COVID-19

December 2021

Visit the County of Brant's YouTube channel for more video messages from our Mayor, David Bailey

On March 19, 2020 at 11:11 am, the County of Brant has declared a state of emergency. The media release can be found on the News webpage.

The County of Brant has declared an Emergency today in support of the Province of Ontario's and the Government of Canada’s efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the County of Brant with all options available to protect the health and safety of individuals and families living in the County.

What does Declaring a State of Emergency Mean?

• The declaration of emergency does not dramatically change the situation, we are already following our emergency management plan;
• It provides the municipality with certain legal protections, and also provides volunteers who may be involved in our response to this emergency with protection in the event we need to draw on volunteer resources in the coming days;
• It provides the municipality with flexibility to suspend normal practices to facilitate decision making for the organization to respond to the emergency as it unfolds, if necessary;
• It does not allow municipalities to “lock down” society or break laws or act outside of the normal municipal business;
• The County will continue to look for guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Brant County Health Unit on the steps it needs to take to help keep our residents safe, and the declaration puts us in a strong position to respond to the guidance provided by these agencies.

* Health Information and Resources

The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is the lead local agency for public health and continues to actively monitor the situation in collaboration with provincial and national health agencies, local hospital and community agencies.

2021-2022 After School Program: We are excited to welcome our friends back to the County of Brant After School Program! This year the program will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols to ensure that we all stay healthy and safe. Please visit www.Brant.ca/Afterschool for full details. 

We got you covered! Building permit applications can be electronically submitted through e-mail to building@brant.ca.

The application will need to include a pdf drawing or scanned image/ photos from your smart phone along with the completed permit application in order to be processed.  Please note that the building department will contact applicants with the procedure to pay fees prior to issuance of permits.

Building permit information can be found online at www.brant.ca/Building.

If you have questions in regards to your applications or any general questions, they can be directed to our Building staff at 519.44-BRANT.

The County of Brant will continue to adjust our operations according to the recommendation of Health Authorities. Any further changes or updates will be provided through the County of Brant’s website www.brant.ca/news and social media accounts @BrantCommunity.

The County of Brant would like to thank-you for your patience and understanding during this time and we recognize that these decisions and changes are disruptive and may have impact on those we serve. The safety and well-being of residents, staff and community at large is our top priority.

We're here for you!  Visit brant.ca/BrantWorksTogether to see how Brant can help our local businesses and industry partners.

Our Mayor, David Bailey addresses our local businesses and industry partners:

Cemetery burial services continue to be offered. 

Please contact at us at 519.442.3822 for assistance arranging cemetery services.

County of Brant Arenas and Community Centres will close as of January 5, 2022 at 12:01 am for at least 21 days. All registered and drop-in programs are cancelled during this time. If you have a facility booking during this closure period, please contact 519.442.1944 or email facilitybooking@brant.ca.  Staff are working to issue credits/refunds. Please be patient. 

The Province of Ontario has issued a mandatory proof of vaccination requirement. The purpose of the proof of vaccination requirement is to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the community and protect the health and wellbeing of citizens, healthcare workers and the healthcare system. The proof of vaccination requirement requires people to provide proof of being fully vaccinated* prior to entering the indoor area of recreational facilities such as the County’s community centres and arenas.

Who needs to provide proof of vaccination or proof of qualifying for an exemption and identification prior to entering the indoor area of the facility?

Sports:

• As of December 20, 2021, youth 12 – 17 years old are required to show proof of vaccination to enter a recreational facility.
  • Note of clarification: For children born in 2010 who are participating in activities that require proof of vaccination, they will be required to provide proof of vaccination 12 weeks after their 12th birthday.

Programs, other than organized sports:

• Registered and drop-in recreational program participants who are 12 years and above.

Parents, guardians and spectators who are 12 years and above must provide proof of vaccination.

Please note, all children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated parent or guardian in order to access recreation facilities.
Those who need to use the washroom, would like to make a purchase such as a dog park membership, make a payment or have an exemption letter from an approved medical professional, do not need to provide proof of vaccination. However, wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing remain in effect.

How do I get a copy of my proof of vaccination?

