Collingwood Council Approves Relief Measures for Residents and Businesses

March 26, 2020
Category: 
Council, Finance

At the Wednesday, March 25 Special Council Meeting, Town of Collingwood Council approved COVID-19 Relief Measures that will support residents and businesses through these uncertain times. 

Relief Measures Include:

  • Waiving municipal tax penalty and interest charges for March, April, and May on current year only.
  • All tax payers have the option to continue to pay if desired.
  • For pre-authorized payment plans, you have the option to opt out of your current plan by contacting taxrelief@collingwood.ca or 705-445-1030 (press 1 then 2 to reach the tax department).
  • For residents who have already submitted a post-dated cheque for the May 15, 2020 property tax installment and would like to make alternative arrangements, please contact lgibson@collingwood.ca or call 705-445-1030 (press 1 then 2 to reach the tax department).
  • If you decided to be removed from a pre-authorized plan, once ready, you can choose to be re-enrolled within 2020 and have the remaining amounts re-calculated into a monthly payment plan by contacting the Tax Department.
  • Waiving water and wastewater penalty and interest charges for 90 days. Charges will continue to be calculated each month and customers will still receive a bill, however there will be no penalty for non-payment for 90 days. Account holders will be able to make payment arrangements with EPCOR on an individual basis at 705-445-1800 or www.epcor.com

“The Taxpayers of Collingwood will not need to worry about penalties, fees, and interest charges in the months ahead,” says Mayor Brian Saunderson, “Council and Staff will continue to explore opportunities for further municipal relief and we are eager to hear the community’s ideas and feedback. Let’s continue to work together to overcome adversity and care for our neighbours and those at risk. Together, we can do this!”

Additional Relief Measures in Place: 

  • An Economic Support and Recovery Task Force will support local business and promote continued investment in the Collingwood economy.
  • Emergency funding for the continuation of the Out of the Cold initiative.
  • By-law and Parking services will patrol for illegal parking in fire routes and dog at large/dog bite incidents. No other parking tickets are being issued at this time. By-law Enforcement will continue to respond to complaints using appropriate discretion and based on the urgency of the matters.
  • Transit has implemented a policy of rear door entry and exit, increased bus sanitation, and until further notice cash fares and transit pass taps are not required.
  • If residents are looking for something to do with young children, check out the library’s Facebook page for stories, crafts, and songs: https://www.facebook.com/collingwoodpubliclibrary

The Town of Collingwood will continue to explore additional relief options and will accelerate opportunities based on need. Future relief options could include property tax credits, business rebates, and further water and wastewater relief.

Please visit the Town of Collingwood’s COVID-19 Information Portal at www.collingwood.ca/covid.

Please continue to exercise Physical Distancing and Self-Isolation.