As most of Ontario has moved into stage 3 of reopening and the provincial declaration of emergency has ended, the new Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act provides the flexibility to address the ongoing risks and effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some emergency orders that were previously in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, will continue under the new act.
The Municipality of South Huron has put in place measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The situation is constantly being assessed and any new information regarding impacts to municipal services will be provided here. We also have web pages for information on community and personal supports available and support programs for businesses to help recover from COVID-19 lock down impacts.
To learn more about our reopening plan, please visit our Reopening Phases page.
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People are urged to continue following the guidance of Huron Perth Public Health. Their Health Line intake phone line (1-888-221-2133) is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that the Health Line intake phone has been experiencing high call volumes.
If you have questions regarding COVID-19 testing locations, please contact the Huron Perth Public Health or visit Ontario's COVID-19 testing locations page. |
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Status of Municipal Services
South Huron Council and staff are committed to providing essential municipal services to our communities. All municipal departments are available by phone or email for inquiries. For a list of municipal contacts, please visit our Contact Us page.
An update on the status of municipal services (both essential continued and suspended services) is provided below by service area. Please note the following measures are in effect until further notice.
| Administration and Licencing |
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As of September 8th, in-person service at Town Hall is restored for the following services by appointment, only:
To book an appointment, individuals must contact staff in advance by calling 519-235-0310 or emailing info@southhuron.ca During appointments, face masks are to be worn. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you. If you are unable to wear a mask, alternative options for service will be provided. During appointments, amenities at Town Hall will not be available for use by the public and visitors must strictly follow instructions provided by staff while on-site. These precautions are in place to safeguard staff and the public against transmission of the coronavirus – thank you for your patience. All other municipal administrative services are currently being offered over the phone or by email. Applications for licencing can be submitted via email to info@southhuron.ca. Please note that there may be some slight processing delays. Thank you for your patience. FAQs
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| Building Department Services |
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For the status of construction activities and current public health measures and restrictions under the Reopening Ontario plan, visit the Reopening Ontario in Stages page. To ensure the safety of municipal staff during inspections, all individuals onsite must complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool provided by Huron Perth Public Health prior to any inspection taking place. If an individual working onsite has failed the screening, a representative must immediately contact the Building Department to reschedule any inspections. For more information about residential construction projects and the process to obtain a building permit, please contact the Building Department. General enquiries can be made by Emailing the Building Department, by phone 519-235-0310 or by fax 519-235-3304. |
| Development Services (Planning) |
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The following essential services will continue:
Revised Procedure for Public Meeting due to COVID-19 Pandemic: In light of the requirement for physical distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, persons wishing to participate in the planning process are strongly encouraged to send their comments, questions or concerns via email, by mail or by telephone to the Planner or Clerk. Rebekah Msuya-Collison, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk Municipality of South Huron 322 Main Street South, Exeter, ON, N0M 1S6 519-235-0310 extension 227 Craig Metzger, Senior Planner Huron County Planning & Development Department 519-524-8394 extension 3235 For those persons who wish to exercise their participation rights by making oral submissions rather than or in addition to submitting comments in writing, please note that Council meetings are being held electronically in response to the current situation. To join the electronic meeting, please contact the Clerk prior to 4:30PM on the date of the Public Meeting to receive instructions. |
| Emergency Services |
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If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1. The following essential services will continue:
The following services are temporarily suspended:
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| Finance |
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For property tax and utility bill payments please use one of the many alternative payment methods from our list with instructions for assistance. Accounts payable – vendor payments are still being processed. Please send your invoices to ap@southhuron.ca and sign up for electronic fund payments. Email ap@southhuron.ca to request sign up forms. |
| Garbage and Recycling curbside pickup |
| Normal curbside pickup service by BRA continues. However, public drop off at the Material Recovery Facility is closed. Until further notice, BRA is not allowing residents to drop off e-waste or recyclables at their processing facility. Consult the BRA website for further information on affected services. |
| Parks and Playgrounds |
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In compliance with all provincial orders and regulations, South Huron amenities will reopen in stages. This means:
As of Friday, May 22nd at noon the following South Huron parks and sports fields will reopen to the public (see our News and Notices page for more information on South Huron's plan to reopen):
Playground structures, sports benches and dugouts have re-opened as of July 17 at noon. The following remain closed until further notice:
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority properties - As of May 22, Trails and conservation areas owned and/or managed by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority are reopened to limited use. For a full list of ABCA disruptions, visit their Service Disruptions page or call them at 519-235-2610. |
| Recreation Programming |
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Most recreation programming including third-party events hosted at municipal facilities are postponed. However, pickleball has resumed indoors at the South Huron Recreation Centre. See our Recreation Programs page for details. Staff continue to work with our programming partners on their safe return with further updates to be provided. See the South Huron Facilities - Community Centres, Pools, Small Halls and Arenas tab for information regarding arena operational status. |
| Roads |
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Roads continue to be maintained in full regulatory compliance. The following essential services will continue:
To report an issue, please contact us through our Report a Problem form. For urgent service afterhours, please call 519.235.0310 extension 7. |
| South Huron Faciltities - Arenas |
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Stephen Arena (Update as of August 27, 2020) Stephen Arena is preparing to have operational ice as of September 28, 2020.
