The Provincial and Federal Governments have taken several steps to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. The Town of Perth is following all directives issued provincially and federally to proactively limit the spread of the virus within our community.
As of 7 April 2020, the Town has Declared a State of Emergency
On April 9, 2020, the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit released this message strongly encouraging cottagers to stay at their primary residence.
Below is a list of COVID-19 topics that you should be aware of:
| Town Facility Closures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Town Hall, Fire Hall and all Indoor Recreational town facilities will be restricted to employees only, until further notice. The Perth and District Union Library is closed but is now offering curbside pickup. Due to the order passed on 19 May, 2020 by the Province of Ontario, the following recreation amenities in Perth are now OPEN for public use:
Social Distancing guidelines must be followed when using these facilities, unless you are part of the same household. Organised games on the baseball and soccer fields are not permitted. For additional information see this set of Q and A from the Health Unit. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others." These recreation amenities are still CLOSED:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provincial Offences Court Cancellation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Provincial Offences court that runs at Town Hall on Tuesdays, is cancelled until July 6, 2020 inclusive. Trial notices will be re-issued and sent to defendants in the mail. If you have questions please call 613-326-3122. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event Cancellations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Stewart Park Festival, Ribfest, the Kilt Run, Garlic Festival and the Perth Fair have been cancelled See our Event Calendar for other event cancellations that we are aware of. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How to Report to the OPP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| If you need to report a problem to the OPP, please use their online tool . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business Support Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Local Support
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of SMEs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to provide targeted assistance to the small towns and communities they serve, CFDCs will focus on assisting “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, and businesses of strategic importance to their communities, with loans up to $40,000 (with 25% being forgivable). Businesses in Lanark County and North Leeds may apply through Valley Heartland. For more information see the following link: https://www.valleycfdc.com/rrrf Lanark County OPP Tips for Businesses Closing Province of Ontario Official Summary of Federal and Provincial Support Programs for Individuals and Businesses Up to Date as of May 25th at 4:30 pm
Provincial Government SupportUpdated on May 25th at 4:30 pm Ontario announces a list of essential businesses to remain open during COVID-19 pandemic. Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659 for businesses who have questions about the provincial order to close non-essential workplaces. The table below will continue to be updated in the coming days as more details on above announced programs become available and additional programs are revealed. Many of the above programs are anticipated to be in full operation by April.
Federal Government SupportUpdated on May 25th 2020 at 4:30 pm The table below will continue to be updated in the coming days as more details on above announced programs become available and additional programs are revealed.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re-Opening Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
This from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit, describes what businesses should consider before re-opening. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Perth & District Union Library | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
10 Ways Your Library is Still Here for You Hard copy library books may be out of the question right now, but as the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says; “Don’t panic.” The Perth Union Library and its staff are still here for you, even if it is from a socially appropriate distance! Wondering how to use our resources, or what’s even available? Read on, dear patron. 1 – Check out our new website If you haven’t explored our new website yet, now is the perfect time! Resources for kids, digital services, exploration & enrichment, as well as our catalogue for book searches are ready for your perusal with just an easy click from our homepage. 2 – Explore our online book collection Dear patrons, we know that there is truly nothing like a “real” book, but have you checked out Libby yet? Libby is a free app with which you can download e-books and audiobooks using your library card. Online copies might not be “the same,” but these resources are a treasure all on their own. Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy a story hands-free, and who knew that reading in the dark could be so cozy? You can set your text size, brightness level, and even colour scheme from the settings menu. Remember that your library card number is listed near the barcode on your card. 3 – Find your next book Sometimes finding your next read is difficult. We’re here to help! Not only does our website have a staff picks page, but we also have a direct link to NoveList. NoveList is a great way to help match you with the titles you want; just search for a favourite book and click through for a list of similar titles or authors. You can also browse book titles by genre or by description. If you are wondering what the last book you checked out from the Perth Library was called, remember that you can log in to your account on our website, and view your circulation history! 4 – Watch movies for free Kanopy is a movie-streaming service that you can access for free using your library account. Search films by genre or topic, set parental controls, and even check your viewing history. The Kanopy library is an especially great way to explore some new ideas if you are needing a break from Hollywood media. Be aware though; you only get five free movies per month! What a great excuse to set up a virtual movie night, and enjoy a film together – apart. 5 – Visit the museum Feeling a need to see something besides the usual surroundings? Visit the museum from your couch! Many cultural spaces around the world are opening up their displays to virtual tours for free. These can be found with a few easy clicks from the Perth Union Library’s homepage. First, select “Programs & Events” then “Adult Learning.” This will take you to a page rich in easy-click links to lead you on your next great online adventure. You can even visit the Metropolitan Opera! “Nightly Met Opera Streams” at 7:30 p.m. Remember that you can easily bookmark a page from your internet browser - look for the three dots representing a drop-down menu, or a star near the web address. 6 – Build your digital skills Libraries are a place of shared knowledge. Even in the midst of so much change, this continues to be true. At the Perth Union Library, we recognize that the online world can be a difficult and overwhelming place to navigate. Feeling stranded is the worst! To help you on your way, we have included a resource link on our Adult Learning page called “TechBoomers.” The TechBoomers site offers a wide range of tutorials from internet safety and shopping online, to how to use Facebook. If you are feeling that you have these things figured out pretty well, you can even find tutorials on how to learn computer programming, run a successful blog, or advice on how to get your business online. 