COVID-19

The Municipality of Leamington is announcing the cancellation of municipal events through to July 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to cancel events is in response to the provincial emergency order to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, and supports Public Health direction that physical distancing is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Cancellations include the following municipally run events:

• Mill Street Markets – June and July
• Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks at Seacliff Park – July 1
• Summer Concert Series at the Sunset Stadium – July
• Sunday Serenades at Rick Atkin Park – July
• Windsor Symphony Orchestra Concert at the Sunset Stadium - July 25
• Music at the Marina – June and July

“While we are disappointed to have to cancel some of our summer events, the health and well-being of our residents and staff is our top priority,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “It’s important that we take these precautionary measures now to slow the spread of COVID-19 in hopes that things will get back to normal sooner.”

Municipal staff will work proactively with event organizers to delay, cancel or determine potential alternative options for events planned up to July 31, 2020 on municipal property as part of a collective effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

More information about the Municipality’s response to COVID-19 is available at leamington.ca/COVID-19.

Leamington Parks are now open to the public with some restrictions.

Members of the public are asked to maintain a physical distance of two metres from others, limit groups to five people or fewer, and carry their own hand sanitizer.

Public washrooms in parks will remain closed as the Municipality develops necessary sanitizing and cleaning standards. As a result, it is recommended that trips to public parks should be of a limited duration. 

Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, beaches and splash pads remain closed until later stages of the province’s reopening plan.

Additional Resources

Leamington Opening Some Outdoor Recreational Amenities

Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Keep People Safe

Effective immediately, the Municipality of Leamington will open the following outdoor recreational amenities:

• Municipal parks and parking lots
• Rotary Leash Free Dog Park
• The Leamington Skatepark
• Picnic sites, benches and shelters located in parks and recreational areas

The previous provincial restrictions that closed these areas to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted as part of the Ontario Government’s first stage of reopening.

Park crews continue to work to set out picnic tables in advance of the weekend and citizens are advised that picnic tables, benches, railings, etc., located in municipal parks and recreational areas are not sanitized. 

Members of the public are asked to maintain physical distancing at all times, limit groups to five people or fewer and carry hand sanitizer.

Public washrooms in parks will remain closed as the Municipality develops sufficient sanitizing and cleaning standards.  

Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, beaches and splash pads remain closed until later stages of the province’s reopening plan.

As the Ontario Government continues to lift restrictions, the Municipality will require time to prepare amenities for safe use relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. As amenities reopen, the Municipality will continue to share information publicly at leamington.ca/COVID-19 and through our social media channels.

Additional Resources

Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Keep People Safe

The Municipality of Leamington welcomed the provincial announcement and will open the Leamington Marina and boat ramp to the public on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 9:00 AM.

The Municipality began preparing the facility with minimal staff following the May 1, 2020 Ontario Government announcement where marinas were granted the ability to begin preparations for the recreational boating season. The Municipality continues to bring on remaining staff to run marina operations and ensure necessary measures are in place to protect the health and safety of employees and the public.

“The health and safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “We have been working to ensure appropriate safety protocols are in place and we are confident we can safely welcome boaters back to the Marina on Tuesday.”

“While this is a positive first step in reopening the province, we must proceed with caution,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “It is very important that people continue to keep a physical distance from others, and limit social gatherings of more than 5 people. It is the expectation that we will continue to do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” added Mayor MacDonald.

Other Recreational Amenities

At this time, outdoor recreational amenities including Leamington parks, sports fields and pavilions remain closed to the public, in response to the Government of Ontario's emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.  This includes playgrounds, beaches, basketball and tennis courts, skateboard park, picnic areas and gazebos, park shelters, benches, outdoor exercise equipment, the pedestrian pier and the off-leash dog park. Outdoor recreational amenities that are not otherwise closed remain open for walk-through access only.

As the Ontario Government continues to lift restrictions, the Municipality will require time to properly prepare amenities for safe use relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions are lifted and amenities reopen, the Municipality will continue to share information publicly at leamington.ca/COVID-19 and through our social media channels.

Additional Resources

Ontario Announces Additional Workplaces that Can Reopen

Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

At this time, outdoor recreational amenities including Leamington parks, sports fields and pavilions remain closed to the public, in response to the Government of Ontario's emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). This includes playgrounds, beaches, basketball and tennis courts, the skateboard park, picnic areas and gazebos, park shelters, benches, outdoor exercise equipment, the pedestrian pier and the off-leash dog park. Outdoor recreational amenities that are not otherwise closed, remain open for walk-through access only.