South Huron Recreation Centre (Update as of August 27, 2020) The South Huron Recreation Centre will start hosting public skating as of August 31, 2020. The following times will be available from Monday, August 31 – Thursday, September 3.
Please note the following safety measures put in place for public skating:
Individuals are to enter the facility using the main entrance located on the west side of the building. These doors will be used for both the entrance and exit. Signage is posted for indication. We ask that you please read the signage posted throughout the facility and follow the arrows indicating traffic flow. |
| South Huron Facilities - Community Centres, Pools, and Small Halls |
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Dashwood Community Centre, Crediton Community Centre and Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre The Dashwood Community Centre, Crediton Community Centre and Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre have reopened to the public as of Tuesday, August 4th, 2020. These openings come with additional safety measures, which include: - No use of the kitchen - Face masks are mandatory inside, as per Huron Perth Public Health - Maximum of 50 people inside the facility at any time - Social Distancing is required – 2 metres (6 feet) - Combining the 50 person gathering indoors and the 100 person gathering outdoors is prohibited Renters will have to fill out a COVID-19 Safety Plan that needs to be approved by staff, prior to the rental. To book Crediton and Dashwood, please call 519-235-0310 extension 303 or Email Vanessa Culbert. To book Kirtkon, please call 519-229-6786 or email kward@quadro.net |
| South Huron Landfill |
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As of June 1st, the South Huron Landfill has returned to its regular operating hours. The public is reminded that physical distancing safety measures remain in place and that cash will not be accepted. The South Huron Landfill will be open:
Please note the landfill will remain closed on Sundays and statutory holidays. Upon arrival, landfill customers will be asked to provide proof of South Huron residency (driver’s license) as the following landfill services are only available to residents of the municipality:
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| Spring and Fall Yard/Brush Curbside Collection |
| The Municipality of South Huron will be starting fall leaf and debris collection on Monday, September 14, 2020 until Friday, October 30, 2020 for all South Huron residents. Please ensure that bags weigh no more than 23kg (50lbs). Please note that staff will not pick up overweight bags, bags that are not biodegradable paper bags, or bags that contain other waste such as garbage or animal feces. Staff will pick-up weekly as weather permits. As a reminder, once the collection period has ended, staff will no longer collect any items that are set curbside. You may take your leaf and debris to the South Huron Landfill free of charge at any time. Please refer to the Garbage and Recycling page for landfill operating hours. Brush pickup will occur on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 and will be a single day event. Brush must be bundled and tied in four foot (4’) lengths or less. We thank you for your understanding.
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| Water Operations, Wastewater Treatment and Sewers |
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These services continue to be provided in full regulatory compliance. The following services are temporarily suspended:
To report a water issue call 519-235-0310. For urgent service after hours, please call 519-235-0310 extension 7. |
Important COVID-19 Information and Resources
| Role of Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) |
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Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is working with all levels of government, as well as local partners and stakeholders to provide information and guidance on how to respond to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). HPPH provides updates through their Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update website. This site provides credible resources, guidance and local information for Huron and Perth, including:
HPPH has a dedicated Health Line (1-888-221-2133 extension 3267) for inquiries related to COVID-19 in Huron and Perth. The line is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that the Health Line intake phone has been experiencing high call volumes. The Huron-Perth Public Health's COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees page is dedicated to provide resources regarding workplace health and safety during COVID-19.