7 - Free Wifi The library is a place of connection and we are all finding new ways to connect with our community these days. As always, allow us to get you connected digitally; if you bring your own device, you can connect freely to the library’s wifi network from anywhere around the library building. Now that the weather is getting warmer you can actually linger in the library garden, applying appropriate physical distancing, of course! 8 - Explore the world While we may not be able to pack our bags and hop on a plane right now, we can still explore the wonders that the world has to offer right in our own homes! Under the Digital Library tab of our website, you can find Global Road Warrior and AtoZ World Travel, both of which are fantastic resources packed with information about the many places and cultures of our wonderful world. 9 - Connect the kids We've got tons of fun stuff and educational resources for kids on our website! On the Kids’ Resources page, you’ll find links for at-home learning, exploration, and play with ideas for offline activities as well. For the younger set, click over to our Babies & Toddlers page where you’ll find tons of guides and storytimes to help you build your child’s early literacy skills. Parents, we haven’t forgotten you - you now have your very own Parents’ Corner filled with information and resources to support you and your growing readers! Kids can sign up for our new Pen Pal Program to connect with other kids in our community (and to get some reading & writing practice in!) 10 - Connect with us Connect with us on social media for all the latest updates - follow us on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram! If you’re missing the friendly faces you usually see at the library, check-in with our staff on the library’s blog to see what we’re up to (find it under the “About” tab of the website, under “News”). Miss getting together with your book club to chat about what you’ve read? Join the Perth Union Library Together Apart Book Club on Goodreads. We’re currently reading The Outlander by award-winning Canadian author Gil Adamson which is accessible free for all with your Perth Union Library card. Join in the discussion! This is just a short list of the ways the library is here for you. Hop on our website for current information about the library closure, links to mental health support, and our regular catalogue. We’re also on social media, and would love to meet you there! It is such a wild change to be distant from our wonderful patrons. We hope that you are all keeping well. Have questions or just want to say hi? Reach out to us at info@perthunionlibrary.ca and come visit our virtual space soon! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Support Services | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Several Lanark County Agencies have launched an Isolation Centre in Perth for those who have tested positive for Covid-19 and need a place to quarantine. If you are in this situation, call the Lanark County Interval House crisis line (613-257-5960 or 1-800-267-7946 or TTY: 613-257-1952) to be assessed. The Province of Ontario has provided relief funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With its allocation, Lanark County has set up an emergency rent/mortgage bank to assist County residents who are behind in their rent/mortgage and are at risk of being evicted or losing their home. Information and Application Form Found Here |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volunteer Groups Ready to Help | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
There are several local "caremongering" groups that have started up to help people in our community who are in need. Thanks to all the volunteers who are making these groups work! |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Trail at Darou Farm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To provide another option for residents to walk during the COVID-19 crisis, the Town has created a walking trail at the Darou Farm at 2845 Rideau Ferry Road. Here is an overhead view of the North Loop and the South Loop. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Garbage and Recycling Collection | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
There are no changes to the Garbage and Recycling collection schedule If you need to pickup your garbage tags up while Town Hall is closed to the public, please call 613-267-3311 ext. 2221 or email reception@perth.ca |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Landfill Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Perth Landfill is operating at regular hours. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments Owing to the Town | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PROPERTY TAX & UTILITY PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Mail: Cheque’s payable to the Town of Perth Town of Perth Drop box: Drop a payment in the mail slot, located at the front door of Town Hall. Online: Please follow the online instructions to set up payment of your utility or tax bill by telephone or online banking here: Bank: Taxes can be paid at most Financial Institutions, when presenting your original Tax Bill.
OTHER PAYMENTS Most other payments can be paid over the phone with a credit card. Call 613-267-3311 Ext 2278 For any questions or concerns please call 613-267-3311 or email contact@perth.ca. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Building and Planning Timeline Suspensions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A Provincial Order in Council has been passed that suspends all legislated timelines which includes Planning and Building Code timelines. See our COVID-19 Protocol for Building Permit & Inspection Services - Updated April 6, 2020. For additional Building information call our Chief Building Official Brian Gass at 613-267-3311 Ext 2232 For Planning information call our Planner Bradley Wright at 613-267-3311 Ext 2235 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Healthcare Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit. Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
If you have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath please contact:
or
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provincial Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government of Canada COVID-19 Information |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State of Emergency Declaration Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
An emergency is defined under the Emergency Management Act as “a situation, or an impending situation caused by the forces of nature, an accident, an intentional act or otherwise that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or property”. Mayor John Fenik declared a state of emergency for the Town of Perth due to the COVID-19 crisis. This declaration falls in line with the steps taken by the Ontario Government, and will be in place until further notice.
An emergency declaration may extend to all, or any part of the geographical area under the jurisdiction of the municipality, in this case it extends to all of the geographical area of the Town of Perth.
This Declaration was made in order to support our Public Health officials. The Town of Perth supports the Health Unit’s stance that seasonal cottage owners should stay at home and we continue to encourage residents to stay at home when sick, practice physical distancing, avoid non-essential visits to stores, washing our hands and covering our cough |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Town of Perth Press Releases | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
April 7, 2020 Declaration of State of Emergency - COVID-19 March 20, 2020 Town Encourages Cottagers to Stay Home During COVID-19 Crisis March 25, 2020 Waiving of Interest and Penalties on Property and Water Taxes |
Event 
News and 
Garbage 
Recreation