Closure signs have been posted at community parks to prevent public access and play structures and equipment have been taped off.

Members of the public can report EMCPA infractions by calling the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Municipality at 519-326-5761 or reporting online at www.leamington.ca/reportanissue. Citizens are requested to use their judgment and only report blatant infractions.

Additional Resources

Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Leamington By-law Enforcement Officers Working Together with the OPP to Enforce Emergency Orders during the COVID-19 Outbreak

With Victoria Day weekend approaching, many Leamington residents will be purchasing family fireworks to celebrate the holiday. Residents are reminded that fireworks can only be set off on your own property, and only on Victoria Day (May 18) and the two days immediately before (May 16 and 17).

Family Fireworks during the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you plan to have your own fireworks display, please note that the Ontario Government has issued an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. This order does not apply to private households with five people or more.

Members of the public can report EMCPA infractions by calling the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks have the potential to cause serious injury. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase and set off fireworks. Information regarding fireworks safety can be found here: Fireworks Safety

Resources

For information regarding restrictions and regulations of fireworks in the Municipality of Leamington, please visit: leamington.ca/fireworks

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Leamington remains open for business but in a manner that will allow the public we serve and our employees to be both safe and productive. 

Leamington Building Services is accepting building permit applications by email at bldgdept@leamington.ca and through the drop box located at the entrance to the Leamington Municipal Building off Queens Avenue. 

All permit applications will be dated and processed in queue. Building permit review and inspections may take longer than usual due to COVID-19 screening measures and special procedures which have been put into place for the protection of municipal staff and the public. 

The issuance of a building permit by the Municipality of Leamington does not relieve the permit holder of the need to determine whether the construction is permitted to proceed in accordance with Ontario Regulation 82/20, as amended.

To schedule an inspection, please contact Building Services at 519-326-5761 ext. 1440.  You will be asked COVID-19 screening questions developed by Ontario Public Health and must have a permit for construction that is deemed essential by the Ontario Government under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.  

For questions regarding whether a construction project has been deemed essential by the Ontario Government, please call the Province’s toll-free Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Leamington has suspended its Erie Summer Transit Route until further notice.

The Erie Summer Transit Route was initiated in 2016 as a tourism route operating on weekends during the spring/summer months to move people back and forth from Leamington’s uptown to the waterfront.

The transit route was slated to begin operation on the Friday before Victoria Day; however, with the halt of the tourism industry due to Ontario Government COVID-19 restrictions, the route has been suspended indefinitely.

Leamington Transit services within the urban area of Leamington will continue regular operations until further notice. 

The Leamington Marina and boat ramp will remain closed to the public until at least June 1, 2020, as required by the Government of Ontario’s emergency order amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marina customers who have paid in full for the 2020 season will be appropriately credited/reimbursed once the Marina opens to reflect the start of the season. Customers with current account questions can contact us by phone at 519-326-5761 or by email at finance@leamington.ca.

We thank you for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to opening our Marina once Ontario Government COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. 

The Municipality of Leamington has extended the early dog tag registration deadline until June 30, 2020 as we work to get an online payment option in place to better serve the public.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Leamington Municipal Building remains closed to the public. Currently, residents can mail in their payment to 111 Erie Street North, Leamington, ON N8H 2Z9 or use the drop box located at the entrance to the Leamington Municipal Building off Queens Avenue.

Details regarding online payments will be released on our website at leamington.ca and through our social media channels as they become available.

2020 Dog Tag Fees:

• $20.00 on or before June 30
• $40.00 on or after July 1

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience as we navigate through these challenging times.

Further details regarding dog tag registration can be found at: leamington.ca/dogs

To prevent public gathering and reinforce social distancing regulations, the Municipality of Leamington will hold Council meetings by virtual/electronic participation only until further notice. The next Council meeting will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 6:00 PM.

“Council recognizes the importance for meetings to continue during this unprecedented time,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We remain fully committed to conducting the business of the Municipality in a transparent and community-engaging manner as we navigate the new challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Mayor MacDonald.

Council meetings are streamed live online and can be watched from the comfort of your own home at leamington.ca/live.

