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 available?

Township services and facilities are open by appointment only

The Township will be offering access to all services by appointment only at the Township Municipal Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:30 pm. Please visit the phone directory page on the Township’s website for contact information.

Township Office	Residents who wish to make water, tax or any other payment are encouraged to sign up for preauthorized payments, utilize the drop box (no cash), on-line banking or credit cards (through our website). When entering the facility for an appointment, please follow posted instructions, wear a face covering and undertake passive screening before entering the Township Office. Staff encourage the public to continue to conduct business with the Township via telephone, email or by downloading forms online.
West Lincoln Community Centre	Ontario will be entering Step 3 of the Province’s three-step plan to reopen effective Friday, July 16th, 2021. As of September 22^nd, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access the Community Centre & Arena. Some exemptions to the Provincial proof of vaccination mandate apply and can be found here Ontario Regulation 364/20. Walking track open by appointment Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please contact Recreation Services at 905-957-3346 ext. 4688 to book an appointment.
Smithville Public Library, Caistorville Public Library, and Wellandport Public Library	All three locations of the West Lincoln Public Library are open. You are welcome to browse the collections, use the computers and make photocopies. Check our website for hours. www.westlincolnlibrary.ca Curbside service is available by appointment only. Drop boxes remain open 24/7
Silverdale Hall	Closed until further notice.
Wellandport Hall	Closed until further notice.
Caistor Community Centre(Abingdon Hall)	Closed until further notice.
Parks and Outdoor Facilities	Ontario will be entering Step 3 of the Province’s three-step plan to reopen effective Friday, July 16th, 2021. Parks and outdoor recreation facilities are open however, residents are reminded that they must continue to abide by Provincial and Regional Guidelines. Contact recreation services for a usage permit. Tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds and splash pads are open.

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?

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?

An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting limited retail with restrictions. This includes:
- outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
- outdoor dining with up to four people per table from the same household (see Niagara Section 22 Order information)
- non-essential retail at 15% capacity

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 Dominick, Township Enforcement Officer at 905- 957-3346 ex. 6734 or tdominick@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?

We strongly encourage payments to be made by mail, online banking or via the Township Drop Box (no cash) located at the back entrance. To find specific extensions and emails, please visit our Contact Us page. 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

Niagara has extended its face-covering by-law, which was set to expire on April 1, 2021.

The by-law requires masks in all enclosed public spaces in Niagara, and aligns with orders issued by the Province under the Reopening Ontario Act.

The by-law will automatically expire when those Provincial requirements are no longer in effect.

Residents are reminded that the by-law includes a number of exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to disability under the Human Rights Code.

More information about the by-law, and other public health regulations, is available on Niagara Region’s website.

COVID-19 Information and Updates