• As of January 4, 2022, the County will only accept the QR code issued by the Province of Ontario as proof of vaccination to enter a recreational facility.  To download your QR code, please visit  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/.
• All Ontarians receiving a vaccine, whether at first dose or second dose, are provided a receipt at the time of vaccination. A paper copy of the receipt is provided on site and an email version is sent to the email address provided by the vaccine recipient for the person’s records. Vaccination receipts can be downloaded or printed through the COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ or obtained by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1.833.943.3900. 
• If a Brant resident had vaccines outside of the province or country, the Brant County Health Unit can assist with getting the proper QR code by contacting 519.753.4937 x 438, or COVIDVaccinationEnquiries@bchu.org

What identification do I need to provide?
Visitors will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of identification to enter. Proof of vaccination will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their identification document matches the name and date of birth on the vaccination receipt and if the person is fully vaccinated. Photo identification is not required.

What to expect when you arrive at the County’s Community Centre:
At the entrance to the facility, a County of Brant Representative will ask:

• The reason for your visit to determine if ‘Proof of Vaccination’ is required for entry
• You to scan the QR Code and enter COVID-19 Health Screening and contact tracing information

 If required, staff will request your ‘Proof of a Vaccine Certificate’ as well as provide a form of identification. Identification may include:
o Birth certificate
o Citizenship card
o Driver’s licence
o Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card1
o Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
o Passport
o Permanent Resident card

Due to the time needed to review documents upon entry, participants and family members are advised to arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled program.

Youth participants and spectators are encouraged to take a photo of their identification, such as a birth certificate, to keep in their phone for ease of review for proof of age.

Physical distancing and masks are required throughout the facility except by participants while engaged in the sport or fitness activity.

For more information regarding Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination in Ontario, please visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination

The County of Brant has launched a webpage called Brant Cares (www.brant.ca/BrantCares) which offers a variety of community resources and services available to people during this challenging time.

“This is what our community is all about,” said Mayor David Bailey. “In our community, we take care of each other."

The Brant Cares webpage offers the community a ‘one-stop-spot’ to find a variety of community resources, businesses and services. This webpage highlights a number of businesses and community services that have changed their regular practice to meet the needs of the community during the COVID-19 health emergency.

To view Brant Cares, visit www.brant.ca/BrantCares

The County of Brant will proceed with Council and Committee meetings. For a list of upcoming meetings and the agenda, please visit www.brant.ca/CouncilCalendar.

In light of the need to practice physical distancing, Council meetings will be held virtually and not in the Council Chambers. Please do not attend Council Chambers as this building remains closed. 

Please tune into the County's YouTube channel to listen to Council meetings.

We appreciate your ongoing patience in this matter.  Any questions regarding the Council schedule may be directed to the Clerk at 519.44BRANT.

In response to the Provincial directive to temporarily move to a modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen and challenges faced by municipalities to continue to provide essential and critical services while local COVID-19 case counts impact a large sector of our community, the County of Brant has made the decision to temporarily close the Burford Customer Service Office (located at 26 Park Ave., Burford) and Paris Customer Service Office (located at 66 Grand River St., N, Paris) to the public effective end of day on Friday, January 7, 2022.  This measure is an effort to continue to protect residents and staff and minimize the strain on our local healthcare system.

There are many ways to connect with the County of Brant.  For assistance or information on how to access services while the offices are closed, please call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT or email info@brant.ca.  As well, a number of services are available online such as submitting a building permit, paying taxes, dog park memberships and purchasing bulk water.  Please visit www.brant.ca/OnlineServices for a full list of online services. 

The County of Brant is also social – reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by following our official accounts @BrantCommunity.

Online Services Reminder

We would like to remind the public that a number of services are available online such as submitting a building permit, paying taxes and purchasing bulk water. Please visit www.brant.ca/OnlineServices for a full list of online services.

The Community Services Office at 15 Curtis Ave. N., Paris is also closed. As a result, the Ontario Works Paris Satellite office and the Ontario Disability Support Program satellite office will also be closed. Please contact your case worker directly for more information.

Cemetery

The cemetery staff will continue to meet clients at cemeteries or the office by appointment to facilitate; lot sales, service arrangements, marker and spring monument installations. Genealogical requests will not be accepted at this time. Cemetery burial services will continue to be offered. Please contact at us at 519.442.3822 for assistance arranging cemetery services.

Clerk 

If you require a meeting with the clerk, please contact 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT.

Questions or comments? Contact us 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT or email info@brant.ca

Emergency Services contacts - Brant OPP, Fire and Paramedics

Brant OPP
Phone: 1-888-310-1122 (non-emergency)
Phone: 911 (emergency only)
Also visit www.brant.ca/opp

County of Brant Fire Administration
Toll Free: 1-866-847-5416
Phone: 519-442-4500
www.brant.ca/fire

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Province of Ontario requires the use of a face covering (non-medical mask, such as a cloth mask) in public indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge.  The County of Brant’s Face Covering bylaw expired on October 28, 2020 given the new provincial regulation. To learn more visit www.brant.ca/FaceCovering.

