Town of Penetanguishene offers Municipal Services by appointment only, effective February 18, 2021
February 16, 2021 – On Friday, February 12, the Ontario government announced the transition out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has since transitioned into the Red – Control category of the framework.
With these changes and end of the stay at home orders for our community, the Town of Penetanguishene Municipal Offices will be offering appointment only services effective February 18, 2021.
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.
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.
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.
“We understand that residents are eager to get out of their homes and visit public buildings in person” said Mayor Leroux. “The Town has taken a cautious approach to reopening our facilities, by only allowing visitors by appointment when required. In taking the health and safety of staff and residents into consideration, we ask that if you are able to complete your services remotely you continue to remain home to ensure we continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will stay in the Red-Control level for at least two weeks at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health and workplace safety measures to determine if the region should stay where we are or move to a different level.
“Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our staff and our residents have remained forefront in our minds,” says Jeff Lees, CAO. “Even as the province announces the gradual reopening, it is important that we continue to practice social distancing, wearing a mask and staying home whenever possible. The vaccine rollout brings us hope, however it remains critical that we work together as a community to keep our residents and family members safe.”
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 at 705-549-7453 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. 2021 Fire permit applications will be accepted by email and mail and processed remotely. The Fire Department can be contacted by email. |
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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 (i.e. Fire Permits, Dog Tags, Garbage Tags, Transit Cards, etc.). For tax and utility inquiries, you can also contact the Tax Collector/Utility Accounting Clerk directly by email. |
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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. |
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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 705-549-7453. As always, for Roads, Water or Wastewater emergencies call: 705-527-8210. |
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Recreation & Parks |
Parks – Parks remain open. 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. |