Municipal Services
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Message from the Mayor - January 7, 2022 (click to view PDF version)Message from the Mayor – January 7, 2022 Hello and welcome to 2022! First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope everyone had a great Christmas break. The Pandemic unfortunately, remains in full swing, as we continue to battle variants of COVID-19. Although we were hopeful to see the restrictions continue to loosen, we’ve unfortunately taken more than a few steps back to protect the hospitals and ICUs. We are back in Stage 2 of the Province’s Reopening Plan, which thankfully has not resulted in significant changes to the Municipality’s operations, but we are sadly seeing another major impact on our small and local businesses. With no in-house dining options and a reduced capacity for retail, we must do our part to support the businesses that contribute to our local economy. Ordering take-out, curbside pick-up options, the purchase of gift cards are all ways that we, as a community, can help. The Bill Barber officially opened this week. The Operations Crew worked hard over the holidays to ensure we had the rink open as soon as we could. We are excited to get another season underway and are hopeful that restrictions will not impact the rink this season. We encourage you to stay up to date on our Facebook page, or by following updates under News and Alerts on our website. It should also be noted that the Municipality has opened the Orton Room this season to provide a space to lace up. This should continue for the remainder of the year, pending restrictions imposed by the province and our local health unit. Patrons within the Orton Room will need to be masked and will be permitted to enter at limited capacity. We expect everyone to obey the social distancing and gathering regulations, and to not congregate indoors. I am happy to see many ice huts already on the ice, and/or getting ready to be placed on the ice. Our “ice hut village” plays a major role in our economic development profile here in Callander. It is one of our largest defining characteristics and the scenery truly embodies what Callander is about: the community. On another note, we will be excited to welcome the Farquhar Lighthouse to the Callander Bay scenery next summer to embody another important characteristic: our nautical history. In December, the Recreation Group had held the annual “Lights Up” event, which was well attended. We want to thank our volunteers for everything they do, and our Operations Crew for setting up to make our events possible. The water and sewer rates for 2022 were approved by Council in late December, with a 2.1% increase which is in line with the municipality’s Water Financial Plan. The draft budget was presented in December, however due to the high costs associated with the OPP presentation, the budget process was put on hold until mid-January, while staff awaited the costs of their alternate 5.1 option. We have received confirmation that the total costs for 2022 policing will be $375,000 + $2,200 for 911 primary safety answering point (PSAP), due to the province absorbing the cost of the calls for service. The budget will be brought forward on January 18, 2022, noting this change in pricing. We continue to encourage you to submit more ideas, suggestions and opinions regarding the budget by e-mailing clerk@callander.ca or by writing a letter to 280 Main St N, Callander, ON, P0H 1H0. I would also like to take this time to welcome the OPP to our Municipality. The OPP officially took over policing on January 1, and we look forward to building a strong relationship with them as we work together to keep Callander a safe place to live and play. A final thanks to the North Bay Police Officers for many years of great service. We wish them well. Council has also made the decision to modify the dates and times of our Council meetings. Moving forward, they will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm instead of 6:00pm. Meetings continue to be closed to the public but are streamed live on YouTube. We continue to ask that you do your part and get vaccinated as soon as possible, and you can stay tuned on provincial announcements and restrictions here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions. There have been several pop-up mobile vaccination clinics throughout the district, a range of large-scale clinics at Memorial Gardens in North Bay, and opportunities to be vaccinated at local pharmacies as well. For information on vaccination clinics and walk-in options, please visit: https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/covid-19-vaccine-appointments.asp#ClinicSchedule We continue to request that patrons, instead of coming into the office, try to use alternative methods for municipal services as much as possible, to reduce the community exposure and non-essential visits. Some examples are provided by visiting the following link: https://www.mycallander.ca/en/news-alerts/show/municipal-services-update-following-stay-at-home-order- As always, and I cannot stress this enough, continue to support our local businesses where you can and please continue to follow all safety protocols, as recommended. Stay safe. Mayor Robb Noon ____________________________________________________ Previous Messages from: November 15, 2021 - Mayor's Message November 15, 2021 October 22, 2021 - Mayor's Message October 22, 2021 October 1, 2021 - Mayor's Message October 1, 2021 August 26, 2021 - Mayor's Message August 26, 2021 August 6, 2021 - Mayor's Message August 6, 2021 July 16, 2021 - Mayor's Message July 16, 2021 June 30, 2021 - Mayor's Message June 30, 2021 June 18, 2021 - Mayor's Message June 18, 2021 June 4, 2021 - Mayor's Message June 4, 2021 May 17, 2021 - Mayor's Message May 17, 2021 May 5, 2021 - Mayor's Message May 5, 2021 April 20, 2021 - Mayor's Message April 20, 2021 April 6, 2021 - Mayor's Message April 6, 2021 March 23, 2021 - Mayor's Message March 23, 2021 March 12, 2021 - Mayor's Message March 12, 2021 February 22, 2021 - Mayor's Message February 22, 2021 February 17, 2021 - Mayor's Message February 17, 2021 January 15, 2021 - Mayor's Message January 15, 2021 November 27, 2020 - Message (pdf version) October 2, 2020 - Message (pdf version) July 30, 2020 - Message (pdf version) June 19, 2020 - Message (pdf version) April 6, 2020 - Message (pdf version) |
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Municipal Services Update following Stay at Home Order April 12, 2021 (Updated October 1, 2021) With the recent Stay at Home Order that was approved and ordered on April 7, 2021, the Municipality wishes to inform its residents that although the Municipal Office is to remain open to the public, the Municipality would like to limit community exposure and non-essential visits. It is encouraged that patrons continue to use alternative methods for municipal services, as outlined below:
Please note that the following status of all municipal buildings: (Updated October 1, 2021)
If there are any questions or concerns, please give us a call at 705-752-1410. We look forward to assisting you. Stay safe and healthy. |
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January 8, 2021
The Province of Ontario has extended the Grey-Lockdown status for Northern Ontario for an additional fourteen (14) days commencing at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021.
The province-wide lockdown will continue to affect some municipal services and buildings, but we are happy to report that the Bill Barber WILL BE OPEN as of Monday, January 11th, 2021. The ice surface will be open subject to the restrictions below.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR BILL BARBER OUTDOOR ICE SURFACE IN CALLANDER
BEFORE COMING TO THE OUTDOOR ICE SURFACE
• Attendees are to conduct a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms and are reminded to stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms, seek testing and self-isolate.
• Attendees are to maintain a 2 metre (6 feet) distance from those they don’t live with, when possible, and to wear a mask or a face covering outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Attendees are requested to wash their hands frequently and/or use a 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and to practice proper cough/sneeze etiquette.
LIMIT ATTENDANCE AND ENSURE PHYSICAL DISTANCING
• Physical distancing means keeping a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from those you don’t live with.
• Please follow signs for entrance and exits to the ice surface.
• Capacity limit for the outdoor ice surface is 25.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
• Attendees should be aware that the ice surface and boards are not being cleaned or disinfected between uses. This space is to be used at your own risk.
HOURS OF OPERATION
• As per By-law 2014-1406, Parks and Recreation Property shall be closed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. at 7:00 a.m. No person shall park or leave a vehicle in designated parking area when closed.
• Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the lights at the Bill Barber rink will be turned off at 9:00 p.m.
Please note that the Municipality of Callander is opening the rink under strict health and safety guidelines. We are counting on our residents to use the rink appropriately and in compliance with these regulations. Failure to do so will result in the municipality closing the rink for the remainder of the season. Please keep our community safe!
For any further clarification, please call the Municipal Office at 705-752-1410.
POSTED: January 8, 2021
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Grey-Lockdown Beginning December 26 2020
As required by the Province of Ontario, the Municipality of Callander will move into the Grey – Lockdown category within the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework as of Saturday, December 26th, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. The objective of the “Lockdown” – Grey category is to implement widescale measures and restrictions, including closures, to halt or interrupt transmission. It is anticipated that the lockdown will last fourteen (14) days in our area. This could change based on further direction from the Province.
As per Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework, under the Grey-Lockdown category:
In terms of municipal operations, the following is a summary of how the “Lockdown” will affect our services.