Do you have a face covering question, comment or concern?

Contact the County of Brant at covid-19@brant.ca or call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The Bylaw team is happy to assist you.⁠

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of fire incidents has increased across Ontario including the County of Brant.  Fire Chief Geoff Hayman wants to remind everyone how important it is to keep fire safety top of mind. Test your smoke and CO alarms and practice your home fire escape plan. Safety tips include:

• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires.
• Keep a close eye on anyone drinking alcohol and attempting to cook or smoke.
• Encourage smokers to smoke outside the home and outside the garage. Thoroughly extinguish all smoking materials in water or sand.
• Always blow out candles before leaving the room.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection. Avoid running electrical cords under rugs, which can damage the cords and cause a fire.
• Ensure items that can burn are at least one metre away from space heaters.
• Do not attempt to sterilize or decontaminate face masks for re-use by heating them in a microwave oven. Various fabric or metal components can overheat or create sparks and cause a fire if heated in a microwave.

Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, cemetery staff will continue to meet clients at cemeteries or the office by appointment to facilitate; lot sales, service arrangements, marker and fall monument installations.  Genealogical requests will not be accepted at this time.  Cemetery burial services will continue to be offered.   Please contact the Cemetery Office for more information at 519.442.3822.

Funeral Update:

Under guidance from the Bereavement Association of Ontario, outdoor funerals/services in County of Brant cemeteries will have a maximum of 75 persons, for services under the care of a funeral director. The funeral director must have staffing at a ratio of one (1) staff per 15 guests to a maximum of four (4) staff for 75.

For private services with no funeral director, attendance for services during weekdays would be considered at time of booking, noting the monitoring would be done by internal staff and subject to staff availability. The maximum number of attendees on weekends for a private service would be 15.

Visiting a grave?

We want to assure residents you can visit County of Brant cemeteries, but please be mindful of COVID-19 protocols and practice physical distancing when necessary.  Visitors to the cemetery should be patient and expect short waiting times as other families may be in the vicinity of their loved one’s grave.

Family and friends are welcome to place flowers (real or artificial) at the graveside. In order to keep the cemeteries clean and neat in appearance, staff will dispose of withered flowers and artificial flowers when in poor condition.

For more information about the planting of flowerbeds and dwarf shrubs, please refer to the Cemetery By-law 119-13 at www.brant.ca/CemeteryBylaw

As of January 5, 2022, County of Brant Libraries are limited to 50% capacity. Masks are required and we ask that you practice social distancing of 2 metres when visiting. Please visit www.brantlibrary.ca or follow the County of Brant Public Library on social media for more information.

Online Services and Curbside pickup

Library branches will continue to offer online services and curbside pickup. Visit www.brantlibrary.ca for full details.

Returning your items

1. When is it due? 

Our usual borrowing periods now apply. Log in and check your account if you're not sure when your items are due. 

2. How can I return things?

Materials should be returned through exterior book drops. Book drops are open at all 5 library branches.

Do you have an item marked "DO NOT PLACE IN BOOK DROP" (such as puzzles, board games, or electronics)? You may return these items inside the branch during open hours.

3. Why do I still see checkouts on my account after I returned them?

We're following strict quarantine procedures, which means we do not touch returned material for a minimum of 72 hours. You may see returned items on your account until we can check them in. It is nothing to worry about - as always there are no fines or fees being charged at this time.

Marriage License Applications

Since the issuance of marriage licenses requires an in-person meeting and due to limited supplies, marriage licenses are currently being issued for County of Brant residents who plan to get married within the next 2-3 weeks.  Please contact the Clerks office to schedule an appointment 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT.

Commissioner of Oaths

The Clerks Department can certify the validity of information and/or documents. We provide Commissioner of Oaths service for documents like affidavits, vehicle transfers and foreign pension forms. To arrange to have documents signed by a Commissioner of Oaths, please contact the Clerks Division at 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT.

Below are the media releases as they relate to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:

To stay up to date, subscribe to the County's news at www.brant.ca/Subscribe Also, follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BrantCommunity.

