COVID-19 Updates

Service Canada information on how to access benefits

In response to the Covid-19 situation, the government has introduced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit as part of Canada’s Economic Response Plan.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:

workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

Important information for workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work:

Workers should continue to apply for Employment Insurance benefits.
Individuals who have already applied for Employment Insurance will be automatically enrolled for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.
Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website for additional information on how the Canada Emergency Response Benefit will help workers.

Employment Insurance and Pension applications can be made online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html

If an individual that you support requires assistance with one our critical services and benefits they can complete a service request form at: Canada.ca/service-canada-e-service. Once the service request is submitted, a Service Canada representative will contact the individual within 2 business days at the phone number they indicate.

Posted: April 7, 2020

Message from the Mayor - April 6, 2020

As a longtime resident of this beautiful community of Callander, I recognize the enormous challenges that we are now facing during this unprecedented time. On behalf of Council and our staff of the Municipality of Callander, I want to express our sincere thanks to you as a community for doing your part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We must continue to social distance, wash our hands, not gather in any large numbers, and look after our families and neighbours while maintaining a safe distance.

Rest assured that the safety of our community and staff is our top priority as we modify the way our staff in Administration, Fire and Emergency Services, Finance, and Public Works are continuing to deliver our services. We are doing our best to ensure that the Municipality runs as smoothly as possible. Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated while we move through this rapidly evolving situation and time. Please remember if you have any questions, we are here for you.

Our Emergency Management Plan’s Community Control Group (CCG) meets twice a week to monitor and assess the situation, to meet the needs of our community and respond to federal and provincial directives. Please continue to monitor our website for ongoing updates from the Municipality, local agencies and the Provincial Government.

If you have any questions, please contact the municipal office by email at info@callander.ca or phone at 705-752-1410. If you need help and don’t know where to turn, we can help connect you with the resources you need.

Along with you, we are all working together to provide the best outcome for our community.

Mayor Robb Noon

Posted: April 6, 2020

Message (pdf version)

Woman talking on the phone

RUOK Program (Are You Ok) available to Callander seniors

The North Bay Golden Age Club, in collaboration with the City of North Bay, offers the free and confidential "RUOK" program to North Bay and Area seniors, including seniors living in Callander. The voice-activated computer program will phone each subscriber seven days a week at a time predetermined by the subscriber to ensure that they are O.K. For application and intake interview, please contact the North Bay Golden Age Club, phone (705) 474-6520. See the enclosed brochure for more information.

Links

The list below provides links to COVID-related information which might prove helpful and valuable to our residents. Links will be added as they are brought to our attention.

Government of Canada Links

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

How to Apply for EI during COVID-19

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59a0699b9f8dceeab4199b53/t/5e7b7e72db3e2c6865064c12/1585151606056/How+to+Apply+for+EI+during+COVID.pdf

Support to Businesses

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html#extending_workshare_programs

Province of Ontario Links

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Ontario Together: help fight Coronavirus

https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus?utm_source=northern%20ontario%20business&utm_campaign=northern%20ontario%20business&utm_medium=referral

List of Official Workplaces

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-providing-electricity-relief-to-families-small-businesses-and-farms-during-covid-19.html

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit – Includes information on local cases.

https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/coronavirus.asp

Other sources:

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

http://www.chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/

http://www.chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/BusinessPrepGuidePanPrep2020

District of Muskoka - Comprehensive list of federal, provincial and industry relief programs available to help individuals, families and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/district-government/covid-19-help.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1QpFBrVgpnF00TW-FAkqlsjbL6S8WEwy9V31BinryO124XfrVCDkJc_G0

Baker Tilly SNT LLP/s.r.l.

Overview of Federal relief, grants and subsidies, cash flow management and related information which might prove helpful.

Notice to residents - March 26, 2020

Miller Waste - Collection of Recyclable Material will not be picked up in bags

Please be advised that due to the current situation with COVID-19, Miller Waste will NOT be picking up any recyclable material in any type of bag. Recyclables must be placed in at least 1 blue box to identify for curbside pick up and if 1 blue bin is not enough, residents may place in additional open containers.

