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 5 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.

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 social distancing and stay at least 2 metres or 6 feet away from others.

The City has also closed all city facilities, parks and playgrounds and is focused on offering only essential and emergency services.

All City-led summer programs are also cancelled through to Sept. 7.

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. 

For the safety of the community, and to assist the province with its efforts to keep our communities safe as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolves, The Bruce Trail is asking the public to please refrain from using the trail for walks or hikes until further notice, to minimize the spread or contraction of COVID-19. The trail is very narrow making it difficult to maintain physical distancing and also crosses private property in some areas.

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 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.

Provincial regulations state no games or team sports are to be practiced within a facility/sports field, as well as no sport or games likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other. Spectator viewing is not allowed.

Once sports fields are open for organized sport, only sports groups affiliated with provincial sport organization will be allowed/permitted to use the space. Before they can be permitted, they have to demonstrate that they have health and safety measures in place that comply with the province’s orders, their sport governing directives and any requirements City has such as physical distancing, and maintaining a group size of 5 or less.

Multi-use sports fields are open for use by no more than 5 individuals, who must all maintain physical distancing, unless all persons present are members of the same household (fenced/locked fields are not available for use)

The City will work in collaboration with local sport organizations to develop a plan.

The City must follow the Provincial directives and encourages organizations to reach out to their governing body for specific directives. These should include:

• 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
• proper hand hygiene, e.g. wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• wearing a non-medical mask when physical distancing is difficult to maintain
• cleaning and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• following health directives around limiting gathering size

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.

Please stay tuned to burlington.ca/play for more information about virtual Canada Day celebrations planned for this year.

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 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No. LaSalle Park Marina remains closed due to on-going construction. Construction is expected to be complete this summer. For information about the construction and the marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.

Access to Burlington’s waterfront is closed until further notice, including the docks at LaSalle Marina.

In accordance with public health directives we encourage all boaters and watersport enthusiasts to stay home, practice safe social distancing and not visit the waterfront at this time.

Only walking, jogging, riding a bike or scooter/wheelchair through a park or trail is permitted, except for Spencer Smith Park, where only walking is allowed. The City of Burlington has closed all vehicular access to our parks. Trail users must not linger in groups and continue to practice physical distancing.

The Province still has mandated Ontario's beaches stay closed through its Emergency Orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the Province eases that restriction, then the Region of Halton would have to resume testing of the water for bacteria to determine whether it is safe to enter -- they are not doing that yet.

Additionally, Burlington's beach has not been groomed for safe use yet and park washroom facilities remain closed due to staff focusing on other COVID-19 operations.

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

Courts at Tansley Woods Park and 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 (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

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 (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

Do not:

• Gather in groups of five or more, except if from the same household
• Participate in organized sports or exercise classes
• Use playground equipment
• Use fields that are locked and 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 in groups of 5 or less including:

• 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

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 five 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. As far as other family, friends and neighbours go: no play-dates, no baseball games, no dinner parties or poker nights even with close friends, and no pick-up games of hockey in the street. 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 five (5) people, 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; and
• closing all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds.

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, however, to discourage people from gathering and to help reduce the transmission of the virus, the City has closed all vehicular access to our parks. Only walking, jogging, riding a bike or scooter/wheelchair through a park or trail is permitted. Remember to keep 2 metres away from others - about the length of a hockey stick.

All amenities in our parks have already been closed, please continue to respect the caution tape and keep off of playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard areas, tennis and basketball courts.

No, you may not have social gatherings of more than five people at your homes. You can gather in your backyard with your immediate family who live in the same household.  We encourage you to practice safe physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

No, you may not gather in a plaza parking lot with more than five friends and you must maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from other people.

The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.

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 five people
• establishments remaining open that are prohibited from being in operation under the EMCPA
• individuals using outdoor recreational amenities and parks

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.

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).

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

The Province of Ontario has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses.

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.

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

The City of Burlington is not issuing marriage licences while City Hall is closed. All City facilities will remain closed to protect the public and staff from the spread of COVID-19 until further notice.  Residents needing a marriage licence can call Service Burlington two weeks before their intended marriage date and if City Hall has re-opened, we will accommodate them as close to their wedding date as possible.

Municipalities issue marriage licenses on behalf of the Province of Ontario. Current legislation requires original signatures and documentation.  City staff have asked the Province to review this legislation and make some interim amendments to allow for electronic signatures and documentation. Staff is also asking the Province to extend the licenses that were issued prior to the COVID-19 shutdown beyond the normal 90 day expiry dates.

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.

The City of Burlington only closed the parking lot on Monday, March 23. This is part of the City’s continuing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus by following the advice of our public health officials to increase social distancing.

Any vehicles parked in Lowville Park lot will be towed.

The best thing residents can do to protect themselves and the community, is stay home.

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.

City Hall is closed to the public.

There are many tax payment options available to the public which do not require you to physically visit a City facility. Payment can be made as follows: 

• Directly through financial institutions – by internet, telephone banking or ATM
• Pre-authorized Payment Plans
• Regular mail or physical drop box (at the Locust Street entrance of City Hall)
• 3rd party credit card processing companies

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.

Final tax bills have been delayed to align with the relief of the April installment to June 30. Final tax bills will be mailed in July with due dates of Aug. 20 and Oct. 20.

It is recognized that some property owners will continue to experience financial hardship as the economy begins to rebuild. For those taxpayers impacted by COVID-19 that require additional assistance for repayment of the April 21 installment beyond June 30, the City is offering enrollment in a monthly pre-authorized payment plan. This plan will provide withdrawals from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1 to pay the remaining 2020 property taxes (April, August and October installments). No penalty or interest will be charged to taxpayers enrolled in this plan. Please email pap@burlington.ca for more details on this payment plan.

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 July 3.

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including July 3, 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.

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. Free rides will be in place until at least until April 5. 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.