Submit comments prior to the meeting

Please note that no in-person delegations are permitted at this time. However, if you wish to address an item listed on the Council agenda, you may send an electronic submission to the Clerk at clerk@leamington.ca  prior to the start of the meeting and your submission will be provided to Council at the meeting.

Provincial legislation passed in March allows municipalities to conduct council meetings electronically during the COVID-19 emergency.

Resources

• Council meetings will continue as scheduled and meeting agendas, when posted, can be found at leamington.ca/meetings
• Watch the Council meeting live online at leamington.ca/live

The Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) has closed the Public Drop-Off Depot and Transfer Station #2 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leamington residents who live in the rural area of the Municipality and do not receive municipal yard waste collection, are asked to store their yard waste, and other types of EWSWA accepted materials on their property until EWSWA facilities reopen.

Residents who live in the urban area of Leamington will continue to receive curbside yard waste collection on their regularly scheduled days.

Please note that the closures do not apply to commercial or municipal haulers (i.e. garbage/recycling trucks and EWSWA contractors).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our healthcare and frontline workers may be required or may choose to isolate themselves for health reasons or for the safety of their family. In order to enable individuals to self-isolate near family support during this declared emergency, the existing provisions within the Municipality’s zoning by-law and its by-law regulating the parking of recreational vehicles (RVs) on lots within residential areas will be more flexible. The information below applies to the Municipality of Leamington only.

Know the rules

RVs may be used temporarily for self-isolation purposes with the following restrictions:

• The RV should be parked in a driveway and cannot block, obstruct, impede the sidewalk or the view of any vehicle on a road.
• Most RVs are only self-sufficient for three or four days, until tanks fill up or batteries run down.  RV owners must properly empty tanks that does not involve draining them in the public street, storm sewer or into a park or environmental reserve. 
  • For mobile RVs, residents can utilize the sanitary waste disposal station at the Leamington Pollution Control Centre (PCC) located at 435 Seacliff Drive East free of charge. The station is located directly north of the administration building (separate from the larger hauler station).
  • For stationary RVs, residents can have the sanitary waste pumped out of their RV by a licensed hauler and transported to the PCC for disposal. The customer would be assessed a fee by the hauler for this option.

• RV propane tanks and gasoline generators pose a potential fire hazard risk. As such, use of external propane tanks and gasoline generators will not be allowed. Electrical extension cords within lots will be allowed for power and heat; however, users should endeavor to limit cables and hoses on sidewalk surfaces.
• RVs must have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• RVs cannot be rented out for self-isolation purposes.

Length of Use

The intent is for RV use during self-isolation only. Once there is no longer a need for RV use for isolation, the restrictions within the above noted by-laws will be applied and persons who choose to be non-compliant may be subject to fines.

Municipal Inspections

The Municipality reserves the right to inspect any RV parked on a residential lot to ensure compliance with other applicable legislation, e.g. safety codes.

The Municipality of Leamington continues to review services and implement measures to further assist Leamington residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The following financial relief measures have been put in place to further assist the community:

• Waiving all penalties and interest on any overdue balances through to and including June 30, 2020.
• Waiving all returned cheque or electronic payment fees through to and including June 30, 2020.

“The Municipality continues to look at ways we can ease the financial burden placed on Leamington residents and businesses during this challenging time,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “Council has decided to take further action and provide additional relief and assistance to the community. It’s important that the community knows we’re in this together and we’ll get through this together,” added Mayor MacDonald.

Property Tax Relief Summary:

• All 10-month plan pre-authorized payments (PAP) will be withdrawn on the scheduled date unless property owners contact the Municipality of Leamington Property Tax Department by email at taxes@leamington.ca or by phone at 519- 326-5761 and make alternate payment arrangements 5 business days prior to the withdrawal.
• Property owners who have their property taxes included in their mortgage need to contact their respective financial institutions to discuss options.
• Interest and penalties on all overdue account balances are deferred until June 30, 2020. 

These relief measures are examples of the Municipality of Leamington taking action in response to COVID-19. 

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality has changed its procedure for residents to obtain sandbags.

The following procedure is now in effect:                                                           

• Residents who require sandbags are required to call 519-326-5761 between regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM), to request up to 200 sandbags for their address. We ask that residents be patient when calling, as the Municipality is experiencing higher than normal call volumes. 

