The Town of St. Marys has taken a number of steps prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community, including declaring a State of Emergency on March 19, 2020.
We continue to work with Huron Perth Public Health to assess the situation and adapt our response accordingly. Any new information regarding impacts to municipal services will be shared on this page.
We also have specific pages dedicated to our Community Wellness Program and resources for local businesses, as well as and an up-to-date directory of shops, restaurants and services.
Municipal recovery framework
Our Municipal Operations and Services Recovery Framework lays out our approach to re-opening facilities and services as the Province of Ontario eases public health restrictions.
The goal of the framework is to help residents understand the requirements to deliver operations and services safely, the time it takes to meet these requirements, and the overall cost and staffing numbers needed to open facilities and offer services.
Updates and announcements
We will be providing regular updates about closures, cancellations and other changes to Town operations through this page and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as this situation progresses.
| Latest COVID-19 news |
Town shares preliminary re-opening plans for select municipal facilities
As we prepare to move into Stage 3 of the Province’s recovery framework, we’re sharing preliminary plans for re-opening some of our municipal facilities.
Read our media release for full details.
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| Past COVID-19 news |
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Status of municipal facilities and services
We are committed to providing essential municipal services to residents throughout this pandemic. Although Town facilities are closed, all municipal departments are available by phone or email for inquiries. A list of list municipal contacts is available on our Contact Us page.
An update on the status of municipal facilities and services is provided below. If you have a question about the status of a service not listed below, please call us at 519-284-2340 or send an email to communications@town.stmarys.on.ca.
| Administration and licensing |
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Burn permits
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Status
Contact
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Council and committees
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Status
Contact
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Commissioning services
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Status
- Available by appointment only.
Contact
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Lottery licences
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Status
- Available by appointment only.
Contact
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Marriage licences and ceremonies
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Status
- Available by appointment only.
Contact
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| Parking tickets |
Status
- In-person payment unavailable.
- Payments can be made online or by cheque; visit our Parking page for details.
Contact
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| Pet licences |
| Status
Contact
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| Building and Planning |
| Building Department |
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Status
- Electronic submissions of complete building permit applications continue to be accepted and reviewed by staff.
- Site inspections are restricted and evaluated on case-by-case basis, with priority given to projects with life-safety impact.
- Construction projects with valid building permits should contact the Town to request on-site inspections a minimum of 48 hours in advance of any required inspection.
- Inspection are being performed in open air environments on unoccupied buildings only. Buildings must be vacant of trades while undergoing an inspection. It is the responsibility of the site supervisor to ensure these provisions are in place; failure to do so will result in a failed inspection.
- Following an inspection, builders may elect to hire a third-party engineer or architect to conduct on-site inspections. These inspection reports must then be forwarded to the Building Department electronically. This includes any permits currently issued or reviewed during this time.
- Any decision not to conduct an inspection will be at the discretion of the Building Department.
Contact
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| Planning Services |
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Status
- The following are still being accepted and reviewed by staff:
- Planning inquiries
- Planning applications
- Committee of Adjustment applications
- Letters of Conformity
- All Planning Advisory Committee and Committee of Adjustment meetings are currently being held virtually and livestreamed through our YouTube channel. Visit the Current Planning/Development Applications page for details.
Contact
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| Curbside waste collection |
| Garbage and recycling |
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Status
- Garbage and recycling is being collected as scheduled.
Contact
- Bluewater Recycling Association: 519-228-6678
- info@bra.org
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| Leaf and yard waste |
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Status
- Leaf and yard waste is being collected as scheduled.
- Re-usable leaf and yard waste containers will not be permitted in 2020 due to concerns about COVID-19. Residents are asked to use biodegradable kraft-style paper bags for loose leaf and yard waste and to tie twigs and branches into small bundles.
- The Leaf and Yard Waste Depot is open daily from dawn till dusk at the Municipal Operations Centre (enter off South Service Road). Those dropping off leaf and yard waste should practice social distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) from other patrons.
Contact
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| Day camps |
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Status
- Camp PRC has been cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19. Those previously registered in the program should already have received a full refund.
- The Town is preparing an equipment rental program to help residents re-create the camp experience at home. Staff are also planning a Town-wide scavenger hunt to help keep would-be campers entertained this summer. Watch this page for further details, coming soon.
Contact
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| Emergency Services |
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Status
- All emergency services (fire, police and paramedics) are ready to respond to calls.
- In-person fire inspections are currently unavailable.
Contacts
- Emergencies: 9-1-1
- Fire Department (non-emergency): 519-284-1752
- Stratford Police Service (non-emergency): 519-271-4141
- Perth County Paramedic Services (non-emergency): 519-271-0531, ext. 500
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| Events |
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Status
- Homecoming+Heritage has been postponed to 2021.
