COVID-19 UPDATE #21-02 Township Office reopening procedures, Parks, Recreation and Trails operations, and Property Tax payments
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Friday, February 18, 2021
12:00 pm
Release #21-02
Subject: Township of Algonquin Highlands COVID-19 Update - Township Office Reopening Procedures, Parks, Recreation and Trails Operations, and Property Tax Payments
The Township of Algonquin Highlands remains under a declared State of Emergency.
The Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group continues its assessment of the continually-evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation and its potential effects on Algonquin Highlands.
Updates include information on the Township office reopening, Parks, Recreation & Trails operations and property tax payments.
NOTE: All decisions for re-opening are wholly dependent on provincial direction and are subject to change at any time.
Information:
1. Township Office reopening with restrictions
The Township of Algonquin Highlands Office will be open to the public, by appointment only, as of Thursday, February 18, 2021. Drop in appointments will not be accommodated.
Below is information on procedures for entering these buildings and how services will be provided.
General Processes and Procedures:
Telephone meetings are strongly encouraged, however if it is absolutely necessary to attend the office for an in-person meeting the following procedures shall be adhered to:
- Appointments will be booked in blocks of 30 minutes.
- Face Masks are mandatory and shall be provided by the visitor
- Visitors will be screened upon arrival prior to being permitted entry to the building.
- Visitors will be required to provide their name and contact information.
For further information on specific Township departments, and opening procedures, please visit the Township’s Frequently Asked Questions page
2. Parks Recreation and Trails
Dorset Recreation Centre
- The DRC will re-open for computer access by appointment beginning February 22 at 9:00 AM
- The Haliburton County Public Library book drop services will continue by appointment
- All other recreation centre amenities remain closed at this time
Dorset Tower Park Property – Excluding tower structure
- Re-opening of the Dorset Tower property is anticipated to occur on May 17, 2021. Patrons will only be permitted to access the park property, gift shop and the lookout at Peek-a-Boo Rock
- The tower structure will remain closed due to concerns around the municipality’s ability to adequately implement COVID-19 distancing and disinfecting requirements
- This plan is subject to change at any time based on provincial COVID-19 direction
Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
- Campsite reservations will begin to be taken on March 29, 2021 for the remainder of the season
- This plan is subject to change at any time based on provincial COVID-19 direction
3. Finance
- Penalty and Interest on property taxes will be waived until further notice. Tax payments continue to be accepted as follows;
- Online through your financial institution
- Via telephone banking
- At your financial branch (please check with your local branch for hours)
- Cheques may be mailed or deposited in the secure drop box located on the front porch of the Township office (absolutely no cash is to be deposited in the drop box)
Reminders:
Frequently Asked Questions: Find out how Township operations have been impacted by COVID-19 on our Frequently Asked Questions page
Other Questions:If you cannot find the answer to your question on the Frequently Asked Questions page you may email your question to [email protected] or call 705-489-2379 ext. 369 and leave a message with your questions. Your email or phone call will be returned during normal business hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. If your phone call or email is an emergency, please call 911.
We thank the public for their understanding as we work toward keeping our community safe and healthy in this uncertain time.
Contact Information:
Mike French
Fire Chief/CEMC
Township of Algonquin Highlands
(705) 489-2379 ext. 369
Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J2
[email protected]
Dawn Newhook
Clerk/Emergency Information Officer
Township of Algonquin Highlands
(705 489-2379 ext, 369
[email protected]