If your recyclables were not picked up on your scheduled pick-up date, please place your recyclable material back at the curb side on the next scheduled pick up date in blue boxes and/or other open containers.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For any inquiries or concerns, please call the Operations Department at 705-752-1410 ext. 300.

Thank you.

Notice to residents March 26 2020 Recycling

How to Apply for EI during COVID-19 - click this link for information.

Waiver of Penalties & Interest for Property Taxes and Water & Sewer

The Council of the Municipality of Callander passed the attached Resolution 2020/03/95 on March 18, 2020 to waive penalties and interest on tax and water payments until further notice; and that ratepayers be advised that people who are having difficulties meeting their financial obligations to the Municipality should contact the Treasurer to make financial arrangements.

This means that there will be no interest or penalties calculated on outstanding balances on property taxes and water and sewer accounts, until decided otherwise by Council.

Payments can be made through online banking or by mail (PO Box 100, Callander).

A drop box is also located outside the main office at 280 Main. St. N. (cheque payments).

For other payments arrangements or concerns, contact the Treasurer at lrainville@callander.ca or by calling 705-752-1410 ext. 223.

Remote Attendance at Council Meetings

HOW TO ACCESS THE MARCH 24, 2020 MEETINGS VIA INTERNET

You can either go to www.zoom.com or www.zoom.us and choose join meeting with the meeting ID 317 286 299

Or click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/317286299

Please join with computer audio, as a telephone link is not being provided for this meeting. You can choose to join with audio and video or just audio. If you join with video, you can turn off the video so that you can see Council but no-one else can see you.

If you join before the meeting has started, you will be placed in a “waiting room” until the meeting starts.

Public Notice - March 20, 2020

Municipal Office Payment & Contact Information

PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE 4:30p.m. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 ALL MUNICIPAL OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR “WALK-IN SERVICE” UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE FOR TELEPHONE AND E-MAIL INQUIRIES.

THERE IS A DROP BOX LOCATED TO THE LEFT OUTSIDE THE MAIN MUNICIPAL OFFICE DOOR AT 280 MAIN STREET NORTH. PAYMENTS FOR TAXES OR WATER AND CORRESPONDENCE CAN BE DROPPED AT THAT LOCATION.

FOR CASH PAYMENTS, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DROP OFF BY CONTACTING THE TREASURER AT: 705-752-1410, Ext. 223.

ON-LINE BANKING PAYMENTS through your Financial Institution can be made by searching for "Callander" on their Payee listing (sometimes appears as "Municipality of...." or "Corporation of...."), then choose "Tax" or “Water”. When inputting your Tax Account number (4966....), include all 19 digits without spaces or the decimal point, Water Account # is 12 digits long.

CONTACT MUNICIPAL STAFF VIA THESE OPTIONS:

TELEPHONE RECEPTION: 705-752-1410, PRESS “0”

(there is also a directory for all Departments)

E-MAIL GENERAL INQUIRIES: info@callander.ca

E-MAIL FINANCIAL INQUIRIES: finance@callander.ca

Municipality of Callander's Emergency Management Community Control Group Meeting. Pictured are (left to right): Tim McKenna (Manager of Operations), Jim Warren (Deputy Fire Chief), Mayor Robb Noon, Todd Daley (Fire Chief). Also in attendance via remote video conference are: Mike Purcell (CAO), Elaine Gunnell (Municipal Clerk), Louise Rainville-Beauchesne (Treasurer).

Press Release - March 19, 2020

Callander, ON – We recognize that this is a difficult time for many people. We want to reassure our residents and businesses that the Municipality is meeting, planning, and taking measures to protect our community, residents, and staff during the CoVID-19 pandemic. “We are continuing to provide municipal services, just in a slightly different way. By working together, we hope to provide the best outcome for our community.” said Mayor Robb Noon.

The Council of the Municipality of Callander is meeting regularly on an ongoing basis to assess and make decisions on the appropriate precautions to help slow the spread of the CoVID-19 virus. Council has been receiving updates from the Municipality’s Emergency Management Community Control Group (CCG), who are monitoring the situation and providing Council with recommendations as the situation progresses.