- The Canada Day celebrations in Cadzow Park have been cancelled for 2020. The Town will be offering livestreamed and non-virtual events on July 1 and during the week leading up to Canada Day. Read our media release for full details.
- Melodies at the Museum has been cancelled for 2020.
- Highlight St. Marys has been cancelled for 2020.
Contact
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| Finance |
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Status
- In-person payments are currently unavailable at Town Hall and Municipal Operations Centre.
- Accepting payments through online banking or by sending a cheque through the mail: Town of St. Marys, 175 Queen Street East, PO Box 998, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6
- Drop box available at lower level of Town Hall for cheques only.
- Those facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19 can defer the May 29, 2020 interim property tax payment to June 30, 2020.
Contact
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| Landfill |
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Status
- Open to residents for regular, non-hazardous waste disposal on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Electronic Waste Depot is also open during the landfill's regular hours.
- There are some COVID-19 protocols in place to protect residents and staff:
- Only contactless payments (debit or credit with tap or charge account) will be accepted; the use of cash is not permitted.
- A limited number of customers are permitted to enter the landfill at one time.
- Visit our Landfill page for further details.
Contact
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| Outdoor recreational amenities |
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Status
The following outdoor municipal recreation amenities are currently open:
- Baseball diamonds
- Boat ramp
- Cadzow Park splash pad
- Fishing quarry
- Skate park
- Soccer fields
- Tennis/pickleball courts
- Trails (for walkthrough access only)
The following amenities are opening Friday, July 17:
The following outdoor municipal recreation amenities remain closed:
Contact
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| Parks |
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Status
- Playgrounds and pavilions are open.
- Gatherings and events of up to 100 people are allowed, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
- Organized sports are allowed on all sportsfields, as long as all teams and leagues follow the applicable Provincial orders.
Contact
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| Public washrooms |
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Status
Public washrooms are now open in the following locations:
- Cadzow Park
- Milt Dunnell Field (lawn bowling facility)
- Town Hall
COVID-19 protocols for public washrooms
- Washrooms will be cleaned/sanitized twice daily between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, with fogging taking place at the end of each day.
- COVID-19 signage will be posted.
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| Senior Services |
| Footcare clinics |
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Status
- Service has resumed at the St. Marys Friendship Centre, though the building remains closed for all other programs, events and activities.
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Clinics will be prioritized for those in need of urgent care. Existing clients will be contacted by staff to review new protocols and book an appointment time.
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The clinic will operate using guidelines from the Ministry of Health, the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario and the directives of Huron Perth Public Health. Only one person will be allowed in the footcare room at a time.
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Staff are requesting that all clients wear a mask; masks will be available for purchase at the time of the appointment, if required.
Contact
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| Meals on Wheels |
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Status
- Meal pick-up at the St. Marys Friendship Centre currently unavailable.
- Offering socially distanced meal delivery service; visit our Community Wellness Program page for details.
Contact
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| St. Marys and Area Mobility Service |
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Status
- Rides still available, but volunteer transportation currently suspended
- New safety measures in place:
- Clients being screened prior to booking a ride
- Surfaces being cleaned frequently; hand sanitizer available for drivers and riders
- Riders being asked to leave the front passenger seat vacant to allow for social distancing
Contact
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| Splash pads |
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Status
- The Cadzow Park splash pad is currently open
- The Pyramid Recreation Centre splash pad remains closed.
COVID-19 protocols for Cadzow Park splash pad
- The splash pad will be open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
- Capacity is limited to 28 patrons on the splash pad at one time.
- Temporary fencing has been installed to limit access points.
- Patrons should practice physical distancing while using the splash pad (stay 2 meters/6 feet away from others).
- The splash pad will be inspected every two hours between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily.
- The start button on the splash pad will be sanitized every two hours daily.
- COVID-19 signage will be posted.
Contact
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| Sportsfields |
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Status
- Organized sports are allowed on all sportsfields, as long as all teams and leagues follow the applicable Provincial orders.
Contact
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| Town facilities |
| Adult Learning Programs of Perth |
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Status
- Building closed; in-person service unavailable
- Online learning currently being offered
Contact
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| Municipal Operations Centre |
Status
- Building closed; in-person service unavailable
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The service counter at the Municipal Operations Centre is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Staff are currently evaluating the possibility of a “flex” schedule that may include reduced hours to allow for extra cleaning.
Contact
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| Pyramid Recreation Centre |
| Status
Contact
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| St. Marys Child Care Centre |
Status
- Operating as an emergency child care centre for workers who have been deemed essential by the Province of Ontario. All child care spaces are currently full.
- The building is closed for regular child care operations; all programs are cancelled indefinitely.
Contact
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| St. Marys Friendship Centre |
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Contact
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| St. Marys Museum and Archives |
Status
- Building closed; all programming and events cancelled; donations not being accepted.
