Town offers financial relief, free parking

Following the declaration of a state of emergency, a notice from the Town says the Emergency Control Group continues to actively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next step, says the notice, is to reallocate resources to address several key areas that are significantly impacted by this rapidly changing situation, including financial relief.

Parking will be free until further notice.

The following will be waived until June 30, 

▪Penalty or interest charges related to current 2020-year taxes, water charges and accounts receivable;
▪Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee charged by the Town for any returned items;
▪Penalty or interest charges related to parking tickets from March 15 to June 30;
▪Expired permit parking passes; and,
▪No penalty for opting out or taking a pause from the pre-authorized payment program. 

In the area of migrant worker support, town council and staff are providing assistance throughout the community to safely integrate incoming migrant workers and inform existing migrant workers of the importance of social distancing. Additional initiatives include: assisting in providing important messaging and support to both workers and their host organizations; and working with public health agencies to provide support and assistance to incoming migrant workers that aligns with provincial and federal recommendations.

Town council and staff are working to identify immediate and long-term actions to support local businesses, workers, and residents, the release says.. Initiatives include coordinating recommendations and measures to support business and resident relief efforts, and identifying and assessing required support, stimulus and recovery measures, They are also collaborating with the Regional Economic Rapid Response Team (ERRT) across Niagara to provide assistance to those businesses impacted by COVID-19 .

The news release says town council and staff "are engaging community volunteers and aiding in coordinating assistance to help support “essential workplaces.” Staff is ensuring that all messaging is communicated clearly, consistently and in alignment with the efforts of the with Provincial and Federal public health agencies."

Updates will be provided as progress is made on these key areas. For more information regarding the Town’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.notl.com/COVID-19. 

For more information, please contact: 

Sheldon Randall, Interim CAO 905-468-3266