When selecting your payee be sure to include the Woodstock, Ontario city tax option.

Cheque payment - cheques may be dropped off at the secure mail slot at the Reeve St. entrance to City Hall or mailed to:

City of Woodstock
P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas St.
Woodstock, ON
N4S 0A7

Financial Institution - requires the 15 digit tax roll number.

Please be aware that the City of Woodstock is not able to accept e-transfers or credit card payments.

The City of Woodstock is in the process of opening most of the outdoor sports fields and courts. Premiere sport fields will not be opening such as the gated class “A” fields. At this time all sports fields and courts are to be used strictly as recreation fields/courts.

Maintenance will occur but at recreational field standard. As only recreational use of the fields is permitted, booking and paying for sports fields will not be required. We ask users to be respectful when maintenance crews come by and to leave the playing field/court completely until maintenance is complete. Please limit play to 30 minutes when others are waiting.

We will be re-opening the following park amenities in accordance with the provincial order this morning. The dog parks should be open by 3:00pm.

1)      Off leash dog parks

2)      Outdoor Picnic sites

3)      Benches & Shelters

4)      Outdoor sports fields

Restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people are still in effect as is social distancing.
 

What remains closed is:

1)      Play structures & playgrounds

2)      Outdoor fitness equipment

3)      Splash pads

4)      Public swimming pools

Notice: Please be advised that due to COVID 19 we are not able to safely offer the annual Tulip Sale this year that was scheduled for May 21/22. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

WOODSTOCK TRANSIT INCREASING LIMITED SERVICE

 Effective Tuesday, May 19^th Woodstock Transit will be adding three buses from 6:00am – 9:00am as well as three additional buses from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. 

Woodstock Transit Supervisor Jeffrey Springsted says, “The decision was made after the Provincial Government announced the easing of restrictions to some retail outlets.  In anticipation of an increase in ridership, transit service will resort back to half hour service during peak hours.”

All routes during other time periods including Saturdays will remain on hourly service until further notice.
 

Woodstock Transit changed to an hourly service schedule on April 8^th, due to safety concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxford County bag tags are now available for purchase at www.wasteline.ca/bagtags.

Bag tags are available in sheets of 10 for $20, with an option to purchase between one and five sheets at a time. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Until December 31, 2020, bag tags will be delivered to residents at no additional charge via Canada Post.

Oxford County has added an online purchasing option for bag tags based on feedback from the public during COVID-19 pandemic. The County thanks the community for its input and patience as it has worked to explore and set up a secure and convenient online option.

A full list of retail outlets from which to purchase bag tags is also available online at www.wasteline.ca under "Requests."

Garbage and recycling collection programs and protocols for Woodstock residents remain unchanged. If any Woodstock residents have questions regarding waste management services, they are advised to reference their City Services Calendar, which is also available online at: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/residential-services/city-services-calendar.aspx or the Wasteline app. 

Surrounding municipalities will see changes starting May 4^th. Details of the Oxford plan, outlined in a mailed out pamphlet, may have inadvertently made its way into some Woodstock resident’s mailboxes. The outlined changes DO NOT apply to Woodstock residents. Additional details of the County plan can be found on the Oxford County website and Wasteline app.

WOODSTOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Woodstock Fire Department continues with its Open Air Burning Ban – this includes ALL backyard wood burning appliances. Exceptions include propane generated appliances but you are reminded to use these with caution and place them 3 feet from any combustible materials.

The recent amendment to the Fireworks sale and discharge of fireworks now includes a FULL ban on both selling and discharging of fireworks through the Victoria Day holiday weekend. This amendment has been issued to ensure that all emergency services working during these challenging times are available for other emergencies.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation to date but would like to remind citizens that any contravention to the above bylaws can be subject to subsequent fines.


SPECIAL EVENT CANCELLATIONS
After careful deliberation, discussion and the advisement of City Council as well as local and provincial health authorities, it has been decided to cancel two of Woodstock’s most popular summertime special events.