- Online programming is being offered through the Pyramid Recreation Centre Facebook page.
- Staff are currently reviewing options to open to the public for research services and to offer outdoor programming.
Contact
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| St. Marys Public Library |
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Contact
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| St. Marys VIA Rail Station (includes St. Marys Station Gallery) |
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Status
- Station is open for commercial tenants and their customers only.
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Anyone visiting the businesses at the VIA station will require a mask or other face covering, as directed by Huron Perth Public Health.
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Staff will evaluate the situation and consider re-opening the VIA Rail customer service desk during the week of August 3, 2020.
- VIA Rail trains continue to operate, though service may be reduced; visit VIA Rail's website regularly for the latest travel advisories.
Contact
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| St. Marys Youth Centre |
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Status
- Building closed; all programming and events cancelled
Contact
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Town Hall
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Status
- Building closed; in-person service unavailable
Contact
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Support for residents
| Community Wellness Program |
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Our Community Wellness Program offers a range of services to help people cope with the challenges of living through this pandemic, including:
- Hot and frozen meal delivery
- Delivery of groceries, medication and other essentials
- Telephone reassurance and social connection calls
- Virtual recreation programming
The program is open to people of all ages and abilities who need assistance. To learn more about the program, visit our Community Wellness Program page.
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| Financial relief |
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We have taken a number of steps to reduce the financial burden facing members of our community due to COVID-19, including:
- Allowing those struggling financially to defer the May 29, 2020 property tax payment to June 30, 2020
- Waiving fees and penalties on municipal payments until July 31, 2020 (except for property taxes)
- Eliminating planned fee increases for child care, ice rentals and animal licenses
- Allocating $300,000 to a COVID-19 financial relief fund, with $100,000 dedicated to supporting local businesses
- Hosting three finance-focused webinars through Facebook Live and Zoom teleconferencing to provide community members with vital information about the financial relief programs available from all three levels of government (past webinar videos now available on Facebook)
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| Virtual recreation programming |
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Online programs
We are using Facebook to share live and pre-recorded videos of recreation and leisure programming. A weekly schedule and supporting resources are available on the Community Wellness Program page, under Virtual Recreation Programming.
To participate, visit the Pyramid Recreation Centre’s Facebook page at the scheduled time – the video should be available in the main feed. You do not need a Facebook account or to be registered with the Community Wellness Program to participate!
Past videos are saved on the Facebook page.
Telephone programs
We also offer programs through Zoom teleconferencing for those who do not have access to the Internet. Telephone programs are listed on our weekly schedule, available on the Community Wellness Program page (under Virtual Recreation Programming).
To participate, contact the Community Wellness Program at 519-284-3272 prior to the start of the program. Our team will walk you through the necessary steps to join the call.
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| Community Allotment Garden program |
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We have resurrected the community garden plots at St. Marys Cemetery as part of our response to COVID-19. Collectively called the “Wellness Gardens,” the 20 plots are available via a first-come, first-served application process. This year, there is no charge for the plots, but users must bring their own tools and abide by physical distancing recommendations.
Visit the Community Allotment Garden program page for full details.
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Support for businesses
| Business resources |
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Our Business Resources and Directory page includes links to the various assistance programs available to businesses that are suffering in the wake of COVID-19. It also features a list of mental health resources for business owners.
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| Business directory |
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Our Business Resources and Directory page features an up-to-date listing of how local shops, restaurants and service providers are operating during these challenging times.
To submit your business information, please email communications@town.stmarys.on.ca or call 519-284-2340, ext. 272 with the following information:
- Business name
- Street address
- Preferred social media account/website
- One of the following status options: closed completely; closed to public; delivery/pick-up available with advance notice; open to public, limited hours; open to public, regular hours
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| Business Economic Support and Recovery Task Force |
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We have established a Business Economic Support and Recovery Task Force to advise Council on matters related to local businesses and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus will be supporting the St. Marys business community now and after the outbreak has ended.
The task force will be made up of five local business owners and two members of Council, and will be supported by municipal staff from a range of departments.
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| FanSaves online gift certificate program |
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We have taken the lead on participating in an online gift certificate resource, www.fansaveshelps.ca. FanSaves aims to support communities by encouraging social distancing and allowing businesses to stay afloat during this unprecedented pandemic.
Gift certificates can be purchased from the comfort of home, with the amount (minus any credit card fees) transferred into the business’s bank account within two weeks. Purchasers will receive an email they can print off and use once businesses reopen. The site also includes an option to purchase certificates to donate to local hospitals, including St. Marys Memorial Hospital.
To find participating local businesses, click on “Find Your Community” at the top of the fansaveshelps.ca page and scroll down to St. Marys. Click on the logo to see two pages of businesses.
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Important resources
We encourage you to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by following credible sources. For the most up-to-date guidelines and reliable recommendations for prevention, visit the following websites:
