Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs

With the support of Council, senior City staff, our Emergency Control Group, and senior staff at Joseph Brant Hospital, this declaration helps send a message to our community that times are serious and people's lives are on the line. It aligns us with the Province of Ontario's declaration earlier last week, and we are seeing many communities across North America do the same to ensure people understand the serious nature of what is going on, to support self-isolation and social distancing/physical distancing and help to focus our city on essential services and activities.

The Province of Ontario courts advise parents who share custody of their children should continue to split parenting duties with their former spouse during the COVID-19 pandemic, unless there is evidence the kids’ health is at risk. Current custody arrangements should be adhered to as much as possible.

The province has set up a free legal aid hotline at 1-800-668-8258 for residents unsure of their obligations during the COVID-19 crisis, including custody issues.

Halton Region Public Health is encouraging residents to stay at home as much as possible and to avoid non-essential trips into the community. Residents should consider whether the item(s) they are interested in purchasing are essential to their situation right now or whether it can be postponed until a later date.

If a purchase is essential, Halton Region Public Health recommends the following:

• Avoid meeting in person

  • Consider leaving items out for “porch pick-up” and transfer money electronically;
  • If you must meet in person, do not meet in groups greater than 10 people and practice physical distancing (social distancing)

• Practice good hygiene

  • Sellers should clean items with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach before selling;
  • Buyers should wash their hands after handling the item, avoid touching their face and clean the item with household cleaners or diluted bleach.

Residents should be aware that websites, such as Kijiji, have banned listings for items — such as masks, hand sanitizers, etc. — in an effort to stop price-gouging.

Honestly, I don't know. From what we have seen in other countries, it could be weeks and it could be even longer. The most important thing we can do to help slow the spread of this virus and mitigate the impact it has on our community and our healthcare system is stay home. It only stands to reason that the more we do right now, the better off we will be later.

The most important thing I want everyone to know right now is to be thoughtful, responsible, and kind. Follow the advice of healthcare experts and local leaders. Avoid the temptation to blame others and treat people the way you would like to be treated. We are all in this together.

This past year I had the pleasure of meeting some of our local WWII veterans as part of the 75th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in France. I heard their stories of sacrifice and understood the bravery and courage it took to fight for our freedoms and safety. It gives me perspective in these challenging times. We are not being asked to leave our families and go overseas to storm a beach. We are being asked to be responsible, to stay home, and be patient. I think it's the least we can do for each other and our country.

Our top priority remains the health and well-being of our residents. We are committed to keeping you informed in clear and timely manner and encourage you to stay updated via the City’s dedicated website burlington.ca/coronavirus. Additional information on all COVID-19 related matters can be found at the Halton Region website, the Ministry of Health of Ontario’s website, and the Federal Government’s website.

Stay healthy, stay calm, and be kind to one another.

The beautiful rocks being shared across the city are appreciated but be sure to keep them on your own front yard for people to enjoy as they walk through your neighbourhood. Please avoid leaving them in City parks and pathways or on sidewalks. With spring here and grass cutting of parks and street sweeping and roadside cleanup underway, these rocks can damage equipment, become potential projectiles from equipment or present a possible tripping hazard. We ask residents also be mindful to not remove stones from our beaches and shoreline as they help to protect against erosion. City staff thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

For all COVID-19 related health information, please visit www.halton.ca/coronavirus.

We need to listen to the recommendations of Public Health to practice physical distancing and self-isolate when directed – to protect ourselves, the ones most vulnerable, our first responders and healthcare workers. We must all do our part to control the spread of COVID-19.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided this comprehensive information about physical distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more...

On March 21, the Mayor declared a State of Emergency for Burlington. The reason for the declaration is to send a message to our community; if you are not working in essential services, please stay home, except for necessary visits for groceries or medical supplies or appointments. If you do need to go out, please practice physical distancing and stay at least 2 metres or 6 feet away from others.

The City of Burlington announced layoffs of part-time and contract staff who were directly involved in recreational programming that was cancelled due to COVID19. However, we are exploring offering recreational programming via remote means during the emergency, and/or redeploying some of these part time and contract staff to new opportunities.

In addition, there is financial assistance available to workers laid off due to COVID19 through the federal CERB benefit as well as the provincial Employment Insurance. You can find links to these on our COVID webpage, as well as directly from federal and province websites.

The city is not planning any reductions to the wages or salaries of employees who continue to work during the COVID19 pandemic, including city council members.

