Town of Penetanguishene Municipal Offices offer services by appointment only, effective April 9, 2021
April 8, 2021 – On Wednesday, April 7, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, declared a third provincial emergency. These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.
With the announcement of the stay-at-home order for our community, the Town of Penetanguishene Municipal Offices will be offering appointment only services effective April 9, 2021 at 8:30am.
Residents are being encouraged to use online options or the drop box located at the front of Town Hall for service as much as possible. Online options regarding tax payment options are outlined here.
Please note, during the 28-day period the Town of Penetanguishene has suspended the need to purchase Dog Tags, Fire Permits and the penalties/interest relating to the upcoming tax due date to limit in-person contact and non-essential appointments.
Staff will continue to be working and available during this time. Residents can contact staff by phone or email during regular working hours, 8:30am – 4:30pm to make an appointment for in-person services, if required. A list of most frequently requested services and how to contact has been provided below. Alternatively, a full staff directory is available here or by calling 705-549-7453.
“This has been a difficult year for all members of our community" says Mayor Doug Leroux. “Over the next 28 days, please continue to be vigilant and follow the stay-at-home order as well as all other parameters in place to keep our community safe.”
How to Book an Appointment:
Planning, Building and By-law: 705-549-2673
Public Works: 705-549-7992
All other matters: 705-549-7453
A chart that outlines specific changes in each department is available below.
“With the latest stay at home order, our Emergency Management Team felt that reverting to this method is the responsible approach to take to ensure we continue to keep ourselves, staff and residents safe" says CAO Jeff Lees. “Staff have done a tremendous job at switching gears since this decision was made, and we are certain that we will still be meeting the expectations of service levels.”
The Town of Penetanguishene’s Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. Updates are provided on our website at www.penetanguishene.ca.
We encourage you to sign up to receive public notice updates through email. To register please visit our subscription portal, here. Alternatively, updates are provided on our social media channels. Follow @Penetanguishene on Twitter and Facebook.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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Municipal Service |
Impact |
Action |
|
Building Department |
Building permit applications can be dropped off at Townhall, emailed or mailed into Townhall and will continue to be processed. Staff will contact the applicant when a permit is ready to be issued to coordinate an appointment to pick up the permit. Building permit inspections can be coordinated by appointment for same day inspections if called in by 11 am where possible. We request that as much advance notice as possible be given in order to ensure a timely inspection. |
The Building Department can be contacted by email or by phone 705-549-2673 for more information. |
|
By-Law Complaints |
By-law staff are available by phone at 705-549-7453 or by email. Complaint forms will be accepted over email and drop box. |
The online complaint form is available here. |
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Fire & Emergency |
The Fire Hall is closed to the public. Staff are available by appointment. |
Fire and emergency services will remain functional for response and request for fire inspections will be reviewed on an individual basis; however, access to the fire stations remain closed to the public. Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4:00 pm to midnight. Please refer to the “Open Air Burning Permit Terms and Conditions” attachment for guidelines and more information. |
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Municipal Administration, Finance, Tax and Utility Billing |
Townhall is closed to the public. Staff are available by telephone, email or appointment. |
All Staff and Council continue to be available by email through our contact listing on our website. Council and Committee meetings will continue to be held electronically. Meetings with links to agendas and minutes are listed on our website. For Finance related inquiries please email finance@penetanguishene.ca or call Townhall at 705-549-7453 for alternate service arrangements and payment options. For tax and utility inquiries, you can also contact the Tax Collector/Utility Accounting Clerk directly by email. Please note: Penalty on the 2nd interim tax installment due on April 30, will be waived for 1 week after the stay at home order is lifted. |
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Permits and Licensing |
Burial permits, Marriage, Taxi, and Lottery Licenses, Commission of Oath services are available electronically or by appointment. |
The Corporate Services Department can be contacted by email or by phone at 705-549-7453 for information. |
|
Public Works |
Public Works building is closed to the public. Staff are available by appointment. |
Public Works services will remain functional. The Public Works Department can be contacted by email or by phone at 705-549-7992. As always, for Roads, Water or Wastewater emergencies call: 705-527-8210. |
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Recreation & Parks |
Parks – Parks remain open. Pavilions are currently taped off to reduce public distancing. Staff are available by appointment. Programming – All recreational programming has been cancelled until further notice. |
Signage is posted at applicable amenities advising of closures to encourage social distancing. The Recreation Department can be contacted by email or by phone at 705-549-7453. |