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Museum |
Closed |
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Community Centre |
Closed |
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Skating Rinks |
Closed |
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Library |
Closed to the public except for the purpose of providing for curbside pickup and return of circulating library materials. |
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Municipal Main Office |
Open with restrictions. The Main Office will be accommodating walk-ins subject to strict protocols on entry and active COVID-19 screening. Appointments are encouraged for in-person transactions. Appointments can be made at 705-752-1410. We are encouraging residents to access municipal services online at www.callander.ca, as much as possible during this time. We strongly encourage the public to refrain from accessing the Main Office for matters that can be dealt with following the lockdown (i.e. dog tags, recycling bins, commissioning, etc.). Forms, cheques and other documents can be dropped off at our lockbox at the main doors, which is verified daily. |
In addition to these Framework restrictions, members of the public are advised of the following:
We thank our residents for their cooperation during this time.
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NEWS RELEASEFor immediate release: October 2, 2020 PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES – BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SHARENORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is asking residents to be careful what they share. Ontario is experiencing increasing numbers of people becoming ill with COVID-19, which is likely the onset of the provincial second wave. The next few months are marked with special occasions that traditionally bring large groups together, such as Thanksgiving. “More than ever before, we must slow the spread of COVID-19 by following public health recommendations to protect one another. Mark these special occasions with happy memories and not COVID-19,” says Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. To be safe:
No one wants to be the person who gives their loved ones COVID-19. We ask that you think carefully about where you go and what you do to protect the ones you love, especially those who are at greater risk. Please continue to follow the public health protocols by physical distancing, wearing a face covering in indoor public places including public transit and anywhere physical distancing is a challenge, wash or sanitize your hands often, cough and sneeze into your sleeve and stay home when you feel sick or have symptoms and arrange to be tested. By working together, we can continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19, keep our economy open and help save lives. Media Inquiries:Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist |
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COVID-19 Related Updates:Halloween Event Cancelled - the Municipality will not be hosting a Halloween Event at the Community Centre this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - posted October 2, 2020
COVID-19 Related Updates:Callander Playground Equipment Now Open. Mandatory Use of a Face Covering in Enclosed Public Spaces Effective July 24, 2020 as per North Bay Parry Sound District Thank you for your support and understanding.
Posted: July 24, 2020 |
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Municipal Main Office Now Open to the PublicWe are pleased to announce that the main office located at 280 Main Street North is now open to the public. We have undertaken the appropriate measures to protect the public and staff, by installing glass at our front counter office, an intercom system and automatic door openings to serve one member of the public at a time. For your protection, we provide hand sanitizer and clean our debit machine and pens after each use. Non-medical masks are highly recommended, and will be mandatory as of Friday, July 24th. Please do not enter the office if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. To enter the main office, please press the button at the Intercom Station 1 or Station 2 (end of walkway). If we are currently serving a resident at the counter, we will request that you wait at Station 2 to allow the resident to leave the walkway while maintaining physical distancing. If you are waiting outside, please practice physical distancing by maintaining two metres apart.
Posted on July 22, 2020. |
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Callander's Splash Pad Remains ClosedAfter thoughtful consideration, Council for the Municipality of Callander has decided that the Callander splash pad will remain closed for the time being. The decision was made with the objective of keeping residents and visitors safe, as further details about the spread of the COVID-19 virus become known. Residents and visitors are welcome to take advantage of Callander’s beaches located at Main Street South and at Centennial Park for water play and “cool down” opportunities. We will keep you informed with updates on this matter. Thank you for your understanding.