We are taking a number of measures to reduce costs or redeploy savings, and these are detailed in a 3-month financial outlook report with appendices presented to City Council, April 20, and available here:

• Summary report:

  https://burlingtonpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40050

• Financial summary: https://burlingtonpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40052

• Three month workplan: https://burlingtonpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40051

• Emergency response strategy: https://burlingtonpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40053

The steps detailed in the reports will allow us to deal with the impacts of COVID19 in the short term, while also maintaining community services. Because of a number of factors detailed in the report, we are in a much better financial position than other municipalities to weather these impacts with the steps we have taken.

After factoring in revenue loss, savings and cost-cutting, the net shortfall is $200,000 to the end of June 2020. Our financial picture will be closely monitored and adjusted as need be throughout the year and the duration of the emergency and beyond. 

Some areas of the Bruce Trail are open. To check which ones, visit their website brucetrail.org. 

HDSB has closed all facilities, including sports fields and tracks. Please refrain from using these facilities.

Due to the on-going threat of COVID-19, the Clean Up Green Up events have been postponed. Visit BurlingtonGreen's website to stay up-to-date on their activities and announcements during COVID-19.

For residents looking to get or offer support, the City is aware of the following organizations and services, found at www.burlington.ca/covid19resources:

• Ontario 211 is a free helpline that connects to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists. You can visit 211.ca or call 211 from your phone with questions related to food, family services, employment, community programs and crisis support.

• Online support groups, The Good Neighbour Project - GTA and Burlington Covid Response are both available on Facebook. You can visit those groups to either seek support or offer help to others. Please make sure you always follow the advice of healthcare experts while supporting others including social distancing, hand washing and staying home if you are sick.

• Local foodbanks: To donate money online or to visit the Burlington Foodbank, visit www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca 

Giving blood: Maintaining a blood supply is as important as ever during COVID-19. If you are eligible and well, please consider donating blood. Visit myaccount.blood.ca or call 1888 2 Donate.

City Hall is also accepting donations of masks and monetary donations for the purchase of masks so we can continue to give away free masks. Cheques, debit and credit are accepted. No cash, please.

City of Burlington: burlington.ca/coronavirus

Halton Region: halton.ca/coronavirus

Other resources:

• Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus

• Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus

• World Health Organization: www.who.int

• Joseph Brant Hospital: http://www.josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19

• Chamber of Commerce: https://burlingtonchamber.com/team-burl-supporting-burl-business-during-covid-19/

Residents can stay informed at burlington.ca as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington or online at burlington.ca/coronavirus.

Yes, wearing a mask is mandatory when using any Burlington Transit services or facilities.

To help with the safety of customers and staff, non-medical masks or face coverings are mandatory as of Thursday, July 2, 2020. You must wear a mask:

• At bus stops,
• In terminals and
• While on Burlington Transit buses and vehicles.

Only these customers are exempt from wearing a mask:

• People with a disability or medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask
• Children under the age of five
• A child over 5 whose parents have given a 'best effort' to put on a mask

Mandatory masks and face coverings help making riding transit as safe as possible from the spread of COVID-19.

Burlington Transit drivers are helping to educate our riders about the Mask Bylaw. They are not enforcing the bylaw.

All buses have signs posted with information about the mandatory mask bylaw as well. Thank you to our riders who are wearing masks to help protect drivers, fellow riders and themselves.

Half of Burlington Transit drivers are behind a partition, which protects them from exposure to passengers. The partition also protects passengers from the driver.

On buses with no partition, drivers are required to wear a mask.

The Mask By-law (62-2020) includes exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask or face covering for medical reasons, children under the age of five, and other reasonable accommodations.

The Mask By-law (62-2020) also permits the temporary removal of a mask or face covering when receiving services, having a meal, or engaging in athletic or fitness activity. The bylaw will not apply to apartment buildings and condominiums, child care facilities and schools, and areas that are not enclosed (i.e. restaurant patios with proper physical distancing measures in place).

No one is required to provide any proof that they meet one of the exemptions.

Businesses will need to adopt policies respecting the wearing of mask or face coverings in enclosed spaces and will need to post a sign at their entrance and ensure anyone entering their indoor space is wearing a mask or face covering unless they meet an exemption.

Staff interacting with the public will be required to wear a mask or face covering unless other physical barrier measures have been implemented.

Employee-only areas are exempt from the bylaw.

