Update: Penetanguishene Suspending the Reduced Work Week Program

Update: Given the Province’s re-opening framework, and the need to re-implement services for our community, the Town is suspending the Reduced Work Week program effective June 14, 2020 for all Town staff. Staff will continue to focus on immediate tasks and areas that are maintaining areas that are highly traveled over the course of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Friday May 1, 2020

(Penetanguishene) In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Town of Penetanguishene and The Canadian Union of Public Employees have agreed to a reduced work week by 1 day per week for employees in all areas of the Corporation. This reduction is necessary due to the extended cancellation of several non-essential Town services and the resulting financial impact.

“We have had to make exceedingly difficult decisions in order to ensure that our organization operates in a manner that helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and allows us to work towards a strong financial and operational recovery,” says Jeff Lees, Chief Administration Officer.

In correlation with the reduced work week initiative, the Town has redeployed the equivalent of 3 full time positions from areas that are not deemed essential at this time. These staff members are assisting continuity of operations to support our essential and critical services in other departments.

“Not only are we thankful to all of our dedicated staff members who have been doing an exceptional job during these unprecedented times, but also thankful to our community members who are doing their part in helping us get through these demanding times,” says Mayor Douglas Leroux.

In addition to property taxes and water and wastewater rates, the Town of Penetanguishene budget is also funded from user fees collected for transit, permits, licenses, application fees, programming registrations and facility rentals.  All of these revenue sources are being impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Council has approved short-term financial relief measures and staff continue to analyze longer term relief measures for Council consideration as well as further cost containment opportunities moving forward. 

The Town of Penetanguishene will continue to maintain all essential services residents rely on. For the latest updates regarding COVID-19 and the impacts in the community visit; Public Notices

For any communications inquires please contact:

Sarah Marshall
Communications Coordinator
smarshall@penetanguishene.ca
705-549-7453