COVID-19

Services at Town Hall

Town Hall has reopened without the requirements for appointments. Masking is optional and passive screening will be required for all patrons attending municipal facilities. Proof of vaccination is not required; however, if you are sick or have recently been exposed to COVID-19 DO NOT visit in person!

All South Huron departments continue to be available by phone and email. 

Payment Options

The public is encouraged to use the information and online payment system available on the SouthHuron.ca website. Cheques may be deposited using the secure drop box outside the Main Street entrance to Town Hall. However, please be aware that processing times for mail will be longer than normal.

By-law Enforcement

Our Online submission form allows users to make complaints about a variety of by-law concerns. By-law officers continue to operate, patrol and respond to calls on a priority basis. 

The following essential services will continue:

• Acceptance of planning applications
• Acceptance of applications to the Committee of Adjustment
• Letters of Conformity
• 911 Addressing Applications

Revised Procedure for Public Meeting due to COVID-19 Pandemic:

For applications requiring a public council meeting, these meetings will be held electronically in accordance with applicable legislation.

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

Email the Clerk

Craig Metzger, Senior Planner

Huron County Planning & Development Department

519-524-8394 extension 3235

Email Craig Metzger

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 4:30 p.m. on the date of the Public Meeting to receive instructions.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

The following essential services will continue:

• All emergency services 
• Fire services will continue to respond to all emergency calls

All non-emergency inspections have been suspended. 

For property tax and utility bill payments please use one of the many alternative payment methods from our list below, however, in person payments are now able to be made at the front counter.

Payment options

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.

Service at the South Huron Landfill continues.

Normal curbside pickup service by Bluewater Recycling Association continues. 

Parks and Playgrounds remain open. 

Public skating has resumed. Masking and passive screening will be required for all patrons attending municipal facilities.

Roads continue to be maintained in full regulatory compliance. 

The following essential services will continue:

• 911 Addressing Installations 
• Entrance applications
• Grading
• Municipal Drains
• Pavement patching
• Sidewalk Maintenance
• Sod Repairs
• Stormwater Management
• Street Sweeping
• Traffic and Street Lights
• Winter Control

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 Rec Centre and Stephen Township Arena are open. Masking, physical distancing and passive screening prior to entry are required for all patrons attending municipal facilities.

Community centres and small halls are open. Masking and passive screening are required for all patrons attending municipal facilities.

Public service at the South Huron Landfill continues with physical distancing safety measures remain in place and cash will not be accepted (debit payment only).

The South Huron Landfill is open:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 9AM to 4PM
• Wednesdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays: Closed

Please note the landfill is 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:

• Residential waste (regular household garbage)
• Yard Waste (leaves, tree branches, grass, sod)
• Asphalt Roofing Shingles
• Construction & Demolition material, including clean wood.
• Stumps and large tree trunks
• Concrete and bricks
• Scrap metal
• Tires (non-commercial only)
• E-Waste
• Residential Blue Bin Items
• Refrigerant Appliances (not certified Freon Free)
• Mattress and box springs (please note that the mattress recycling program is currently unavailable; all mattresses received during the period of essential services will be landfilled)

These services continue to be provided in full regulatory compliance. 

• Water inspections will continue as necessary for new builds, only.

The following services are temporarily suspended:

• Entry into a customers’ home or businesses for any water or sewer related service   
• All non-emergency water and sewer repairs 
• Please note that new water meters will be installed, using special precautions

To report a water issue call 519-235-0310. For urgent service after hours, please call 519-235-0310 extension 7.

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:

• Reliable information about COVID-19 including symptoms and how the virus spreads
• Current information on COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth
• Steps to take if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 including COVID-19 testing locations 
• Information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine

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. 

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.  

Business Openings

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:

• Pandemic Tip Sheets (Canadian Occupational Health and Safety)
• Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (World Health Organization)
• Guidance for Occupational Health and Safety (Ministry of Health)
• COVID-19 Health and Safety Resources (go2HR)
• Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Businesses (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

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. 