Guide to Support Local Businesses

Business Economic Development, in partnership with the City of Burlington, has created a guide to support businesses in ensuring they are in compliance with the bylaw. For more information visit http://bedc.ca/mask-bylaw/

Businesses are required under the bylaw to have a mask policy and to comply with the bylaw subject to exemptions. This is not unlike how businesses can and have historically created other mandates for their customers as they deem essential to the safe and effective management of their businesses, denying entry to those not in compliance, such as a “no shoes, no shirt, no service” dress code policy, limitations on how many customers can be in their stores at any given time, or asking spa patrons to shower before entering a pool.

The hope is that business owners will find ways to be flexible for those that have legitimate exceptions to the bylaw and find ways to accommodate people with valid exceptions when possible. Many businesses already have online or telephone ordering and curbside pickup options.

As of July 20, 2020, it will be a requirement that masks or face coverings be worn in indoor, enclosed spaces open to the public. Wearing a mask or face covering when physical distancing is a challenge but may help to reduce community spread of COVID-19, especially from individuals who are infected with COVID-19 but asymptomatic. It’s also about being a good fellow citizen.

According to the Region of Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, current evidence indicates that COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Individuals can become infected by breathing in these droplets, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Face coverings or non-medical masks can act as a barrier to help stop the spread of droplets.

Be kind to the person; don’t assume anything. Individuals may be prevented from being able to wear a mask or face covering, by for example, an existing medical condition.

To report an incident of noncompliance, contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.

The City has received donations of 14,000 masks and there are now masks available for free at City Hall for those that may need one. City Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

As of Aug. 4, 2020, re-usable masks will be available at some Burlington Public Library branches and City Hall.

Locations and Hours

City Hall
426 Brant St. (Elgin Street Entrance)
Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Burlington Public Library - Central Branch
2331 New St.

Burlington Public Library - Aldershot Branch
550 Plains Rd. E.

Burlington Public Library - New Appleby
676 Appleby Line

Burlington Public Library - Tansley Wood Branch
1996 Itabashi Way

Burlington Public Library branches are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many stores also sell them as well as many online retailers. Some people are making cloth masks for sale. Check your local Facebook groups for anyone making and selling them.

Information about the virus continues to change and we are still in a pandemic. On July 8, 2020 the Medical Officer of Health sent a letter to the Members of Regional Council that they strongly recommend the use of face coverings and is supportive of supportive of approaches and measures that aim to increase the use of face coverings as an additional layer of protection in our response to control COVID-19 in our community. They are supportive of municipality choosing to implement a by-law for this purpose.

Evidence about COVID-19 and its prevention and treatment is continuously emerging. As per the Medical Officer of Health, while the existing body of evidence regarding face coverings is not conclusive, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge may help to reduce community spread of COVID-19, especially from individuals who are infected with COVID-19 but asymptomatic.

It is imperative for the safety of our residents, for our economic recovery and to help us move into stage 3, we must not be complacent in this pandemic. The City of Burlington has had low infection rates and we want to continue to work collectively to keep our residents safe and healthy.

There will be a staff member or security guard at the entrance. Please speak with them and they will assist you.

Only City Hall is accepting mask donations and monetary donations for masks. You can also e-transfer. Monetary donations can be e-transferred to accounting@burlington.ca with a note in the memo for “Mask Donation”. Please note, that e-transfers can only be done if the donor’s bank allows automated deposits. If you can send the e-transfer without entering a password or question, then your bank allows automated deposits.

No. Only debit, cheque and credit card donations are accepted.

Facility rentals or permits are not being accepted due to the Provincial Emergency Orders. Outdoor maximum gathering is now 100 people; however, there still needs to be physical distancing between people not in a social circle of 10.

Starting July 30, visitors must register online to book a reservation at Lowville Park, including the picnic areas. Picnics in the park are permitted on a first come first serve basis, as long as physical distancing is practiced, visit time limits are respected and all garbage is taken home. Visitors will also be expected to maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others and abide by other provincial orders regarding social gatherings and group activities.

Visit burlington.ca/parkvisit for more information.

Every person who engages in sports or a recreational fitness activity at the facility (including sports field), other than a team sport, must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person at all times during the activity.

Team sports may only be practised or played within the facility if they do not allow for physical contact between players or if they have been modified to avoid physical contact between the players.

Organized team sports that are practised or played by players in a league may only be practised or played within the facility if the league either,

1. contains no more than 50 players and does not permit its teams to play against teams outside of the league, or
2. divides its teams into groups of 50 or fewer players and does not permit teams in different groups to play against one another or against teams outside of the league.