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| County of Huron |
| For information regarding COVID-19 related closures and cancellations for the County of Huron, visit their Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page. |
| Province of Ontario's Response to COVID-19 |
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The provincial Ministry of Health provides information on the response and case numbers across Ontario through their 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) website. This site provides credible resources, guidance and information regarding COVID-19 in Ontario. Ontario Government's Online Assessment Tool was created for individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive to aid in determining how to seek further care. The Province of Ontario has created a Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 to ensure our health care system, communities and economy are positioned to weather the challenges ahead. Business OpeningsThe Ontario government has begun to implement Reopening Ontario through moving forward with a regional approach to Stage 3 reopening of the province by permitting more businesses and services to reopen, if it is safe to do so. Businesses can refer to the list of essential workplaces for more information on workplaces that can safely reopen. On April 30, the Ontario Government has released a series of technical sector guidance documents for workplaces during the COVID-19 outbreak. These documents help support employers and employees in remaining safe in the workplace. The Huron-Perth Public Health's COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees page is dedicated to provide resources regarding workplace health and safety during COVID-19. Below are other resources aimed to assist in ensuring the health and safety in the workplace during COVID-19:
The Ontario Government has launched a Ontario Together:help fight coronavirus page, which includes a directory of Find PPE Supplies which includes companies and suppliers who produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to help businesses protect their employees. Rapid Response Platform was created and supported by a number of industry partners in order to automatically match supply with demand for companies requiring PPE supplies. State of Emergency EndedAs most of Ontario has moved into stage 3 of reopening and the provincial declaration of emergency has ended, the new Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act provides the flexibility to address the ongoing risks and effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some emergency orders that were previously in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, will continue under the new act.
For a complete list of all emergency orders enacted by the Government of Ontario in response to COVID-19, visit their Emergency Information page. |
| Government of Canada's Response to COVID-19 |
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Public Health Agency of Canada provides information on current cases, risk to Canadians, and updates through their Coronovirus disease (COVID-19) webpage. The webpage includes a COVID-19 Virtual Assistant (headset icon located at the bottom right corner of the page) that can assist individuals in finding the COVID-19 information they are looking for. The Government of Canada has developed a COVID-19 Economic Response Plan which will support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the pandemic. The following laws have been put in place by the Government of Canada:
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| Attention Travellers: Mandatory self-isolation in effect for individuals entering Canada |
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Effective March 26, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requiring any person entering Canada (by air, sea or land) to self-isolate for 14 days, whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. There are some exceptions which are listed on Public Health Agency of Canada's travel advice website. March 25 - New Order Makes Self-Isolation Mandatory for Individuals Entering Canada |
| Enforcement of Provincial and Federal Orders |
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have the authority to uphold federal and provincial orders (laws). If you have concerns about an order violation, residents are encouraged to call the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency line (1-888-310-1122). DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need emergency service. Please note, there may be some adjustments to all non-emergency services administered by the OPP. |
| Community Resources and Personal Support Services |
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See our new page dedicated to listing community resources and personal support services to help people get through these difficult times. |
| Business Resources |
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See our new page dedicated to listing support programs to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 lock down. |
South Huron's Response to COVID-19
| See our internal management system |
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The COVID-19 event continues to evolve rapidly. Over the past several weeks our management team has been implementing measures to keep our communities safe. Some of our strategies and tactics include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Read our news releases and public notices |
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August 27 - South Huron updates on re-opening plan: Stephen Arena and SHRC skating June 10 - Municipality updates on re-opening framework May 29 - South Huron Landfill returns to normal operating hours June 1 May 20 - Municipality of South Huron to implement reopening plan May 15 - Victoria Day long weekend notice May 15 - Mayor Finch's message to the community ahead of the Victoria Day weekend April 9 - Mayor Finch thanks front line workers April 9 - South Huron Landfill re-opens to provide essential services to businesses and residents April 4 - Municipality of South Huron closes all parks to the public April 3 - Enforcement of COVID-19 safety measures March 30 - Municipality urges youth to follow physical distancing requirements March 28 - Mayor Finch responds to first confirmed case of COVID-19 in South Huron March 27 - South Huron announces new measures to prevent COVID-19 spread March 26 - COVID-19 Information March 24 - South Huron municipal service update March 23 - Mayor Finch urges people to stay at home March 21 - South Huron closes all municipal playgrounds March 20 - Mayor Finch highlights local support services available March 19 - Mayor Finch encourages consumers to support local businesses March 18 - Statement from Mayor Finch regarding continuance of core services March 17 - Statement from Mayor Finch, March 17 2020 |
Help Do Local Good
The Municipality of South Huron has partnered with the United Way Perth-Huron on a “caremongering” initiative to connect those most affected by COVID-19 with those willing to lend a hand.
A new website has been launched at helpdolocalgood.ca to join people together, providing information on how to help and how to receive help, including:
- An Urgent Needs Fund that has been established to support individuals and families cope with the economic and emotional fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- An Emergency Community Support Fund for Organizations serving vulnerable populations.
- Volunteer sign-up to coordinate those able to contribute their time and energy to helping others in the community.
- Information and resources for the community, including the 211 community information line.
An associated Facebook group called Huron-Perth Covid 19 Resource Group - Help is Close to Home has also been created to connect people close by. Additional ways to get involved are to contact them by email at reception@perthhuron.unitedway.ca or call 519-271-7730 to leave a phone number and briefly describe how and where you can help.
Contact(s)