• Leamington residents are limited to 200 sandbags per address per delivery. To obtain more sandbags, proof the previous 200 sandbags have been filled and stacked will be required.

• Municipal staff will deliver sandbags to properties on a once per day basis. Staff will drop sandbags off at the front of each property between regular business hours and will not interact with residents.
• A sandbag-filling station and free sand (for sandbags only) is accessible at Bayview Dog Park at 435 Bevel Line Road. Sandbags are self-serve, and residents must bring their own shovels to fill the bags

The suspension of operations has now been extended to at least Friday, May 1, 2020.

This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to update residents as new information becomes available.

Leamington Transit services within the urban area of Leamington will continue operations until further notice. 

To better protect people during this COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario Government has signed a ministerial designation under the Provincial Offences Act to authorize municipal by-law enforcement officers to enforce emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

Leamington By-law Enforcement Officers are now working together with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to enforce EMCPA orders which include prohibiting persons accessing outdoor recreational amenities; prohibiting persons attending organized public events, social gatherings or religious services of more than 5 people; and prohibiting the operation of non-essential businesses.

Anyone found to be violating an order under EMCPA, will be required, upon request, to provide their correct name, date of birth and address to the OPP and/or Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers. Failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket. In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.

Members of the public can report EMCPA infractions by calling the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Municipality at 519-326-5761 or reporting online at www.leamington.ca/reportanissue. Citizens are requested to use their judgment and only report blatant infractions.

In addition to responding to calls from the public, Bylaw Enforcement Officers are also conducting community patrols.

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, the Ontario Government has ordered the closure of all outdoor recreational amenities, which includes the Leamington Marina and boat ramp.

The Municipality of Leamington will continue to follow directions from the Ontario Government; however, at this time, there has not been a decision to close the Marina for the 2020 season.

In the event it is determined that the Marina will not be opening on May 1, 2020 as scheduled, the Municipality will provide further communication at that time.

The Municipality of Leamington is acting immediately on the Province of Ontario’s order to close all outdoor recreational amenities.

Effective immediately, all sports fields, the off-leash dog park and community gardens in Leamington are closed to public use.

Playgrounds, beaches, basketball and tennis courts, skateboard park, picnic areas and gazebos, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, pedestrian pier, Leamington Marina and other outdoor recreational amenities are also ordered closed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and encourage people to stay home.

The Municipality is working to tape off play structures and post closure signs in community parks to prevent public access.

Green spaces in parks and trails that aren’t otherwise closed remain open for walkthrough access only and not for congregation. Individuals must not gather in these spaces and are reminded to maintain a safe physical distance of at least two metres from others. 

In a continued effort to limit exposure and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Municipality of Leamington has temporarily closed playground equipment located within municipal parks and the Leamington Skatepark, effective immediately until further notice.

This closure focuses on areas that have multiple touchpoints that are not sanitized, and have the potential to draw large crowds of people together.

As we recognize the importance of getting fresh air and daily exercise when not required to self-isolate, Leamington parks and trails remain open for your use. The public is reminded to maintain the appropriate physical distance of two metres from other users, as recommended by public health officials.

“We understand the impact this has on our children, especially considering the closure of schools and other programming, but we need to make these sacrifices today in order to flatten the curve in Leamington,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We need parents to help children and teens understand the importance of this temporary closure.”

Signage at all municipal parks indicating these closures will be installed within the next week.

Anyone with concerns about large social gatherings and the lack of physical distancing during park use, is asked to call the Municipality at 519-326-5761 or report the issue online, rather than taking matters into their own hands or sharing images on social media.  

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, the Municipality of Leamington closed the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex (LKRC) to the public on Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice.

LKRC membership and program cancellation information is as follows:

Fitness Memberships:

• All membership payments have been suspended effective March 16.
• All paid in full memberships will be put on hold until the LKRC reopens and expiry dates will be extended accordingly. However, if a membership was set to expire on March 20, 2020, the membership would only be extended for five days.
• Personal training and small group training appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled when the LKRC reopens.

Aquatic and Youth Programming:

• All participants of the Winter 2 session will receive a credit on account for the classes missed between March 16 and April 19. Please note: Class was not scheduled during March Break (March 16-22), Good Friday or Easter Sunday. This was accounted for at the time of registration and you were not charged for a class during these dates.
• Swimming report cards will not be provided, as the session had not progressed enough. Progress will be noted for the next instructor. 
• Bronze Medallion will resume once the facility is reopened, with an additional class to refresh on topics covered before the closure. If unable to attend new dates, credits/refunds will be considered.
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course participants have been contacted.  Participants are to continue with online learning and course dates will be updated as needed once programming resumes. If unable to attend new dates, credit/refunds will be considered.