Once staff have reviewed organizations/groups’ Return to Play plans to ensure compliance to provincial, health and municipal requirements, contracts be can be issued.

The City must follow the provincial directive and encourages organizations to reach out to their governing body for specific directives. The City will work in collaboration with local sport organizations to develop a Return to Play plan that is in compliance with Provincial orders and sports governing body directives.

Groups are encouraged to follow the general safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• practicing physical distancing by maintaining a 2 metres (6 feet) from others screening for health requirements and requiring people to stay home if ill
• proper cough and sneeze etiquette by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow
• proper hand hygiene, e.g. wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• wearing a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when physical distancing is difficult to maintain
• cleaning and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• following health directives around limiting gathering size (maximum 100 in an outdoor setting).

Once sport organizations submit their Return to Play plans, staff will review for completeness and compliance and work with the organizations to get them contracts and playing as soon as everything is in place. This ranges between 1-3 weeks depending on the complexity of the request. If a facility has not been opened for use, the implementation timelines could take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to get a facility prepared for safe public use.

The City has cancelled all existing programs, rentals and events through to Sept. 7, including Canada Day and the Kite Festival.  These events and others hosted by the City were all developed before the pandemic and involve large gatherings both indoors and outdoors.

A virtual Canada Day is planned. For details and performers, visit www.burlington.ca/canadaday. 

Yes. The City’s Tyandaga golf course opened on Saturday, May 23. To ensure the health and safety of customers and staff, the following measures are in place:

• The clubhouse, lobby and dining room will remain closed
• Food and beverage will be available strictly through the takeout window
• The pro shop will be open at 7:30 a.m. every morning
• Only one person may enter the pro shop at a time. Please practice social distancing when waiting outside the pro shop
• Washrooms will be open and available with access through the outside entrance only, one person at a time. Please practice social distancing when waiting at washrooms
• No tournaments or leagues at this time
• No lessons will be offered in 2020
• The practice chipping area and practice putting green are closed
• No touching flag poles or flags
• One person per cart at all times, unless riding with someone living in your household. Must show ID proof of same address. Carts are subject to availability
• No golf club rental or pull cart rental available
• No rakes in sand traps (free lift from sand)
• No merchandise sales
• Tee times can be booked online or by phone up to 7 days in advance
• Tee times available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of volunteers and boaters, the LaSalle Park Community Marina is closed for the 2020 summer season.

The public boat launch is closed for boats on trailers but available for launching canoes and kayaks that are not on trailers.

Read more

No.

The beach at Beachway Park is open; however, the pavilion and washroom buildings will remain closed due to safety concerns. A capital renewal project for this facility that was scheduled prior to COVID-19 is still planned to begin in September. Portable toilets will be in place by June 13. Halton Region will be resuming water testing for safe swimming. Signs at the beach will be posted.

Spray pads will be open as of June 26. If the spray pad is busy, please come back another time. Please remember to keep your child 2m away from anyone not in their household or social circle.

LaSalle Pool will open on July 4.

Nelson and Mountainside Pools will open on July 11.

All pool users will need to pre-register and pay online, burlington.ca/summer. 

City-run tennis courts at Leighland Park, Tansley Woods, Optimist Park, Brant Hills Park, Millcroft Park and Palmer Park are open.

Courts at Ireland Park remain closed for construction.

While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household including:

• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy 

Yes. While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household including:

• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy

Do not:

• Outdoor maximum gathering capacity is now 100; however, there still needs to be physical distancing between people not in a social circle of 10
• Participate in organized sports or exercise classes
• Use fields that are locked or surrounded by a fence

While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces. Outdoor maximum gathering capacity is now 100; however, there still needs to be physical distancing between people not in a social circle of 10.:

• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite (not on a soccer field or baseball diamond)
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy 

The City has cancelled all existing programs, rentals and events through to the end of Labour Day (Sept. 7).

These programs, rentals and events were all developed, advertised and sold pre-pandemic and included large gatherings both indoor and outdoor. Based on our current and forecasted situation, including that the provincial emergency order limiting groups to no more than ten people remains in effect, all of these will need to be re-designed or modified based on new rules as they are announced.

As we get the new rules and restrictions from the province we will look to implement a new slate of programs including summer camps. We need the specifics in order to plan, market, sell, hire staff back and prepare facilities, put all new procedures in place to adhere to the new rules and provide a safe, modified service.