Provincewide Restrictions 

Provincial News Releases can be found on the Ontario Newsroom page:

• February 14, 2022 - Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
• January 3, 2022 - Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen
• September 24, 2021 - Ontario Cautiously Easing Capacity Limits in Select Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
• September 1, 2021 - Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
• July 9, 2021 - Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen on July 16
• June 24, 2021 - Ontario Moving to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 30
• June 7, 2021 - Ontario to move to Step One of Roadmap to Reopen on June 11
• May 20, 2021 - Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province
  • Province Safely Reopening Outdoor Recreational Amenities Prior to End of Stay-at-Home Order
• May 13, 2021 - Ontario Extending Stay at Home Order until June 2, 2021
• April 16, 2021 - Ontario Strengthens Enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order
• April 7, 2021 - Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order
• April 1, 2021 - Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake
  • The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
• February 26, 2021 - Nine Public Health Regions Moving to New Levels in the COVID-19 Response Framework
  • As of March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Huron Perth Public Health Unit region is under the Yellow - Protect level of the COVID-19 response framework.
• February 12, 2021 - Ontario Returning 27 Public Health Regions to Strengthened covid-19 Response Framework
• February 8, 2021 - Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order across Most of the Province to Save Lives
  • Extension of the current Stay-at-Home order until February 16, 2021 in the majority of the public health regions in Ontario.
• January 12, 2021 - Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis and Save Lives
  • Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.
  • Effective Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., a State of Emergency is in effect for the Province of Ontario.
• December 21, 2020 - Ontario announces Provincewide shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives
  • Provincewide Shutdown effective Saturday December 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. 
• November 20, 2020 - Ontario extends COVID-19 orders (until December 21, 2020)
• November 13, 2020 - Ontario Updating COVID-19 Response Framework to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
• November 6, 2020 - Ontario Moves Public Health Unit Regions into COVID-19 Response Framework to Keep Ontario Safe and Open
• September 19, 2020 - Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province
• August 20, 2020 - Ontario Extends Orders Under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020
• July 16, 2020 - Ontario extends emergency orders
• July 13, 2020 - Nearly all Businesses and Public Spaces Reopen in Stage 3
• July 9, 2020 - Ontario extends Emergency Orders to July 22
• July 7, 2020 - Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Health as Economy Reopens
• June 27, 2020 - Ontario extends Emergency Orders to July 10
• June 24, 2020 - Ontario Extends Declaration until July 15
  • Declaration of Emergency extended until July 15
• June 17, 2020 - Ontario extends Emergency Orders
  • Extension of Emergency Orders until June 30
• June 8, 2020 - Ontario Permits More Businesses and Services to Reopen in the Coming Days
• June 6, 2020 - Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Support Its Reopening Efforts
  • Extension of Emergency Orders until June 19
• June 2, 2020 - Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency until June 30
  • Declaration of Emergency extended until June 30
• May 27, 2020 - Ontario Extends Emergency Orders during COVID outbreak
  • Extension of Emergency Orders until June 9
• May 19, 2020 - Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Keep People Safe
  • Extension of Emergency Orders until May 29
• May 14, 2020 - Ontario Announces Additional Workplaces that Can Reopen
• May 12, 2020 - Declaration of Emergency Extended While Ontario Gradually Reopens the Economy
  • Declaration of Emergency extended until June 2
• May 6, 2020 - Ontario Further Eases Restrictions on Retail Stores and Essential Construction During COVID-19
• May 6, 2020 - Province extends all emergency orders issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 19th and Extends Electricity Rate Relief until May 31 
• May 1, 2020 - Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen Under Strict Safety Guidelines
• April 27, 2020 - Ontario Unveils Guiding Principles to Reopen the Province
  • Read the A Framework for Reopening our Province
• April 23 - Ontario Extends Emergency Orders and issues new order to support people with mental health and addition issues 
  • Includes a list of orders under the Emergency Declaration that have been extended until May 6
• April 14, 2020 - Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19
  • Province's Declaration of Emergency extended until May 12
• April 11, 2020 - Province Extends Emergency Orders until April 23 
• April 3, 2020 - Ontario Extends Business Closure to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
  • Includes an updated list of essential workplaces
• March 30, 2020 - Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
  • Order to close all recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds. 
  • Order includes extension date of emergency declaration to April 13
• March 28, 2020 - Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of More than Five People with Strict Exceptions
• March 23, 2020 - Ontario Orders Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight Spread of COVID-19
  • The provincial government has created a webpage Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 which provides resources for business owners during this time.  
• March 17, 2020 - Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public

For a complete list of all emergency orders enacted by the Government of Ontario in response to COVID-19, visit their Emergency Information page. 