Due to social distancing recommendations and the ongoing uncertainty of the current global pandemic both Canada Day and Art in the Park festivities will be cancelled for 2020.

A decision on Woodstock’s biggest summer celebration –Cowapolooza, will be made in the next couple of weeks.

We ask that you continue to monitor www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19 as well as social media platforms Face Book and Twitter for additional information and updates as they become available.

We thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding during this time.

OUTDOOR GREEN/OPEN SPACE VIOLATORS SUBJECT TO BEING TICKETED 

In addition to the closure of park amenities which includes but not limited to:

• ALL playground equipment
• ALL 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
• Park benches and bleachers
• Other outdoor recreational amenities 

The above listed are CLOSED and OFF limits until further notice.

Park green spaces and trails WILL remain open, however EVERYONE is asked to observe recommended social distancing (2 meters.)

Woodstock Police Service and City of Woodstock By-law will continue to monitor City parks and facilities and have the authority to fine those in violation of these closures. Concerned citizens may report violators  at (519) 537 2323

The Woodstock City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16^th will go as planned.

Due to social distancing recommendations, the meeting will be conducted virtually.

You can watch the meeting via live stream on the City of Woodstock YouTube Channel.

A recording of this meeting will be posted on www.cityofwoodstock.ca following the meeting.

WOODSTOCK ENVIRO DEPOT MODIFIES SUMMER HOURS 

Due to the overwhelming demand of the Enviro Depot.  The City of Woodstock Public Works Department have modified the summer operation hours to accommodate those that chose to utilize this City Service.  These revisions will be in effect starting Wednesday, April 15. 

Drop-offs will be by APPOINTMENT ONLY.  

To make an appointment call: 519 539 2382 ext. 3182. Leave a message with you name, address, phone number and specify exactly what you intend to drop off.  Appointments must be confirmed by a staff person, who will call you back to verify your appointment.    

Available reservation time slots will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

For the safety of our workers and those that utilize the Enviro Depot, we please ask that you visit the self-assessment guidelines from Public Health Ontario found on this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

Acceptable Items:

• Rubble/Porcelain: Sinks, toilets, tiles, ceramics, concrete & rocks - NO Asphalt.
• Glass: Mirrors and glass.  No light bulbs as this is a hazardous waste item.
• Asphalt Shingles & tar paper
• Renovations Items: Plaster, drywall and clean woods
• Bulk Items: Wood with chemicals (pressure treated wood) rotted wood, flooring, MDF, particle board such as Ikea furniture, insulation, carpet, crock pots, vacuums, blenders, large plastic items - bigger than what would fit in a black garbage bag.  NO small items - these go into your household garbage bags, tagged and put out on your collection day.
• Scrap Metal: toasters, microwaves, wires, bikes - but tires need to be removed

NON-Acceptable Items:

• Household Hazardous Waste: paint, oils, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, 
• Electronics: TV's, computers, phones, radios, CD players, etc.  (Vacuums, blenders, crock pots - are not electronics - they are not electronic and go into our scrap or bulk item bins)
• White Goods/Appliances: Fridges, stoves, washing machines, dehumidifiers, BBQ s, water coolers, dishwashers, etc.
• Styrofoam
• Tires,
• Household Garbage - place out on your collection day.
• Regular Curbside Recycling Items

Please Note: The Clarke Street Recycling Depot will be closed until further notice. 

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this challenging time and will continue to provide city services to the best of our ability in accordance to Provincial and Federal guidelines and recommendations.

Please continue to monitor www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19 and social media platforms for additional information and updates.

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

The Recycling Depot on Clarke Street South is closed until further notice; regular curb side pickup will continue.

If you are sick or showing symptoms, please do not put any items that have come in contact with your mouth in your recycling bin (i.e. water bottle, juice cartons etc.) These items should be disposed of in a garbage bag, and not placed loosely in a garbage container, and tagged.  This also goes for tissues, paper towels and wipes. 

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 at www.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, City Services Calendar, Transit, Waste Management

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 Receivable 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 (informationn@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 Woodstock 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.