The province has not yet released the guidelines for group size or any other restrictions or guidelines under which summer camps may proceed. We need this information to effectively launch redesigned programs, especially if we are going to be able to offer summer programs. We have asked our local MPP to communicate that the sooner the province can provide these details to municipalities, the sooner we can plan and prepare. That way we are not guessing and reacting to the announcement with limited time to delivery a program for our community.

Residents are asked to please be patient during this time as we process this large volume of summer cancellations.

If you paid by credit card, you will be refunded back to the same credit card wherever possible.

For all other instances, a credit will be placed on your account for future use.

To request a refund by cheque, please email liveandplay@burlington.ca and include your full mailing address. You will be sent a confirmation email when your request has been processed.

Note:

• Account credits are not viewable on your account.
• As our staff will be processing all cancellations and withdrawals, self-serve online withdrawal is not available at this time 

All monthly and yearly passes and memberships will be extended for the duration of the facility closure and extensions will automatically be applied once programming resumes.

• All 10, 20, 45 passes do not have an expiry date and can be used once programs resume.
• To cancel your pass or membership, email liveandplay@burlington.ca to request a prorated refund.

All facility rentals up to and including Sept. 7, 2020 including, arenas, pools, community centres, schools, sport fields and picnics are cancelled.

A credit will be placed on your account, and a confirmation will be emailed once your rental cancellation has been processed.

Yes, you can still go for a walk or bike ride and get outside to stay active and get some fresh air, as long as you are doing so with the people from within your own household or social circle. If you encounter others while out for a walk, employ social distancing techniques and maintain at least a 6-ft distance from everyone except those in your own household and/or immediate family. These steps are critical in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, especially by those with mild or minimal symptoms. Ensure children stay off public playground equipment as it is not disinfected, and we know this virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 days. If you are sick or have been advised to self-isolate due to recent travel, stay home until you are fully recovered or have passed the 14-day self-isolation period with no symptoms.

Thank you for the support you are providing to essential workers during this difficult time. There are no rules or bylaws that require you to cease caring for your grandchildren, however, it is recommended that older adults and people who have serious underlying conditions stay at home as much as possible as they are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

If this is not feasible due to your family situation, you may wish to consider your home and your daughter’s as a ‘family bubble’. Important steps for both families to take to protect yourself and others include:

• Limiting contact with people outside of your ‘family bubble’
• Maintaining physical distancing as much as possible within the ‘family bubble’
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Coughing or sneezing into a sleeve or tissue
• Cleaning frequently touched items and spaces
• Using separate spaces from individuals required to work outside of the home as much as possible

As part of the Orders issued by the Provincial Government on Wednesday, March 17, 2020, relating to the enforcement the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA), the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) are initiating a planned response to ensure community safety and well-being. Should police receive concerns relating to complaints of violations of any of the aforementioned orders, they will consider a progressive response of dialogue, education, warning, and enforcement (if required). The HRPS will work with the Region’s health department to assist them in conducting their investigations as well. See the attached link for businesses on the list of the Province’s mandated closures.

As part of Burlington's State of Emergency, and in addition to the Province's list of mandated closures, I have encouraged all local businesses to voluntarily close except those that deliver essential goods and services. Neither myself nor the City of Burlington has the power to force a business to close. All I can do is ask. Please keep in mind that it may not be obvious to the general public what each business does - they could provide rental equipment for essential city services or supplies for our local hospital, for example. They may have a skeleton staff on-site and be able to maintain social distancing inside their building. Let's trust people to make the right decisions and remember to be sympathetic of the significant financial impact it will have on them and their employees to close as we encourage them to prioritize the health and well-being of our community at this time.

The City’s By-law Enforcement Officers are assisting the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) to enforce the Province’s physical distancing orders and requirements by responding to complaints, educating residents and working with HRPS where police intervention may be warranted.  In addition, the City’s By-law Enforcement Officers will begin to enforce the physical distancing restrictions established by the City under the Burlington COVID-19 Physical Distancing By-law. 

Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, law enforcement officials have authority to request identification from members of the public.

