COVID-19 information

A class order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act has been issued by Simcoe Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to enforce COVID-19 self-isolation requirements. The order takes effect October 6, 2020 and remains in effect until the MOH declares it is no longer needed.

The order applies to any person living or present in the County of Simcoe and District of Muskoka who:

• is identified as a person diagnosed with COVID-19;
• has the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, has been tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting the results of their test;
• otherwise has reasonable grounds to believe they have one or more symptoms of COVID-19; or
• is a close contact of a person identified as a person diagnosed with COVID-19.

If you think you have any symptoms of COVID-19, use the provincial COVID self-assessment tool, and if indicated by the tool, get tested and self-isolate at home for 10 days (the period of time you are contagious) or until your test result is negative for COVID-19.

If you have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, which means being within two metres (6 feet) of that infected person for at least 15 minutes without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), you must self-isolate for 14 days even though you don’t have symptoms. This is because the COVID-19 incubation period (the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) can be up to 14 days. Adequate PPE is using both medical grade surgical/procedural mask and protective eyewear. Cloth face coverings are not adequate PPE.

Individuals who fail to comply with the order may be liable for a fine of up to $5,000 for every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

For more information see Fact Sheet for Class Order for Self-Isolation.

The Town of New Tecumseth continues to be here for our residents, and we are adapting to the changing times and needs of our community as a direct result of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

As such, we launched our New Tec Connects Program to support the evolving needs of our residents and our community as we work through this difficult time.  The New Tec Connects Program included virtual fitness and activities, partnerships for grocery delivery and food drives.  

As we continue to work together through this challenging time, we will continue to do all that we can through our organization as well as out New Tec Connects Program to help our residents through this unprecedented time. 

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As a result of the COVID 19: Provincial Emergency Declaration and stay-at-home order that is in place until at least February 11, 2021, in addition to the measures already in place, the following Town services will be further impacted: 

• Masks/face coverings must now be worn at all times when in any area of a Town office/building or facility. 

• Closures of all Town recreation centres, the Museum on the Boyne and all outdoor playground equipment are further extended to February 11, 2021. 
• Open space, parks, trails and walking paths remain available for individual physical activity use, however all health protocols must be followed. Please use caution as some of the trails and paths may not receive winter maintenance.

• The Town Administration Centre and Joint Operations Centre will remain closed for public walk-ins until at least February 11, 2021 and only necessary appointments with staff that are arranged in advance will be permitted (e.g. death certificates). 

• New Tecumseth Public Library branches remain open for contactless curbside delivery and pick-up. 

• With the reduced numbers for organized outdoor gatherings further reduced to five people, the outdoor rink at the Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre will remain opened for leisure skating use only. A maximum of five skaters will be permitted at any given time, masks must be worn at all times. Use will be permitted on a first come, first serve basis, and with the reduced number of permitted skaters at one time, rotations will now be every 30 minutes, rather than on the hour, to allow for greater access to a larger number. 

• The weather has not been conducive and now with the new provincial public health directives, efforts to get the outdoor ice rinks created on the ground surfaces of ball diamonds in Alliston and Beeton will be paused at this time to further prevent potential gatherings and to support the Province’s order to keep people at home. 

• The indoor ice surfaces at our Beeton Arena, New Tecumseth Recreation Centre as well as our Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre will be removed to ensure financial responsibility and reduce the costs associated with maintaining ice that cannot be used. 

• All memberships/passes will be extended for the length of time the facility remains unavailable.
• All facility rentals/bookings and pre-registered use of classes, fitness etc. will be cancelled.
• Cancelled programs as a result of this closure will receive a credit to your account. If you require a refund to credit card or cheque, please contact Customer Service staff at 705-435-4030 ext.1500/1621 or by email at recreation@newtecumseth.ca . If you are leaving a voice mail please provide detailed information for staff to follow up with. 

Shopping for second-hand products is a good way to save money, recycle and reuse during COVID-19. If you participate in handling or purchasing second-hand products here are some actions you can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Managing or buying second-hand items during COVD-19: 

The main way that COVID-19 is transmitted is directly from person-to-person, rather than through objects. Therefore, the following recommendations are to help prevent person-to-person spread.

• Avoid all close contact with people outside of your household and practice physical distancing (e.g. stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from others at all times). 
• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Make sure it fits. Learn how to wear it properly and follow the do’s and don’ts.
• Avoid meeting in person if possible (e.g. leave items out for porch pick-up ) 
• Use digital/electronic or contactless payment services rather than cash. 
• Refrain from trying on any clothing while shopping, and limit touching items where possible.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Goods and Surfaces

It is also possible that COVID-19 can be transmitted through objects, as the COVID -19 virus may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days depending on different conditions, such as: temperature, type of surface and humidity of the environment.