Adult Programming, Red Cross – Stay Safe, and March Break Day Camp:

• Refunds have been processed for adult programming (First Aid, Health Track) in the form of original payment. Credit card refunds have been processed, debit and cash payments will be returned via cheque.
• Refunds have been processed to ‘Red Cross - Stay Safe' registrants in the form of original payment. Credit card refunds have been processed, debit and cash payments will be returned via cheque.
• Refunds have been processed for March Break Day Camp participants in the form of original payment. Credit Card refunds have been processed, debit and cash payments will be returned via cheque.

Room Rentals and Birthday Parties:

• All room rentals and birthday parties at the LKRC are cancelled. Customers have been contacted and refunds processed for all bookings until April 6.
• We are not accepting rental requests/bookings of any kind at this time including room, sports fields, parks, pool, ice etc.

Spring Registration:

• Spring registration is cancelled at this time. The Municipality will provide details once the LKRC reopens.

All refunds will be processed as quickly as possible and typically take four to six weeks to prepare. Please be patient as we are processing a high volume of refunds and credits. Please note that credits applied to accounts may be used for any LKRC program within 12 months of the LKRC reopening. Please direct questions to complex@leamington.ca or 519-322-2337.

The suspension of operations will last at least until Monday, April 13, 2020.

This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to update residents as new information becomes available.

Leamington Transit services within the urban area of Leamington will continue operations until further notice.

• Waiving all penalties and interest on any overdue balances through to and including April 30, 2020.

•  Waiving all returned cheque or electronic payment fees through to and including April 30, 2020.

•  Deferring the second instalment for the 2020 Interim Property Taxes until May 15, 2020.

"We have heard from residents and businesses that are worried and need relief,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “Leamington has decided to take action to provide relief and assistance to our community. We will continue to assess the situation in the coming days and weeks to ensure we are doing what we can to help during this difficult and unprecedented time.”

Property Tax Relief Summary:

• All 10-month plan pre-authorized payments (PAP) will be withdrawn on the scheduled date of April 3, 2020 unless property owners contact the Municipality of Leamington's Property Tax Department by email at taxes@leamington.ca and make alternate payment arrangements by March 27, 2020.

• All instalment due date pre-authorized payments (PAP) will be withdrawn on the scheduled date of April 15, 2020 unless property owners contact the Municipality of Leamington's Property Tax Department by email at taxes@leamington.ca by April 6, 2020.

•  Property owners who have their property taxes included in their mortgage need to contact their respective institutions to discuss options.

•  Interest and penalties on all overdue account balances are deferred until April 30, 2020. 

These relief measures are examples of the Municipality taking action in response to COVID-19. For more information on COVID-19 planning and preparations by the Municipality of Leamington, please visit our news page www.leamington.ca/news.

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is a further resource for local updates on COVID-19.

Leamington Council will hold three special Council meetings on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM (closed session) and 2:30 PM to consider staff reports and decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Due to precautions being taken due to the COVID-19 emergency, no in-person delegations will be permitted at this meeting. If a person wishes to address an item listed on the agendas, a person may send an electronic submission to the Clerk at clerks@leamington.ca prior to the start of the meeting and such submission shall be provided to Council at the meeting.

Although the meeting is closed to the public, it will be streamed live online at www.leamington.ca/live.

To view the Council agenda, please visit: www.leamington.ca/meetings

Garbage Collection:

Leamington residents are being asked to respect the social distancing recommendations of health officials and please stay at least 2 metres away from garbage and recycling workers.

The Municipality’s collection contractor, GFL is reporting that drivers are being approached for conversation and with offers to help load items. While the sentiment is appreciated, please remember that the need for social distancing is vital. Please do not approach GFL staff who are working to keep our Municipality clean.

Many residents are also taking advantage of the time at home for spring cleaning. Please note that all garbage requirements remain the same at this time. Garbage is limited to four bags/containers and each container must weigh no more than 20kg (44lbs).

If anyone has been missed during collection, please call GFL at 519-944-8009 or the Municipality at 519-326-5761, as we are still taking calls and still investigating uncollected stops.