The Province has issued a number of orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act which are in effect throughout the province to address the COVID-19 emergency, such as:

• prohibiting events and gatherings of more than 100 people in an outdoor setting, 50 within a facility, other than gatherings of members of a single household;
• closing all non-essential businesses;
• closing specific types of business, such as indoor recreational facilities, private schools, bars and restaurants (other than take-out facilities), theatres and concert venues;
• prohibiting price gouging on necessary goods, such as masks and gloves, nonprescription medications, disinfectants and personal hygiene products

The City has established the Burlington COVID-19 Physical Distancing By-law, which prohibits people from maintaining less than a 2 metre distance from one another while on any public property (other than people they live with).

The City may add further prohibitions as additional information is received and the need for additional regulation is identified.

On March 21, 2020 the City declared an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.  The By-law was passed by the City in accordance with the powers granted to municipalities under the Municipal Act, 2001 to protect, among other things, the health and safety of the public.

The Burlington COVID-19 Physical Distancing By-law is designed and intended to support and reinforce the Province’s physical distancing orders and regulation.

While voluntary compliance to the guidelines laid out by the provincial government is preferred, Halton Region Police Service has been provided authority under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to issue fines to individuals and businesses that choose to defy the Act.

The bylaw does not impact the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it does not prevent two people from meeting; it requires people to maintain a 2-metre distance while on public property.

Charges may be laid for violations of the Province’s emergency orders in two ways.  Police and municipal law enforcement officers may issue tickets; fines are to be determined. Alternatively, officers may instead lay a charge by way of a summons in which case the fine and penalties are potentially more severe, ranging from up to $100,000 for individuals, $500,000 for directors or officers of a corporation and up to $10,000,000 for a corporation that is found violating orders issued by the Province under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.  In addition, offenders may be subject to up to one-year imprisonment.

With respect to the Burlington COVID-19 Physical Distancing By-law, the City’s By-law Enforcement team may issue tickets which will carry a set fine or may lay charges by way of a court summons, which carry fines that will be set by a Justice of the Peace ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $100,000.  In cases where a person is charged with violating more than one of the physical distancing requirements in the By-law a minimum of $500 may be applied for each offence with maximum fines that may exceed $100,000.  

In addition, charges may be laid under both the provincial orders and the City’s By-law at the same time.

• Municipally owned parks, sports fields, paths, trails, recreation centres, arenas and municipally owned parking lots.
• Temporary permit parking areas intended for medical personnel surrounding Joseph Brant Hospital
• Conservation Areas
• The Bruce Trail

Yes. Remember to keep 2 metres away from others - about the length of a hockey stick.

Social gathering of no more than 50 people are permitted at your homes. People participating who live outside your direct household are still required to practice physical distancing, keeping at least two metres away from others.

Yes, businesses and business owners can be charged for violating COVID-19 emergency orders issued by the Province and the City. For example, businesses violating the Provincial Orders requiring closure of non-essential businesses or prohibiting price gouging on essential goods may be charged and subject to fines of up to $10,000,000, and officers and directors of these businesses may be liable for fines of up to $500,000 personally. 

Residents who wish to report a potential violation of the Provincial Orders or the City’s COVID-19 Physical Distancing By-law should call the Halton Regional Police Service.

For the duration of the pandemic, if a member of the public wishes to report an incident of non-compliance with the emergency orders, they may contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.

Residents can call the COVID-19 Hotline to report:

• non-essential businesses remaining open
• events and gatherings of more than 100 when outside or 50 people indoors not from the same household. They must still maintain a 2m physical distance
• establishments remaining open that are prohibited from being in operation under the EMCPA
• individuals using locked or fenced-in sports field areas

A call taker will collect relevant information from the complainant, and when appropriate, a by-law enforcement officer or police officer will be dispatched to follow up.

In addition, with respect to complaints regarding unconscionable pricing or price gouging, residents may also contact the Consumer Protection Ontario Call Centre at 1-800-889-9768 (which operates between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.), or file complaints online at: www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario.

For a list of what is open and closed, visit burlington.ca/coronavirus. 

The City asks residents to follow the recommended guidelines for drive-by events.

Guidance provided from Halton Region Public Health to the City of Burlington includes reminding residents to:

• Stay at home as much as possible
• Only go out for essential reasons
• Maintain physical distancing
• Practice good hand hygiene.

Additional guidance from Halton Region Public Health for parade organizers and participants includes:

• Remain in vehicle during the entire event
• Do not interact or gather with individuals outside of the vehicles
• Ensure only household members are in the vehicles
• Reduce the need for in-person coordination by providing written or telephone directions in advance
• Limit the driving distance
• Consider limiting the number of vehicles permitted
• Continue to follow the rules of the road
• Follow relevant local regulations with respect to events/parades.