Posted on June 25, 2020 |
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Municipality of Callander COVID-19 Reopening Plan (May 26, 2020)Please click the link for the Municipality of Callander's COVID-19 Reopening Plan. Posted on June 16, 2020. Updated on June 23, 2020. |
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Fire permit application processPlease visit https://www.mycallander.ca/en/news-alerts/show/2020-fire-permit-application-form for instructions on how to purchase a fire permit. The new, streamlined process was implemented as a response to the current pandemic. Posted on June 10, 2020. |
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Opening of more outdoor recreational amenities. Safety precautions remain.Council for the Municipality of Callander has approved the opening of tennis courts, baseball & soccer fields, picnic shelters and skateboard park for activities such as non-team sports, including walking, running, skateboarding, frisbee, kicking a ball and low contact racquet sports. The approval follows recent provincial amendments to regulations. Please note that safety precautions remain:
Callander’s municipal parks, open spaces, trails and beaches remain open - safety precautions apply. May 29, 2020 Notice (pdf file) Posted on May 29, 2020. |
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Callander's Parks and Open SpacesPlease note that Callander’s parks and open spaces are open for activities such as walking, running, sitting alone or with members of your household, playing catch or kicking a ball. Physical distancing of at least 2 meters must be maintained unless individuals are from the same household. All Other Outdoor Recreational Amenities Remain Closed Until Further Notice. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Posted on May 25, 2020. Posted in the "News & Alerts" section on May 22, 2020. |
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East Parry Sound Community Support ServicesThe East Parry Sound Community Support Services would like to remind Callander residents that they are continuing to provide hot & frozen meal delivery to seniors, those with disabilities, and those recovering from illness. They also provide medical travel to go to doctor’s appointments, for prescription pick up, and for grocery pick up, for these same clients. Please reach out to the East Parry Sound Community Support Services or refer people who may need assistance with meals, prescription/grocery pick up. The organization's volunteers have been equipped with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and are taking every precaution possible to ensure safety to both themselves and the clients. East Parry Sound Community Support Services can be reached at phone 705-724-6028 or 1-888-521-0000,email lprice@eastholme.ca. Posted on April 30, 2020 |
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Food Bank receives $5,000 in municipal donationsThe municipalities of Callander and East Ferris announced donations to the Callander and District Food Bank last week. Each of the municipalities will donate $2,500 to the Food Bank, which services Callander, Corbeil, and Astorville. “The Councils of our two communities have recognized the need to provide extra financial support to the Food Bank at this time, when so many people are out of work through no fault of their own and may need that extra help to make ends meet”, said Callander’s Mayor Robb Noon. The Mayor of East Ferris, Pauline Rochefort, highlighted how much her community values the services and the volunteers who work at the Food Bank. “It is very important for us that there is a good and healthy Callander and District Food Bank, and we ask that you keep us informed of your needs”, said Rochefort. Deborah Hickey from the Callander and District Food Bank expressed how astounded she and the rest of the volunteers at the Food Bank are by the community support and the number of calls from people asking how they can help. She also had a message to the community: “We want to let the community know that if there is anyone in need, whether or not they are registered with the Food Bank, we want to help those people as well. The Food Bank is not just for our regular clients. We are prepared for an increase. If there is anyone in need, we are there for them. We don’t want anyone to go without food”, said Hickey. The Callander and District Food Bank can be contacted by calling (705) 752-0777. Posted on April 30, 2020 |
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Thank you essential workers & businessesA note of gratitude to essential workers and businesses in Callander. Thank you for providing essential products and services to our community, for making sure safety procedures are in place and are followed, and for your efforts and dedication. Posted on April 30, 2020. |
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Service Canada information on how to access benefitsIn 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:
Important information for workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work:
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 |
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RUOK Program (Are You Ok) available to Callander seniorsThe 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. |
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Notice to residents - March 26, 2020Miller Waste - Collection of Recyclable Material will not be picked up in bagsPlease 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
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How to Apply for EI during COVID-19 - click this link for information.
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Waiver of Penalties & Interest for Property Taxes and Water & SewerThe 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.
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Remote Attendance at Council MeetingsHOW TO ACCESS THE MARCH 24, 2020 MEETINGS VIA INTERNET
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.
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Public Notice - March 20, 2020Municipal Office Payment & Contact InformationPLEASE 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 |
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Press Release - March 19, 2020Callander, 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. |
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce CoVID-19 information for businessesPlease click the following link to access information: Canadian Chamber of Commerce CoVID Information Website
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Notice of Modified Services for Municipality of Callander Building Department - March 20, 2020Permit Applications:
Code Related Inquires:
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.
Inspections:
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Public Notice - CoVID-19 - March 14, 2020Closure of Recreational and Cultural Facilities and cancelling or postponing events until further notice.Please click the link below for additional information: |
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COVID-19 Information Notice - March 13, 2020The Community Control Group (CCG) for the Emergency Management Plan met on Friday, March 13th 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:
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Update on Corona Virus - March 11, 2020Update 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 |
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Update on Corona VirusCoronavirus 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 |