• After purchasing an item, thoroughly clean and disinfect it. Avoid buying items that are difficult to clean. 
• When possible, clean and disinfect all surfaces of the merchandise; Launder items where possible and dry on the hottest setting possible. 
• If items cannot be cleaned and disinfected (e.g. books, paper, fabric) they should be stored for a period of time in a dedicated area or room for at least 72 hours before use. 
• Wash your hands after handling items. 

Public Face Covering Policy

SMDHU mandatory face coverings for businesses letter 

As per the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's direction, as of Monday, July 13, 2020, when you enter into a public indoor spaces or use a public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka, which includes the Town of New Tecumseth, you will be required to wear a face covering.

What you need to know about wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces- FAQ 

A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.

Children under the age of 2 or those under 5 who cannot be persuaded, are not required to wear a face covering, as well as individuals whose health or ability, or cultural or religious reasons would prevent them from doing so. No proof of exemption is required.

These additional public health measures remain in effect in all settings:

• Maintain physical distancing of two metres from others

• Stay home if ill and get tested for COVID-19

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer 

What you need to know about wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces- FAQ 

Make sure your mask fits. Learn how to wear it properly and follow the do’s and don’ts.

• Video: how to wear your non-medical mask properly.

• Sew and no-sew instructions for how to make a cloth mask 

Evidence-based Information on Face Coverings

Municipal Law Ambassador Program: 

The Town’s Municipal Law Enforcement team has developed an ambassador program to help remind residents and visitors of the importance to follow the Health Officials guidance and comply with the restrictions in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

As part of the  ambassador program,  Municipal Law has been working with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to educate other Town staff on the current COVID-19 restrictions. Town staff will  be out and about in our community to continue to educate residents about the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) including ensuring no gatherings of more than five people and the need to stay out of closed outdoor recreational amenities. 

We appreciate the community’s help in following these important rules to help flatten the curve and keep us all safe during this pandemic.

If you see non-compliance with the EMCPA, please call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. For less serious incidents, report online by visiting opp.ca/reporting. 

What is the Town’s By-law Enforcement and Nottawasaga OPP doing to enforce the Province’s COVID-19 Orders.

The Town’s By-law Enforcement Officers are assisting the Nottawasaga OPP to enforcethe Province’s COVID-19 Orders by doing proactive patrols and partnering with the OPP to educate residents and working with the Nottawasaga OPP where Police intervention may be warranted.  

What are the fines the public will be facing for violating the Provincial Orders? 

Charges may be laid for violations of the Province’s Orders in two ways. People not abiding by the Provincial Orders may receive a ticket with a set fine between $750 to $1000 dollars per charge. Alternatively, Officers may 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.  In addition, offenders may be subject to up to one year imprisonment. 

Can we still walk through the Town’s parks, pathways and trails? 

Residents may walk through Town parks, pathways and trails unless there is signage at or in the park identifying the park or specific parts of the park as being closed, provided that residents: 

• maintain a distance of at least 2.0 metres from other people (other than people who reside together).

• Please use caution as trails in New Tecumseth are not maintained in the winter. 

Can businesses be charged for violating the Province’s Orders? 

Yes, businesses and business owners can be charged for violating COVID-19 Orders issued by the Province. For example, businesses violating the Provincial Orders requiring closure of non-essential businesses or 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. 

Who do I call to report a possible violation of the Provincial COVID-19 Orders, the Federal Quarantine Act and Price Gouging?

If you wish to file a report regarding non-compliance under the Quarantine Act, contact Public Health Agency of Canada. For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. For all other police matters, including non-compliance to the Provincial COVID-19 Orders, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.  In addition, with respect to complaints regarding unconscionable pricing or price gouging, residents may contact the Consumer Protection Ontario Call Centre at 1-800-889-9768 (which operates between 8:30am and 5:00pm), or file complaints online at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario   

The Town’s Economic Development Office is gathering important information and resources to assist local businesses and their employees in responding to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Visit the Support for Businesses page and use the "Subscribe" feature to receive automatic email notifications about the most up to date resources for your business and employees.

The Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes a wide range of measures to support for Canadian individuals and families who are facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover is the next phase of the Province's response to the serious health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The plan sets out a total of $45 billion in support over three years to make available the necessary health resources to continue protecting people, deliver critical programs and tax measures to support individuals, families and job creators impacted by the virus, and lay the groundwork for long-term economic recovery.

