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.

From Mayor Meed Ward: "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."

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...

For the latest actions taken by the City of Burlington please visit and subscribe to our News and Notices.

COVID-19 is having a direct impact on the City's finances. In addition to significant revenue losses, the City has to incur additional expenses to close facilities, increase cleaning and modify service delivery. 

While some of these impacts are temporary in nature, a portion are likely to impact the City's financial position over a longer period of time as we transition to a new normal state of operations. 

While there still remains much uncertainty as to what this new normal state of operations may look like, the City will be looking for opportunities to mitigate these financial challenges and reduce any overall property tax impact as part of the 2021 budget.

In July, the federal government announced the Safe Restart Agreement, providing financial support to provinces. Burlington will receive $6 million. Learn more.

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.

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

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 and for our economic recovery - 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.

The City’s Bylaw 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 Bylaw. 

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 Bylaw, 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.

Individuals engaging in sports or a recreational fitness at a facility (including sports fields), 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 a facility as long as there is no physical contact between players or the sport has 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.

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.

Social gathering of no more than 25 people outdoors are permitted at your homes. The limit for indoor gatherings is 10 people. 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 not adhering to the limits for social gatherings
• 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 bylaw 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.

View what's reopened for public use...

The Service Burlington counter at City Hall, at 426 Brant St., is open to the public to offer in-person payments for some services between 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Learn more. 

Service Burlington is also available by phone at 905-335-7777 or email at city@burlington.ca.

City staff continue to work remotely and are ready to assist the community in the delivery of services.

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.

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.

• 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