We are happy to continue to collect garbage and recycling, but in order to do so, we need everyone to respect social distancing and adhere to the by-laws. 

Please note: Garbage needs to be bagged and tied for collection. Loose garbage in pails or untied bags will be refused due to health and safety concerns.

Municipal Workers:

The same social distance recommendations of health officials apply to municipal employees. If you see a municipal worker at a job site, please say hi from at least 2 metres away. If you have questions, please call the Municipality at 519-326-5761.

For information on municipal services, call 519-326-5761 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, visit our website www.leamington.ca or report an issue online at www.leamington.ca/reportanissue

Our community partners at the Windsor Essex County Health Unit have a webpage on the latest health advice and information on COVID-19.

The Municipality joins the County of Essex in sending a coordinated message to residents: We’re in this together

In conjunction with the County of Essex, the Municipality of Leamington declared a State of Emergency today, taking proactive and precautionary measures to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic. Leamington remains committed to working collaboratively with all partnering municipalities, government officials, first responder agencies and healthcare organizations to ensure the Municipality is best prepared to respond to the needs of our residents as the threat of the virus grows.

 “The decision to declare a State of Emergency was not made lightly,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We are in the early stages of this pandemic and based on the evidence we have seen from a global standpoint, we believe the time to call the emergency is now. It ensures we are as nimble as possible during these fast moving times in order to keep our community safe.”

Declaring the State of Emergency indicates the seriousness of the situation and then allows the Municipality to prepare by limiting activities to essential services. It ensures we have the flexibility to mobilize appropriate resources as needs arise, not only for COVID-19, but for other possible issues such as lake flooding, as water levels locally remain at record highs.

Mayor MacDonald joins her colleagues on County Council in urging residents to take this situation very seriously and to follow the advice of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit as it relates to social-distancing, proper hand washing and sanitizing as well as the 14-day self-isolation for returning travellers.

“I can’t stress it enough, it is imperative that residents take this situation seriously. We must do all we can to save lives and lessen the impact to our health care system. Stay home as much as possible. Wash your hands often. Sanitize surfaces. Remain calm and be safe,” said Mayor MacDonald. “We have a strong community - we’re in this together and we’ll get through this together,” added Mayor MacDonald.  

Community Preparedness – What Every Resident Can Do

• For more information on the Coronavirus, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the WECHU special web page: Novel Coronavirus (2019). Along with the preventative information provided by the WECHU, the Municipality of Leamington would also like to advise residents, if you are sick, please stay home.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid rate at which the situation is changing, the following meetings previously scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 have been cancelled:

• Leamington Municipal Council Meeting
• Public Meeting held under the Drainage Act to consider the East Marsh Drainage Scheme Breakwall – Updated Maintenance Schedule of Assessment
• Public Meeting held under the Planning Act to consider Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA #208 and Consent Application B-02-20 – 1006 Mersea Road 5

This is a precautionary decision in keeping with the goal of social distancing to mitigate risks and slow the spread of COVID-19.

For further information, please contact clerks@leamington.ca or by telephone at 519-326-5761

Given the rapidly changing public health situation, and based on strong recommendations from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) to move to essential services to mitigate risks and slow the spread of COVID-19, the Municipality of Leamington is expanding COVID-19 precautions with the following service level changes:

• The Leamington Municipal Building will close to the public effective 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Although the building will close to the public, municipal staff will be available to assist and service residents by electronic means only. Please contact us by phone at 519-326-5761 or use our website at www.leamington.ca to access municipal information and services. Phones will continue to be answered during regular business hours between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM from Monday to Friday, and online service requests will remain available at www.leamington.ca/reportanissue.

• Non-essential committee meetings have been postponed including the Special Leamington Police Services Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Please visit our Council and Committee Meeting Calendar for more information at www.leamington.ca/meetings.

• Members of the public are encouraged to watch Council meetings live online from the comfort of their own home at www.leamington.ca/live.

• The early dog tag registration date has been extended until Thursday, April 30, 2020. 

• Spay and neuter vouchers for cats are currently sold out. Residents may call the Leamington Municipal Building to be placed on a waiting list. Once issued vouchers have passed their expiry date, additional vouchers may be issued.

• Civil ceremony bookings for weddings to be held at the Leamington Municipal Building have been suspended until further notice.

