As the province enacts the first step of its reopening plan, several facilities will return to West Lincoln, starting Monday, June 14.
With a focus on resuming outdoor activities, certain services will be allowed again in small numbers to help lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This means outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, and outdoor dining with up to four people per table are allowed. As well as an allowance for non-essential retailers to open up and operate at 15-per-cent capacity and cemetery services as will be open by appointment only.
The township offices will be opening and accessible by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents and businesses will have access to the following services in person, by appointment only, during normal business hours:
• Lottery licences
• Building permit applications, inspections, and bylaw complaints
• Commissioning of documents and affidavits
• Zoning inquiries
• Sign bylaw, fence bylaw and site alteration applications
• Policy planning inquiries
• Development applications
• Consent and minor variance applications
• Community improvement plans and incentives
• Recycling bins for new homeowners who qualify
• Water test bottles available for pickup
Residents wishing to make in-person payments for water, tax or other municipal bills are encouraged to sign up for online payment methods, such as pre-authorized payments on the township’s website, or to use a non-contact method of payment such as the dropbox.
When entering the building, visitors must wear masks, follow instructions, physical distancing signs and go through a passive screening.
Town staff are encouraging residents to conduct business by non-contact methods if possible, including emails, phone calls and online at-home form printing.
Outdoor sports training is permitted; however, no games or practices for teams are to be held. Fitness classes and personal training are allowed with up to 10 people, but are required to use a permit if operating in a municipal facility. As well, all branches of the library will operate on a curbside pickup basis by appointment only.
“As wonderful as it is to see progress in the reopening of our community, including the ability to make in-person appointments, please remain cautious,” said Coun. Cheryl Ganann. In her statement, she encouraged residents to enjoy their “new-found freedom” and support local businesses, farmers markets and dining patios, but continue to follow all public health guidelines and get vaccinated.
“We all need to do our part to ensure that Step 1 is a successful step,” Ganann said.
- Moosa Iran, Local Journalism Initiative, Grimsby Lincoln News
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