UPDATE #20-01 - COVID-19
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
6:00 pm
Release # 20-01
Subject: Township of Algonquin Highlands COVID 19 Update
The Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group met today following the Provincial Emergency Declaration. As a result of these discussions, the administrative office on North Shore Road is closed to the public effective March 18, 2020.
This measure has been undertaken in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and particularly with regard to the Province’s Emergency Declaration. Our first priority is for the protection of the public and staff.
The public can be assured that essential services will be retained as best as possible. Our Fire Services will continue to operate at full capacity with universal precautions in place.
In order to effectively implement these measures, there will be modifications to usual business processes as noted below:
Airport
- The terminal building will be closed to the public effective March 18, 2020
- Fuel remains available via the card lock system
- Regular aviation operations continue
- Emergency services such as Hydro One, Ornge and MNRF retain full access to the airport
Building/By-Law Department
- Interaction with staff is limited to appointment only
- Application forms pertaining to this department can be found online
- Staff will continue field inspections while observing appropriate distancing and hygiene protocols
- The public is asked to consider the urgency of their request or application
Finance Department
- At this time, we are unable to accept cash or debit payment
- Tax payments are 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)
Library Services
- The Stanhope Library is closed to the public
- The Library Book Depot at the Dorset Recreation Centre is closed
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots at both locations remain available
Parks, Recreation and Trails
- The Water Trails office will be closed to the public effective March 18, 2020
- The recreation centres located at Stanhope, Dorset, Oxtongue remain closed until further notice
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots remain available at the Stanhope, Dorset and Oxtongue Community Centres
- Trails remain open
- Equipment rentals are not available
Planning
- Interaction with staff is limited to appointment only
- Meetings related to Planning matters will occur with appropriate distancing and hygiene protocols
- The public is asked to consider the urgency of their request or application
- Application forms pertaining to this department can be found online
Public Works- Roads
- Service levels will be maintained
Public Works – Landfills
- Landfill operations continue as normal as of March 18, 2020 however; they may be changing following Council’s discussion on Thursday
- Please ensure you check the latest information prior to attending a landfill site
The Township remains attentive to this quickly evolving situation and any changes to the above will be shared through News and Notices, and our social media channels. You may subscribe to News and Notices here:
https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/news-notices.php
We thank the public for their understanding as we work toward keeping our community safe and healthy.
For further questions or inquiries, please call the Township office at 705-489-2379.
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