December 14, 2021 - Province of Ontario Updates Regulations for those who use Recreational Facilities

November 24, 2021 - County of Brant Recreation Programs

October 29, 2021 - The County of Brant’s Community Centres and Meeting Rooms Re-Open to the Public

September 22, 2021 - Proof of Vaccinations and Visiting the County of Brant’s Community Centres

September 10, 2021 - Strain on Local Emergency Response Services

June 21, 2021 - The County of Brant Re-Launches the Public Transportation Program

June 14, 2021 - Welcome Back to the Community Pool

June 9, 2021 - Sports Fields, Picnic Shelters and Funeral Capacity Updates

June 4, 2021 - County of Brant Re-Opens Splash Pads and Customer Service Offices

May 21, 2021 - Outdoor Recreational Amenities Re-Opening

April 17, 2021 - Further Restrictions to the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order and Impact on County of Brant Services

April 14, 2021 - EOC Advisory Committee warns of critical COVID-19 breaking point locally

March 30, 2021 - Important reminder for community residents to follow COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines

March 24, 2021 - The County of Brant Welcomes Temporary Foreign Workers

March 23, 2021 - The County of Brant Offers Free Transit for Seniors to Access COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

March 19, 2021 - Brant moves into Red - Control Level of Provincial Framework

March 9, 2021 - County of Brant to Offer Workshop Series for Farms Directly Selling to the Public

March 8, 2021 - Public Notice: Community Centres and Arenas

February 18, 2021 - County of Brant Mayor David Bailey Awarded the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Community Influencer Award

February 12, 2021 - Public Notice: County of Brant entering Orange-Restrict Zone

January 28, 2021 - Betty’s Place Benefits from the Digital Main Street Program

December 22, 2020 - Public Notice: COVID-19 Province-wide Shutdown 

December 15, 2020 - Public Notice: Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services, COVID-19 Positive Paramedic

November 12, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant will Provide Additional Funding for Businesses to Improve Public Safety Measures through the Community Improvement Plan

November 11, 2020 - Media Release: Country of Brant Royal Canadian Legions will Celebrate Remembrance Day Privately

October 15, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Extends Temporary Patio Allowance Program

October 7, 2020 - Media Release: Emergency Operations Centre Advisory Committee reinforces updated provincial public health regulations and guidelines

September 9, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Welcomes Filming Production back to the County

August 28, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Re-Opens Community Centres and Arenas

August 24, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Launches Digital Service Squad to Help Small Businesses Adopt Online Technologies

August 21, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Opens After School Program Registration

July 16, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant moves forward with Stage Three Re-Opening of Playgrounds

July 15, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant implements mandatory use of face coverings for enclosed public spaces

July 8, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Reopens Aquatic Facilities

June 30, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Allows Outdoor Sports Fields Rental Bookings

June 25, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Celebrates Canada Day

June 25, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant has Cancelled Additional Summer and Fall Events

June 19, 2020 - Media Release: Local residents strongly urged to avoid hosting/attending yard sales to help stop spread of COVID-19

June 19, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant is Reopening Aquatic Facilities

June 17, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Launches Temporary Patio Allowance Program

June 16, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant is the Host Community for the Virtual Canada Day Event – Canada Day House Party

June 11, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Moves Forward with Stage Two of Re-Opening Amenities

June 9, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Opens a Temporary Cooling Centre

June 5, 2020 - Media Release: Love Local Brant

May 29, 2020 - Media Release: Celebrate June!

May 28, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Cancels Summer Camp for 2020

May 26, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Continues to Re-Open Park Amenities, Skate Parks, Sports Fields, Basketball and Multi-purpose Courts and River Access Points

May 21, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Re-Opens Outdoor Park Benches, Tennis Courts, the Simply Grand Dog Park and the Dwayne Bereziuk Memorial Disc Golf Course.

May 20, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant has Cancelled Tour de Farm for 2020

May 19, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant has Cancelled Music in the Park for June 2020

May 15, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Begins Re-Opening Some Recreational Amenities as Directed by the Province of Ontario

May 14, 2020 - Media Release: Flowers are Coming to the County of Brant

May 13, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Partners with Equal Ground Community Gardens

May 9, 2020 - Update: Reminders to the Public re: Yard Sales, Gatherings and Donation Bins

May 5, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Fire Chief Urges Residents to Keep Fire Safety Top of Mind

April 30, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Businesses Step Up to Fight COVID-19

April 29, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Creates a Recreation Lending Program and Online Activities

April 27, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Launches A Business Map Connecting Residents to Local Services

April 24, 2020 - Media Release: Fishing in the County of Brant

April 23, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Resumes Spring Maintenance Activities in Public Spaces

April 23, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Modified the Open Air Burning Ban

April 21, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Thanks the Community for Generous Donations

