NEWS RELEASE
ORO-MEDONTE TOWNSHIP
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Recognizing the need to maintain essential services and advance the business of the Township, utilizing new tools provided by the Provincial government, Oro-Medonte Council held two Special Council Meetings on March 24, 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the following has been implemented:
- The Township can now legally hold meetings utilizing electronic communications, without requiring a quorum to be physically present in the Council Chambers. Members of Council will be able to engage in debate through video/ teleconferencing. Meetings will be live streamed and available for public viewing during and after the meetings.
- Residents will be able to delay the payment of their 2020 municipal taxes until May 29, 2020 without added interest.
- First quarter communal water and waste water bill payments are extended by 30 days until June 30 without interest being applied.
- The date for purchasing dog tags has been extended until May 1.
- The second public meeting for the purpose of obtaining additional comments on a proposed amendment to the Township's Comprehensive Zoning By-law 97-95, to permit cannabis production and processing facilities within the Township of OroMedonte will proceed as scheduled on April 7. The format of the public meeting will be in compliance with requirements for social distancing. Given that all Township facilities are closed to the public, details regarding participation will be made available on the Township’s website.
- The Public Meeting regarding Short-Term Rentals will proceed as scheduled at a date to be announced later in April.
- Provisions have been made to ensure social distancing for municipal staff to lessen potential exposure to the virus, while continuing to provide essential services to residents and business owners.
- A complete fire ban is now in place to assist with efforts to limit exposure of the virus to emergency responders.
- Similar to the Province of Ontario, and the County of Simcoe, Oro-Medonte declared a State of Emergency to ensure that the Township is in the best position to quickly adapt to the fluidity of COVID-19.
Mayor Harry Hughes commented that “the Township anticipated that there would be measures required in response to the COVID-19 virus that would change the way that we do business. We are continuing to provide essential services, such as, ensuring safe drinking water, and fire and emergency response. Staff are available to provide services and assistance to our residents either electronically or by telephone.” For the most updated information, please continue to visit www.oro-medonte.ca/Pages/Covid-19-Information.aspx and follow the us on Facebook and Twitter.
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