City of Burlington updated guidelines
The City of Burlington offers the following updated guidelines for parade organizers and participants:  

• Alert neighbours in advance of the planned procession and timing, to the degree possible while maintaining social distancing (e.g. provide notice via email, or a neighbourhood Facebook group)
• Ensure decorations on a vehicle (e.g. balloons, toys, ribbons) are properly secured
• Refrain from gathering at a centralized location to form a queue. Instead, provide a window of time for participants to make their way individually to the location and drive by
• If observing, please stay on your own property and two metres away from any neighbour.

Read more about drive-by parade guidelines.

An essential service is defined in Federal terms as any service, facility or activity of the Government of Canada that is or will be necessary for the safety or security of the public or a segment of the public.

Examples of government services or activities that may be considered essential include but are not limited to: border safety/security, correctional services, food inspection activities, accident safety investigations, income and social security, marine safety, national security, law enforcement, and search and rescue.

The Province of Ontario also has a list of essential workplaces - read the list here. A toll-free line is available at 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

At City Hall, we facilities are closed and staff are working from home with the exception of services that need to be delivered under one of the following categories:

• Are required to meet certain legislative requirements;
• Support employee and public health, safety and security;
• Enable critical community services and supports, including COVID-19 mitigation and recovery;
• Support services necessary to keep essential services operating;
• Protect and operate vital infrastructure; and
• Fulfill contractual, legal and financial obligations.

Under the Province’s emergency order, businesses are considered to be essential for: maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.

Following Ontario Regulation 82/20 section 20- Maintenance, the City of Burlington classifies companies performing the following work as essential:

• landscaping (cutting grass)
• weed maintenance and control
• maintenance (opening and maintaining of residential swimming pools).

Physical distancing regulations should be followed by employees of these companies as much as possible.

To increase security for those businesses throughout our Region, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is offering the following suggestions for properties that are temporarily closed:

• Remove valuables from storefront displays
• Keep the interior, front, and rear entrances well lit
• Keep some lighting on inside for surveillance opportunities
• Remove valuables such as cash from the till and leave open. Place the cash tray in plain view
• Ensure the contact is up to date on any alarm monitoring system
• Clearly post signage on the door/window to indicate:
  • Premise is monitored by alarm company;
  • That no money is kept on premises; and
  • Contact information for the police and business owner in the event a member of the public observes damage to property or suspicious activity
• Consider installing a surveillance camera system that can be monitored online
• Consider installing laminate on windows and glass doors to increase glass integrity from blunt force
• Ensure all doors are properly secured

The HRPS will also be conducting targeted and proactive patrols of businesses that have closed to ensure they are secure.

The HRPS would also like to urge managers of construction sites that may be closing to take measures to ensure the security of their sites and tools. Tools on vacant construction sites are a popular target for thieves and should be removed when possible.

We know food is an essential. Whether you are picking up food from the grocery store or a take-out restaurant is not significantly different. The same can be said for picking up essentials from our local food banks, or accepting at-home deliveries from grocers, Wal-Mart or Amazon. We are relying on both types of business to exercise precautions in their food handling and staff hygiene, and to ensure sick employees and customers stay home. The most important thing is to use good judgement, employ social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home if you're sick.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the City of Burlington has decided to suspend all City-run summer programs and rentals through to Sept. 7. All recreation facilities are closed until further notice.

To protect the public and City staff and to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, access to City Hall is limited to Service Burlington services only, including in-person payments for: 

• Parking permits and tickets
• Property taxes
• Freedom of Information requests
• Garbage tags
• Dog licenses
• Property information requests

The above services are also available for online payments. Service Burlington continues to offer marriage licenses and commissioning services by appointment. Please call Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or email city@burlington.ca to schedule. The Service Burlington counter is open between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

City staff continue to work remotely and are ready to assist the community in the delivery of as many services as possible. For information and updates on City services, including what’s open and closed visit burlington.ca/coronavirus. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

For the latest updates on spaces and amenities that have re-opened following the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions by the provincial government, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus

Essential services including Burlington Fire, Burlington Transit including Handi-Van, Traffic Services, Bylaw Enforcement, Roads, Parks and Forestry Operations, and Animal Control Services will continue to operate as usual to support our community. Cemetery services will be by appointment.

As of June 29, Lowville Park will open. Street parking is not permitted, parking enforcement will be in effect. As of July 30, anyone visiting the park by vehicle must make reservations at www.parkvisit.ca/burlington. 