The Town’s Economic Development Office is gathering important information and resources to assist the local workforce and employers in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

• • At this time building inspections will be completed by our Building Inspectors.
  • Most standard construction inspections can be carried out, including
    • Exterior inspections of all buildings, and
    • Interior inspections of unoccupied buildings that are under construction
  • Interior inspections of occupied dwellings will be conducted with extra provisions for the safety of both staff and occupants.

  PROCEDURE:

  • Upon arrival to the property, the inspector shall advise the representative of these procedures and obtain their verbal agreement to comply.
  • The building must be vacant at time of inspection except that one representative of the permit holder/owner may accompany the inspector while maintaining acceptable social distancing.
  • The inspector will evaluate the inspection environment to determine the suitability to maintain a safe workplace and shall mitigate any assessed risk by use of personal protective equipment.
  • Social distancing requiring 6 ft separation shall be practiced at all times by the inspector and the representative.
  • Where 6 ft social distancing is not possible, or as determined by the inspector, both the inspector and the representative shall wear well-fitting, non-surgical masks that completely covers from the nose to the chin.

• The Building Branch will be only accepting building permit applications through digital means.  Drawings shall be submitted digitally and be in a pdf format.  The drawings shall be scaled and legible.  Pictures of drawings will not be accepted.  Building staff will circulate digital applications to the required internal departments (Planning, Engineering, Fire, Finance) for their approvals and/or comments.
  • Email communication will be the preferred method of communication.

Until further notice, payment for building permit fees, development charges and compliance letters will be Visa & Mastercard (max $750) this can be taken over the phone or cheque (payable to the Town of New Tecumseth) and deposited to the Town Hall drop box. No in person payments. 

Payment Process:

1. Complete the cheque and include the building application number on the front of the cheque
2. Arrange to have the cheque dropped off in the drop box at Town Hall or alternatively mail the cheque.
3. Building Branch will follow up on the payment and issuing a receipt.
4. Building permit or compliance letter will be issued.
5. Permit card will be scanned and emailed to the applicant.  Drawings will be delivered to site upon first inspection

Drinking water continues to be safe for consumption & meets all provincial requirements. Safety precautions & measures are in place to protect staff and public to ensure Water services continue. There may be some disruption to non-essential services. Critical servicing will be maintained.

Safety precautions and measures are in place to protect staff and public to ensure Wastewater services continue. There may be some disruption to non-essential services. Critical servicing will be maintained.

Please do not to flush or dispose of cleaning wipes/cloths through sanitary services (toilets, etc.) The Town will not be responding to sanitary blockages as a result of the disposal of such cleaning products. Should cleaning products be found to be the cause of a sanitary blockage, property owners will be responsible for all cost.

If you wish to re-enroll in the pre-authorized payment plan program, your property tax or utility account must be paid in full and you will need to complete the Property Tax/Utility Bill Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Form found here.

 Payment methods include:

• Payments can be made at your bank or through online/telephone banking

• Third party credit card providers, such as Plastiq

• Registration in the Town's pre-authorized payment plan

• By cheque, mailed or placed in the drop boxes at:

• Town Administrative office located at 10 Wellington Street East in Alliston.

• Tottenham Recreational Centre located at 139 Queen Street North 

• Joint Operations Centre located at 6558 8th Line in Beeton

To Access billing information:

• Access Virtual Town Hall to obtain information online (www.vth.newtecumseth.ca)

• Contact Property Tax or Utility Specialists by email or phone:

  • propertytaxes@newtecumseth.ca

  • utilities@newtecumseth.ca

  • Property tax phone numbers (705) 435-3900 ext 1255 or ext 1251

  • Utilities phone numbers (705) 435-3900 ext 1252

Bylaw officers will still enforce regular parking infractions like parking within 3m of a fire hydrant, etc. This includes the 5-hour parking restrictions - response will be on a complaint basis.

Everyone is encouraged to voluntarily comply with the restrictions introduced by the federal and provincial governments to combat the spread of COVID-19.

For all non-emergency police matters, including non-compliance to the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) please call your local police or the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. For less serious incidents, report online by visiting opp.ca/reporting. If you wish to file a report regarding non-compliance under the Quarantine Act, contact Public Health Agency of Canada. Our Municipal Law Enforcement officers will continue to be out in our community reminding you of the importance of complying with these restrictions. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus with pneumonia-like symptoms. There are confirmed cases in Canada, including Ontario. The Town of New Tecumseth is working closely with the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, the County of Simcoe and other community partners to monitor the global situation to be as prepared as possible and respond accordingly. 

