Covid-19 - Reeve's 4th Address

I would like to provide the following updates to the situation in the Township of Montague related to COVID-19. We as a Township continue to work hard to manage this crisis along with providing essential work and services to the public. Again, we thank all of the essential workers who go to work everyday to make sure we have food, shelter, and safety.

The Emergency Operations Centre has confirmed that the Township office and Rosedale Hall will be closed until further notice. Staff are still at the office or working remotely, so we ask residents to please call or email with their inquiries and we would be happy to assist you. The Township is working to develop our reopening plan, and we will be working with the health unit recommendations to ensure that the public and the municipal staff are safe.

We continue to provide essential services to our residents, including fire and emergency services, critical road maintenance, regular curbside pickup throughout the Township, bylaw enforcement, building/planning inquiries and certain building permit applications.

We are excited to share that all construction is now permitted under the provincial orders. Our building official is available to answer inquiries, provide permits and inspect properties under certain conditions.

Your Council is continuing to meet on a remote basis, with meetings available to the public through Youtube Livestream. Council is actively working to support the community through a number of ways, including the following:

As of April 21st, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic residents will not be required to place garbage tags on all their garbage bags. Residents are limited to three (3) bags of household waste. Tags are needed for any bag number above three (3). If a resident needs their 2020 tags, call the office and we would be happy to assist you.

• Deferring the accrual of interest on unpaid taxes until September 30th, 2020, as a temporary measure due to COVID-19. This means that if you have difficulty making your tax payments, you will not accrue additional charges if you miss the payment deadline of June 30th, 2020 or August 31st, 2020.
• Dog tags price increase after March 31^st was halted.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with the Town of Smiths Falls, the Township of Montague and Carebridge Community Support to launch a program designed to provide grocery delivery to seniors, individuals with compromised immunity or health conditions, and those exhibiting symptoms or who are in close contact with someone with COVID-19.

The pilot program, which is being led by Big Brothers Big Sisters with support from the Town of Smiths Falls, the Township of Montague and Carebridge, is available to seniors, individuals with compromised immunity or health conditions that elevate their risk, or individuals exhibiting symptoms or who are in close contact with someone with COVID-19. Those who are eligible can call 613-706-5500 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to place their orders. Payment for groceries can be made via credit card over the phone, and shopping and deliveries will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Additionally, the municipal boat launch on Boat Launch Road is re-opened. The public is reminded to maintain physical distancing when using the boat launch. Public Health advice regarding physical distancing remains the same, so people should only be boating alone or with people from their own household.

It is critical that all residents follow the advice from the Health officials in our community. While the province is slowly opening the province up for business, I want to emphasize that it is so important for all residents to continue to be cautious and recognize that COVID-19 is still present. Taking care of yourself also protects your family and your neighbours.

Now that our weather is warming, it is also important that residents get outside and enjoy the sunshine for your own mental health. Make connections with your friends and family (socially distanced).

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