Visitors are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from others
• Gathering in groups of 10 or fewer
• Staying home if you feel sick

Washing and sanitizing hands before and after visiting the park.

The Province announced on April 25, 2020 that Community Gardens can open. Burlington's gardens are open only for those who have reserved plots with new procedures. Visit burlington.ca/communitygardens for more information.

No, until further notice, the woodchip pile is closed to the public as we would like to minimize unnecessary access.

No.

All City organized large public meetings and gatherings are also cancelled, with the exception of Committee and Council meetings at City Hall.

There are many ways to make a tax payment, including:

• At the Service Burlington counter at City Hall. Service Burlington is accepting non-cash payments. Open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Directly through financial institutions – by internet, telephone banking or ATM
• Pre-authorized Payment Plans (10 Month, Due Date, Taxpayer Defined)
• Regular mail or physical drop box (at the Locust Street entrance of City Hall)
• 3rd party credit card processing companies.

Property taxes are the most important revenue source for the city to ensure we continue to provide essential services for residents of the City of Burlington during these challenging circumstances. Taxpayers are encouraged to make payments where possible during these unique times.

Property Tax Update

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic impact, on April 6, Council approved temporary property tax relief which allows businesses and residents additional time to make the April interim installment up until June 30 without incurring late payment charges.

On June 22, City Council approved further relief of late payment charges for property tax installments to Aug. 31, 2020

Final tax bills were mailed in July with due dates of Aug. 20 and Oct. 20.

Payment of the April and August installments can be made up to Aug. 31 with no late payment charges.

Property owners who continue to experience financial hardship are encouraged to contact property tax staff by email at pap@burlington.ca.

Property taxes are the most important revenue source for the city to ensure we continue to provide essential services for residents of the City of Burlington during these challenging circumstances. Taxpayers are encouraged to make payments where possible during these unique times. This temporary relief will be reviewed by staff and council on an ongoing basis until the State of Emergency related to COVID-19 is lifted.

• Tax inquiries can be sent by email to propertytax@burlington.ca or by phone to 905-335-7750.
• Click on the link for details on the COVID-19 Interim Property Tax Relief

No.

Provincial Offences Courts will be closed from March 16 through Sept. 11.

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Sept. 11, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court. This applies to all POA courts in Ontario.

A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court.

For more information, read the Halton Court Service closure notice.

Yes – for essential trips only and masks are mandatory.

Burlington Transit is continuing to operate public transit as an essential service so it should be used only for essential trips to ensure we are able to keep an acceptable distance between those passengers who need to use our service for essential travel.

Please enter from the back door of the bus and practice social distancing.

Burlington Transit continues to operate and is currently not charging riders fares. All Burlington Transit vehicles are being sanitized with a long-lasting disinfectant.

To contact Burlington Transit customer services, email contactbt@burlington.ca or call 905-639-0550. You can also follow Burlington Transit on Twitter @BurlONTransit.

Building inspections will be limited and focus on emergency inspections such as vehicle impacts, fire damage, unsafe buildings; footings/foundations; site servicing; exterior such as garages, decks, sheds, etc. to ensure our inspectors are able to practice safe social distancing. For inquiries about active applications, please email the Building and Bylaw representative assigned to your file.

At this time, Halton Region does not have plans to change the 3 bag limit for garbage. Region staff has told us  they understand that some residents may place additional garbage bags above the 3 bag limit curbside and have instructed their drivers that if the amount is reasonable, to collect. That said, the Region is still encouraging recycling over placing items in garbage bags. According to the Region, approximately 60% of household waste is recyclable material and organic waste. Recyclable material can be placed in clear plastic bags and the blue box, and organic waste can be placed in the green cart. These materials will continue to be collected once a week and there is no limit to the amount of recyclables and organic waste that can be placed for collection.

Households can also place bulk waste on their scheduled garbage collection day, where a maximum of 3 bulk items may be placed for collection every other week.

In addition, Regional staff have told us residents can still purchase extra garbage bag tags:

• via the Region’s website at: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Recycling-Waste/Recycling-and-Waste-Tools/Garbage-Bag-Tag-form.  
• at the Halton Waste Management Site at 5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton; and,
• at and the Maplegrove Home Hardware located at 511 Maplegrove Drive.

Halton Region's Landfill Site remains open to receive additional waste from residents.

That all being said, the Region will continue to monitor the situation to determine if a change in approach is required.