Covid-19

March 13, 2020 – COVID-19 Impacts on municipal services

March 16, 2020 – Update – COVID-19 – additional service impacts

March 23, 2020 - Springwater closes playground and outdoor fitness equipment amid COVID-19 outbreak

March 24, 2020 - Township staff working remotely to provide essential services

March 25, 2020 - Springwater waives penalties and interest for property tax and water/wastewater payments

March 30, 2020 - Township of Springwater services available to residents during COVID-19

April 1, 2020 - Springwater parks and sports fields closed

May 1, 2020 - Springwater reminding residents to continue to practice safe physical distancing

May 29, 2020 - Springwater cancelling summer camp programs

Mayor Allen's Update - May 15, 2020 

Mayor Allen's Update - May 8, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - May 1, 2020 

Mayor Allen's Update - April 17, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - April 9, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - April 5, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - March 31, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - March 27, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - March 26, 2020

Mayor Allen's Rogers TV Update - March 25, 2020

Mayor Allen's Update - March 25, 2020

With the Province of Ontario announcing the closure of all non-essential businesses in Ontario, The Township of Springwater has realigned its services to ensure our staff and residents remain safe and our critical services and infrastructure are maintained.

In an effort to maintain proper physical distancing and ensure the health and well-being of our employees, staff members, where possible will continue to provide services online and by telephone, while working from home. Staff that work out of facilities (Public Works and Recreation, Parks & Facilities) and in the public will work in smaller teams and on shifts, while practicing safe physical distancing.

Staff are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. via email or phone. For after-hours service please call 705-725-2715.

The following services are available to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Building Services:

• Electronic building applications
• Building permits
• Building inspections, by appointment only
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2017       Email: Building Services

By-law Services

• Respond to all urgent by-law inquiries and complaints via telephone/email
• Assist in monitoring parks for gatherings in non-compliance with provincial mandate
• Identify non-essential businesses operating in non-compliance with provincial mandate
• Support the Ontario Provincial Police in education for above noted provincial mandate
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2101       Email: By-law Services

Clerk’s and Administration Services

• Ongoing support of Council, Council meetings, openness and transparency of Council operations
• Advisory services for Township by-laws, policies, permits, licenses and freedom of information requests
• Issuance of vital statistics permits (death certificate for funeral homes)
• Sale of lots and interment rights for immediate need cemetery services
• Compliance under AODA legislation
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2015       Email: Clerks and Administration Services
    

Customer Service and Finance

• Accounts payable (vendor payments)
• Issuing of tax certificates
• Property tax and water/wastewater billing
• Pre-authorized Debit inquiries
• Processing of ownership changes
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2018                 Email: Customer Service and Finance

Fire & Emergency Services

• Emergency response
• Inspections on complaint and/or on request, to be reviewed case by case
• Issuing of burn permits and conducting site visits as necessary
• Check calls as necessary
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 704-728-4784 Ext. 2016       Email: Fire & Emergency Services
  • For all emergency situations please call 9-1-1

Library

• Digital services are available 24/7 at www.springwater.library.on.ca
• Virtual programming including crafts and story time are available on the website
• Inquiries and applications regarding temporary library cards
• E-books and audiobooks are available on the Libby app
• Technology assistance or other inquiries
• Updated activities and information is provided on the Springwater Public Library Facebook page
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2065    Email:Library
    

Planning Services and Economic Development

• Submission of Planning Applications (consultation with staff is required)
• Processing of existing development and committee of adjustment applications (processing subject to application volume and public meeting format)
• Pre-consultation meetings via tele-conferencing
• Zoning compliance letters
• Community Improvement Plan requests
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2019    Email: Planning Services

Public Works

• Critical road and bridge maintenance
• Winter road maintenance, as may be required
• Road occupancy and entrance permits via email
• Water meter readings
• Contact information:
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2018    Email: Public Works
    

Recreation, Parks & Facilities

• Inquiries related to recreation programming updates, cancellations and credits
• Inquiries related to facility and sports field updates, bookings, cancellations and credits
• Inquiries related to local community group(s) supports
• Critical parks, facilities, open spaces and trails maintenance
• Monitoring of parks and playground
• Contact information
  • Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2100       Email: Recreation, Parks & Facilities

Water & Wastewater

• The Ontario Clean Water Agency will continue to operate and monitor all water and wastewater facilities within the Township
• Contact information:
  • General inquiries: Telephone: 705-429-2525
  • Billing inquiries: Telephone: 705-728-4784 Ext. 2070  
    Email: Water & Wastewater

All municipal facilities, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment and the Elmvale Splash Pad remain closed until further notice.

Parks, sports fields, trails and the Orr Lake boat launch are now open. Residents are reminded to practice physical distancing by staying at least 2 metres or 6 feet from the nearest person.

 The following tips to protect yourself from COVID-19 are provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers 
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve 
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth 
• avoid close contact with people who are sick 
• stay home if you are sick 
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• do not use surface disinfectant wipes to clean your hands
• maintain social distancing; at least 2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

County of Simcoe Business Survey and Results

In an effort to monitor the progression of COVID-19 impacts on local businesses, the County of Simcoe and municipal partners have conducted two business impact surveys. The information collected through these surveys helps to determine how we can best support your businesses and advocate to various levels of government. We thank all who have provided input to help guide the County and Springwater during this time.

• County of Simcoe Business Survey - Part 1 Results Summary
• County of Simcoe Business Survey - Part 2 Results Summary 

Call for Businesses - Ontario

The Province of Ontario is looking for businesses and organization that can help with the fight against COVID-19. They are currently seeking businesses who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support the response to the ongoing health pandemic. 

Province Launches Business Support Line:

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Additional Resources

Province of Ontario - List of Essential Workplaces

Government of Canada: Resources for Canadian Businesses

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) - Administered by North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation

Government of Canada: Economic Response Plan

Business Support Summary (Updated March 30, 2020)

Government of Canada: Employment and Social Development Supports

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Small Business Loan

Restaurants Canada - COVID-19 Update and Resources for Foodservice Operators 

RTO7's Operations Implementation Program (OIP) 

Agricultural Operators - Subsidy Qualifications

Essential Businesses Open to Serve Our Municipality 

Thank you to all essential businesses for serving our municipality during these unprecedented times. Here we have included a list of these businesses should you need to access an essential service during the state of emergency:  

Shop Local from Home 

Many of our local businesses have had to temporarily close their store fronts to the public as a result of COVID-19. These are challenging times for us all, especially our business owners. Shopping local from home is one way we can help support local business during this global pandemic. Below please find a list of businesses in Springwater offering online or phone purchasing/services:  

Notice an error or omission? Contact the Economic Development Department. 

Restaurants Open for Pick Up or Delivery

Notice an error or omission? Contact the Economic Development Department. 

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Health Canada 

Ontario Ministry of Health

World Health Organization  

Springwater Virtual Recreation Zone

The new Virtual Recreation Zone was created to help bring the residents of Springwater together while respecting social distancing at home. This page hosts a collection of online fitness and activity programs, health and wellness resources, and virtual experiences and attractions.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

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