In an effort to minimize the risk to our residents and staff, effective at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 all Municipal Offices will be closed for “walk-in service” until further notice. Staff will continue to be available for telephone and email inquiries, but in-person service will only be offered by appointment.

Residents are encouraged to use the various alternatives for making payments that are outlined on our municipal website at www.mycallander.ca. For cash payments, contact the finance department at 705-752-1410 or by email at finance@callander.ca. Anyone who is having difficulties meeting their financial obligations to the Municipality should contact the Treasurer to make financial arrangements.

On Saturday, March 14, Council closed all recreational and cultural facilities until further notice. Council will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis for possible postponement or cancellation of community events. Updates will be posted on the municipal website and FaceBook page.

We strongly encourage everyone to help slow the spread of the CoVID-19 virus by doing their part – wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing, and self-isolate if you come into contact with anyone who has CoVID-19 or you show symptoms of CoVID-19.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce CoVID-19 information for businesses

Please click the following link to access information: Canadian Chamber of Commerce CoVID Information Website

Notice of Modified Services for Municipality of Callander Building Department - March 20, 2020

Permit Applications:

Applications submitted electronically can be e-mailed to the Chief Building Official ckarpenko@callander.ca
All hard copy applications (mailed / dropped off in exterior drop box at the Main Municipal Office located at 280 Main Street North) will be treated and quarantined for a minimum of 48 hours prior to processing
Applications that are processed/approved will be returned either electronically or by mail

Code Related Inquires:

At this time code related questions will be restricted to email or phone correspondence

Inspection Requests:

The Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised that the next few weeks are critical in terms of slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Building Department will be imposing the following conditions.

Worksites shall be limited to no more than 4 employees during requested inspection times
Social distancing shall be maintained during the requested inspection
Worksites with employees that are ill or have been out of the country within the last 14 days will not be inspected
All required documentation (i.e. Engineered specifications/truss packages) shall be submitted electronically in advance

Inspections:

Open construction sites will continue to be inspected provided workers are symptom free and practicing social distancing
Enclosed construction sites shall meet the 4 conditions outlined
Occupied premises at this time will not be inspected (i.e. interior alterations/renovations, additions, Finished basements)

Public Notice - CoVID-19 - March 14, 2020

Closure of Recreational and Cultural Facilities and cancelling or postponing events until further notice.

Please click the link below for additional information:

PUBLIC NOTICE - CoVID-19 - MARCH 14/2020 - Closure of Recreational and Cultural Facilities and cancelling or postponing events until further notice.

COVID-19 Information Notice - March 13, 2020

The Community Control Group (CCG) for the Emergency Management Plan met on Friday, March 13^th to discuss the COVID-19 situation. The meeting was to make recommendations to Council for a strategy to help slow the spread of this virus and protect our community, using an abundance of caution. The Municipality is doing our part to minimize the risk to our residents.

Please note at this time:

The threat of the virus is not impacting any essential municipal services.
Our emergency response personnel will continue to respond to calls and will be taking additional infection control precautions.
The Municipal Office is remaining open at this time, but we encourage people to pay tax and utility payments on-line, by mail or use the drop box at the municipal hall, and to phone rather than come into to the office for inquiries as much as possible.
The Municipality may be closing recreational and cultural facilities and cancelling or postponing events, please check the website for further notice.
Residents, staff and visitors are encouraged to practice good hygienic practices including handwashing. Please refer to the Municipal Website mycallander.ca for more information.
The Province has now prohibited all gatherings larger than 250 people, but residents and staff are encouraged to avoid all non-essential travel and gatherings smaller than this until further notice.
Our CCG will continue to monitor the situation and we will post updates as the situation evolves.

Update on Corona Virus - March 11, 2020

Update from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

For the latest News Release regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click the following link:

Update on Corona Virus - March 11, 2020 - North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

Update on Corona Virus

Coronavirus Information - North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

For the latest information on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click the following link:

Coronavirus Information - North Bay Parry Sound District Health UnitThis link opens in a new window