Covid-19 Information and Updates

The Township of West Lincoln and the Niagara Region Public Health Department are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus, COVID-19. The Township of West Lincoln Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to be partially activated, however our attention has turned to recovery. Here you can find the latest information and guidance from the Township of West Lincoln. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are working to provide you with updates as quickly as possible.

State of Emergency: On April 3rd, the Township of West Lincoln, alongside the Niagara Region and its 12 municipalities, declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Review the Media Release here.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit official channels and click on the links below:

Government of Canada Government of Ontario Niagara Region Public Health

Information for residents

Please select your topic of interest below to find COVID-19 information and updates specific to the Township.

What Township services and facilities are closed?

Township closures

Steps are being taken to help reduce the risk of potential transmission of COVID-19 and are consistent with direction from the Government of Ontario and Niagara Region Public Health. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.

Township Office	The Township Office at 318 Canborough Street will be closed to the public, however, operations and day-to-day work has been modified, with some staff working from home. While the Township Office is closed, staff continues to be available to assist the public, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm by phone at 905-957-3346 , email, or through the Township Website. To find specific extensions and e-mails, please visit our Contact Us page. Although the township Office is closed to the public, payments can still be made by mail, online banking or via the Township Drop Box (no cash) located at the back entrance.
West Lincoln Community Centre	To meet the Grey-Lockdown level requirements of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework, beginning December 26, 2020 at 12:01 am the West Lincoln Community Centre will be closed until further notice.
Smithville Public Library, Caistorville Public Library, and Wellandport Public Library	"The West Lincoln Public Library is open with modified hours at Caistorville and Wellandport branches, and regular hours at Smithville branch, for curbside pickup only. Appointments for curbside must be scheduled in advance. Please visit the West Lincoln Public Library website for hours, the online catalogue and e-resources, as well as information on how to schedule a curbside pickup appointment. Please continue to return any materials via the drop boxes at each branch."
Silverdale Hall	Closed until further notice.
Wellandport Hall	Closed until further notice.
Caistor Community Centre(Abingdon Hall)	Closed until further notice.
Outdoor Facilities: Playground structures, splash pad, tennis courts, boat launches, gazebos and pavilions or any other item that is high touch or encourages gatherings of people	Tennis courts, boat launches, playgrounds, the skate park are available for public use. Residents are reminded to be cautious and follow proper social distancing protocols, including limiting groups to no more than ten people.
Open green spaces in the parks and trails, outdoor sports fields	Use at your own risk. If you choose to use the open park space, you must follow COVID-19 hygiene practices. Stay 6 feet (2 metres) away from others and do not come to the park if you are sick. Passive activities will now be allowed in parks and outdoor sports fields. This includes: Bringing a chair or blanket to relax in parks Kicking a ball, playing catch, flying a kite or other activities with members of your own households

Regional closures

For services and facilities closed until further notice across the Region, please see Service Disruptions on the Niagara Region website.

How can I do business with the Township if the office is closed?

Operations and day-to-day work has been modified, with some staff working from home. While the Township Office is closed, staff continue to be available to assist the public, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm by phone at 905-957-3346 or by email. To find specific extensions and emails, please visit our Contact Us page.

What is an Emergency Order and how can I report a violation?

An Emergency Order is an official declaration of emergency with a designated set of rules that must be followed in order to keep the public safe. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers have expanded authority to enforce Emergency Orders issued under the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

What are the Provincial COVID-19 Orders the Township will be enforcing?

Prohibiting events and social gatherings of more than 5 people.
Closure of public places and establishments.
Prohibiting unfair pricing on necessary goods.

Fines

Failure to comply with any of these emergency orders is an offence under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and subject to fines and/or jail time.

Fail to comply with an emergency order - $750
Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an Order made during a declared emergency - $1,000
Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an Order made during a declared emergency - $1,000

Report a violation

If you wish to report a complaint during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, please contact Tiana Richardson, Township Enforcement Officer at 905- 957-3346 ex. 6734 or trichardson@westlincoln.ca.

If you wish to make a complaint outside of office hours, weekends and statutory holidays, please contact Niagara Region at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579. Do not call 911, please call Niagara Regional Police, Non Emergency Line at 905-945-2211

How can I make a payment to the Township?

Although the Township Office is closed to the public, payments can still be made by mail, online banking or via the Township drop box. Please go to Paying Your Tax Bill or Paying Your Water Bill to find out how.

Is there any assistance regarding bills payable to the Township?

Council approved the following financial relief measures to provide assistance to property owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic effective until June 30, 2020:

The waiver of penalty for non-payment or late payment of taxes levied and charged in 2020
The waiver of penalty and any other associated fees for non-payment or late payment of water bills issued in 2020
The waiver of penalty on Accounts Receivable amounts past due
The waiver of NSF (non-sufficient funds) charges

To make any of the above changes, please send an email to treasury@westlincoln.ca or you can call the Township Office at 905-957-3346 ext. 6002 for property taxes and extension 6003 for water accounts.

Information for businesses

There are resources and information available for businesses regarding government programs, services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Region of Niagara Public Health - COVID-19 information

Visit the official Niagara Region Public Health website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Niagara. Some helpful pages include:

Niagara Health

Are you experiencing symptoms of COVID-19? You can now book an appointment for a COVID test online:

https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/assessmentcentres

Fill out your information and choose from a list of available appointment times at the centre you wish to be tested at. Details:

https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/news/2020/10/28/niagara-health-launches-new-online-covid-test-booking-tool-

COVID-19 self-assessment

If you develop worsening symptoms (fever, new or worsening cough or difficulty breathing), talk to a public health professional. Continue to self-isolate and seek clinical assessment using one of these four options:

Complete an online self-assessment.
Contact Niagara Health Connection Line at 1-888-505-6074.
Contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Contact your primary health care provider by phone.

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

As a community, we need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please follow the prevention tips below.

1. Stay home if you're sick.

Don't go to school or work if you're sick. If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to find out how to get further care.

2. Clean your hands often.

Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or hand sanitize. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Cover your cough or sneeze.

Cover your cough with a tissue or into your sleeve. Throw used tissues into a covered, plastic lined garbage can and clean your hands.

4. Keep your distance.

Practice physical distancing and keep a distance of two metres from others.

5. Avoid sharing personal items.

Don't share items that come into contact with saliva, such as toothbrushes and eating utensils.

6. Clean and disinfect.

Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly. Use a disinfectant and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Wear a Mask

As per Niagara Region By-law 2020-46 the use of Masks in enclosed Public Spaces is now mandatory until April 1, 2021 unless repealed or extended. Please see the Township of West Lincoln's Public Face Covering Policy and the Staff Face Covering Policy for guidelines on the consistent and appropriate use of masks.

COVID-19 Information and Updates