• Fire Services will not be issuing burn permits until further notice.

• Members of the public who need to make a payment are encouraged to use electronic options (bank, online), or mail in their payment or use the drop box located at the building entrance off of Queens Avenue.

These service level changes are being undertaken out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our community.

Due to these changes, response and wait times may be longer than usual. The Municipality appreciates the public's understanding and patience during this time.

This announcement is in follow up to Sunday's notice advising of the closure of the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex. Updates will be provided on the Municipality’s website, www.leamington.ca, as the situation evolves.

The health and safety of our residents, staff and visitors remains a high priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the WECHU, going forward.

Community Preparedness – What Every Resident Can Do

• For more information on the Coronavirus, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the WECHU special web page: Novel Coronavirus (2019). Along with the preventative information provided by the WECHU, the Municipality of Leamington would also like to advise residents, if you are sick, please stay home.

This communication is being provided as an effort to address the concerns of the community with respect to the potential impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Municipality of Leamington operations and facilities.

On Saturday, March 14, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) provided a detailed update for Windsor-Essex County. Given the continuously changing public health environment, and based on best advice from medical officials, the Municipality of Leamington is expanding Coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions with the following service-level changes:

• The Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex (LKRC) will close effective Sunday, March 15 at 6:00 PM.  All recreation programming including March Break Day Camp has been cancelled indefinitely.

• These closures will remain in effect at least until Monday, April 6 to remain consistent with Ontario Ministry of Education’s school closures.

• The only municipal facility that will remain open to the public is the Leamington Municipal Building located at 111 Erie Street North, Leamington.

• To the greatest extent possible, municipal staff who would regularly support the maintenance and operations of the LKRC other than recreation programming, will continue to attend the LKRC as scheduled and may be redeployed to increase cleaning of the facility and the Leamington Municipal Building, which will remain open.

As indicated by the WECHU, Windsor-Essex County still does not have any confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and as such, these additional steps are being undertaken out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the risk of transmission within our community. The WECHU will continue to update the public in the days and weeks ahead; however, as of Sunday, March 15 at 11:15 AM, the overall risk is low for residents.

It is important to note that within the last 48 hours, Health Canada has updated the travel advisory to all foreign countries as a Level 3 risk, including the United States of America. Given the high number of residents that cross the border for tourism, the screening process has become more onerous for all municipalities in Windsor-Essex County.

As the situation evolves, further measures will be implemented and communicated to residents if necessary.

The health and safety of our residents, staff and visitors continues to be our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the WECHU going forward.

LKRC Membership and Program Accommodation

Prorated refunds will be provided to those who have already registered for cancelled programs. Further information will be provided on how refunds will be processed.
 
Active membership holders will have their memberships extended equal to the length of time the LKRC is closed.  

During this closure, LTW Transit passes can be purchased at the Leamington Municipal Building located at 111 Erie Street North, Leamington.

Community Preparedness – What Every Resident Can Do

• For more information on the Coronavirus, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the WECHU special web page: Novel Coronavirus (2019).  Along with the preventative information provided by the WECHU, the Municipality of Leamington would also like to advise residents, if you are sick, please stay home.

This communication is being provided as an effort to address the concerns of the community with respect to the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Municipality of Leamington operations and facilities.

The Municipality’s response is based on the current assessment by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU). It should be stressed that the situation is being continuously monitored and could change at any time based on recommendations from the WECHU.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a global pandemic, the WECHU has indicated that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Windsor and Essex County as of March 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM, and the overall risk remains low for residents.

Based on the assessment by the WECHU, the Municipality of Leamington’s facilities will remain open and scheduled programming at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex will continue. 

As the situation evolves, further measures will be implemented and communicated to residents if necessary.

In the interest of caution and to help reduce the potential spread of infection and illness, the Municipality is taking the following precautionary measures at all municipal facilities:

• Increased frequency of cleaning.
• Increased frequency of staff hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Additional sanitization stations for visitors and staff have been made available.
• Limit gatherings of greater than 250 people.

The health and safety of our residents, staff and visitors is of the highest priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the WECHU.

Community Preparedness – What Every Resident Can Do

• For more information on the Coronavirus, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the WECHU special web page: Novel Coronavirus (2019).
• Along with the preventative information provided by the WECHU, the Municipality of Leamington would also like to advise residents, if you are sick, please stay home.