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:

• May 21, 2021 - Government of Canada Extends Quarantine Measures and Travel Restrictions

May 21, 2021 - Government of Canada Extends Quarantine Measures and Travel Restrictions

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.

See our new page dedicated to listing community resources and personal support services to help people get through these difficult times.

See our new page dedicated to listing support programs to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 lock down.

As per provincial regulations, the Municipality of South Huron has developed a Workplace Safety Plan.

The COVID-19 event continues to evolve rapidly. Since the start of the pandemic 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:

• Weekly Emergency Operations Centre Meetings with members from the Emergency Control Group (ECG). Although an Emergency has not been declared, this group is a valuable resource in examining an overall community response. The ECG includes the South Huron Mayor and Management Team, the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) as well as representatives from Huron Perth Public Health, OPP and EMS.
• Weekly management meetings between the Management Team and Mayor
• Weekly teleconference with Huron Perth Public Health
• Attendance of teleconference briefings with provincial ministers and medical officer of health.
• A partnership with the United Way Perth Huron to launch a program connecting members of the community in need with those able to provide assistance.
• Updates to Council including daily activity reports, COVID-19 Workplan updates and updates following our pandemic planning document in conjunction with our municipality's Emergency Plan.
• Frequent public communications and website updates regarding municipal service levels, as well as recommended sources of information to follow (Huron Perth Public Health, Province of Ontario, Health Canada).

Read our news releases and public notices

All South Huron news and notices can be found on our News and Notices page:

• January 3, 2022 - South Huron temporarily moving to modified Stage Two of Roadmap to Reopen
• October 8, 2021 - South Huron recreation facilities update
• September 17, 2021 - Proof of Proof of vaccination required at South Huron arenas & community centres
• July 16, 2021 - Ontario enters Step 3 of Roadmap to Reopen
• June 2, 2021 - Ontario Stay-at-Home order expires, existing public health and workplace measures remain in effect
• April 18, 2021 - Municipal playgrounds and parks reopen
• April 16, 2021 - South Huron responds to provincial direction to implement increased restrictions on recreation amenities
• April 1, 2021 - South Huron responds to Provincial "Emergency Brake" Shutdown Announcement
• February 12, 2021 - South Huron implements phased re-opening plan
• December 20, 2020 - South Huron to implement Provincewide mandated shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19
• August 27, 2020 - South Huron updates on re-opening plan: Stephen Arena and SHRC skating 
• July 17, 2020 - Municipality of South Huron continues to implement re-opening plan as province enters Phase 3
• June 10, 2020 - Municipality updates on re-opening framework
• May 29, 2020 - South Huron Landfill returns to normal operating hours June 1
• May 20, 2020 - Municipality of South Huron to implement reopening plan
• May 15, 2020 - Victoria Day long weekend notice
• May 15, 2020 - Mayor Finch's message to the community ahead of the Victoria Day weekend
• April 9, 2020 - Mayor Finch thanks front line workers
• April 9, 2020 - South Huron Landfill re-opens to provide essential services to businesses and residents
• April 4, 2020 - Municipality of South Huron closes all parks to the public
• April 3, 2020 - Enforcement of COVID-19 safety measures
• March 30, 2020 - Municipality urges youth to follow physical distancing requirements
• March 28, 2020 - Mayor Finch responds to first confirmed case of COVID-19 in South Huron
• March 27, 2020 - South Huron announces new measures to prevent COVID-19 spread
• March 26, 2020 - COVID-19 Information
• March 25, 2020 - Municipality of South Huron and United Way Perth Huron encourage community to “Help Do Local Good” amid COVID-19 Outbreak
• March 24, 2020 - South Huron municipal service update
• March 23, 2020 - Mayor Finch urges people to stay at home
• March 21, 2020 - South Huron closes all municipal playgrounds
• March 20, 2020 - Mayor Finch highlights local support services available
• March 19, 2020 - Mayor Finch encourages consumers to support local businesses
• March 18, 2020 - Statement from Mayor Finch regarding continuance of core services
• March 17, 2020 - Statement from Mayor Finch, March 17 2020
• March 16, 2020 - Statement from Mayor Finch regarding COVID-19
• March 13, 2020 - South Huron responds to COVID-19