While the risk of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) is currently low for our area and there are no confirmed cases here, it is good to be prepared for the potential arrival of widespread community transmission of the virus. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has information on their website about preparing for a pandemic.

For the most up-to-date local information, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website. 

Citizens can continue to do business with the Town on our website at www.newtecumseth.ca, or by phone at 705-435-3900 or 905-729-0057 (Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm) or by email at info@newtecumseth.ca.

For recreation related questions, please call our Parks, Recreation and Culture team at 705-435-4030 ext. 1500 or 905-936-4203 ext. 1621 or by email recreation@newtecumseth.ca

For detailed information about your Property Tax and Water/Wastewater accounts, access our Virtual Town Hall service portal 24/7. 

For Property Tax and Water/Wastewater payment methods and additional information, please see the FAQ’s on our website:

Property Taxes:  https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/living-in-our-community/property-taxes-and-payments-faqs.aspx

Water and Wastewater:  https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/living-in-our-community/paying-your-bill.aspx

Other inquiries can be addressed by contacting the Finance department by phone or email:

Property Taxes

-        Phone: (705) 435-3900 extension 1255 or extension 1251

-        Email: propertytaxes@newtecumseth.ca

Water and Wastewater

-        Phone: (705) 435-3900 extension 1324 or extension 1252

-        Email: utilities@newtecumseth.ca

For any other general finance-related inquiries, please email the Finance Department at finance@newtecumseth.ca

For the latest news from Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), please visit their website at:www.stevensonhospital.caPlease follow SMH on social media (Facebook & Instagram @stevensonhospital, Twitter @stevensonhosp) or Jody Levac, President & CEO’s on Twitter (@j_levac) for the latest updates as this is an evolving situation.SMH asks the public to use the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment tool to help determine if they need to come to the Assessment Centre.

Assessment Centre:

*NEW: The SMH COVID-19 Assessment Centre is extending its operation to include Thursdays starting December 17. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will continue to be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the lower parking lot. To book an appointment online, please visit the Hospital's website.

Alternatively, our COVID-19 Assessment Centre registration phone line is available by calling (249) 501-0383 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once appointments are full for the day, please look to the next operating day. There are not dedicated time slots for those calling by phone.

For more information, visit Stevenson Memorial Hospital's website here: click here.

Testing eligibility has recently changed. As of Friday, September 25, 2020 individuals should only seek testing at an Assessment Centre if:

• they are showing symptoms of COVID-19
• they have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by their public health unit or the COVID-19 Alert app
• they are a resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified by their public health unit  
• they are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Long-Term Care

You may visit the Simcoe County website at www.simcoe.ca and view their public notices page to see a list of any services they provide that have been affected by COVID-19. 

We understand that this is a difficult time for many as the world around us is changing due to COVID-19. Whether you are looking for support or know someone who is, below is a list of services available.

Offering support by telephone (2-1-1), email or live chat from their website: https://211ontario.ca/  Please call or email if you are unable to access needed supplies or services.

• 211 Ontario can help you find grocery stores and pharmacies that are open and offering delivery service, as well as programs and services in your community that may be helpful to you during these trying times.
• 211 exists to connect people to urgent needs and essential services.
• 211 is multilingual and operates 24/7.

Mental health support

Children and youth 

• Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County 705-728-5044 / 1-888-893-8333 
• Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka 705-645-2262 / 1-888-893-8333 
• Good2Talk: A phone and texting service that provides confidential support to post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454.
• Kids Help Phone: Children and youth 18 and under who need to talk to someone about their mental health can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, for 24/7 virtual, or text 686868. 
• Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions: Call 705-645-4426 ext. 6270. Children and youth mental health (CYMH) services are open and providing supports virtually during COVID-19 by phone & video Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 for those 0-17yrs & their families.

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – Ontario (English, Other) – Text 24/7 to #7233
• BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that provides guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224. 
• Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County 705-728-5044 / 1-888-893-8333 
• Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka 705-645-2262 / 1-888-893-8333 
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service (Bilingual) – Text 4:00 pm to 12:00 am to #45645 
• ConnexOntario Addiction, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling Treatment Services 1-866-531-2600
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7 (Bilingual, Other) - 1-855-242-3310
• Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services (English) – Chat 2:00 pm to 2:00 am | Text 2:00 pm to 2:00 am to #258258

Public Health Agency of Canada

Risk level for Canadians, Current situation, Travel advisories

Ontario Ministry of Health
Ontario news, Status of cases in Ontario – updated at 10:30 a.m. daily

World Health Organization
Technical documents, Questions and answers