April 17, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Celebrates Earth Week

April 14, 2020 - Media Release: Emergency Child Care to be provided for local Essential Services Frontline Workers

April 14, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Extending Facility Closures

April 9, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant Opens a Dedicated COVID-19 Response Line

April 6, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Welcomes Migrant Farm Workers

April 3, 2020 - Media Release: Emergency Operations Centre Advisory Committee supports access restrictions implemented by Six Nations of the Grand River to protect public health and safety

April 1, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Launches Brant Cares

March 31, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Closes All Outdoor Recreational Amenities

March 31, 2020 - Update: Water, Wastewater payments - late fees waived

March 30, 2020 - Update: The Brant County Health Units confirms the 11th case of COVID-19 in the community.

March 27, 2020 - Update: Closure of Mt. Pleasant and South Dumfries Skate Parks and Simply Grand Dog Park

March 26, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant has Launched a COVID-19 Economic Response Webpage

March 26, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant issues an Open-Air Burning Ban

March 25, 2020 - Update: Brant Community Healthcare System Update on COVID-19 assessment centre
March 24, 2020 - Media Release: Non-Essential Businesses Are Required to Close

March 23, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant – Please Do Your Part to Keep the Community Well (A message to those who have returned home from travelling)

March 23, 2020 - Media Release: Unified Emergency Operations Centre Advisory Group forms to respond to Covid-19 pandemic in Brantford, Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River

March 23, 2020 - Update: Brant County Health Unit confirms second and third cases of COVID-19 in Brant

March 20, 2020 - Update: Cemetery Services Updates (Saturday burial services suspended)

March 20, 2020 - Update: Wastewater Update - Please do not flush wipes down the toilet

March 20, 2020 - Update: Waste Collection Update - Please help us keep crews safe and healthy

March 20, 2020 - Update: Tax Payment Update - late fees waived

March 19, 2020 - Update: The County of Brant Closes all Customer Service Offices

March 19, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Declares a State of Emergency

March 19, 2020 - Update: What Does Declaring a State of Emergency Mean?

March 18, 2020 - Update: Cemetery Offices are by Appointment Only

March 18, 2020 - Update: The Water Meter Installation Program is Suspended

March 18, 2020 - Update: Playgrounds are Closed to Promote Social Distancing

March 18, 2020 - Update: Building Permit On-Line Options

March 17, 2020 - Media Release: County of Brant – Stay Home and Practice Social Distancing

March 15, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Temporarily Suspends In-Person Payments at Customer Service Offices

March 14, 2020 - Update: The County of Brant Libraries Close

March 14, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Closes Community Centres, Arenas, the Paris Museum and St. George Lawn Bowling Club

March 13, 2020 - Update: Healthy Kids Brantford/Brant Passport Program is Cancelled

March 13, 2020 - Media Release: The County of Brant Cancels Programs for the Community Well-being

All outdoor recreational amenities are open.

The County of Brant is pleased to resume sport field and picnic shelter rentals in line with the province’s ‘Road Map to Re-Open’ plan. Requests for sport field rentals are open and sport groups can resume game play. As well, picnic shelters and picnic area rentals for groups will be permitted. To arrange a booking, please contact the Facility Booking Office at 519.442.1944 or facilitybooking@brant.ca.

The Simply Grand Dog Park located at 8 Green Lane in Paris is OPEN but with certain provisions in place. Please read the following Public Notice for rules and COVID-related guidelines: Public Notice: Simple Grand Dog Park.  For Simply Grand Dog Park membership sales, please click here.  Please allow for up to two weeks for the key to be mailed to your address.

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC) Update:
As part of the Ontario Government’s Economic and Fiscal Update, it was announced that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC) 2020 Ontario-wide Assessment Update has been postponed in response to COVID19. This means that property assessments for the 2021 tax year will continue to be based on the same values in use for the 2020 tax year.  Learn more: www.mpac.ca/AssessmentUpdate.

As well, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC) Request for Reconsideration deadline for property owners (who disagree with the assessment of their property) is usually March 31 of the applicable tax year.

Due to COVID-19 health emergency, the deadline for the 2020 tax year will be 16 days after the @Ontario Government's Declaration of Emergency has been lifted. For more information, visit mpac.ca.

Public washrooms are open. 

Please note, the frequency of cleaning has been increased and please wash/sanitize your hands upon entry and exit of the washroom. Physical distancing is required while waiting in line and please wear a non-medical face mask when physical distancing may be difficult.

For washrooms locations, please visit the COVID Open/Closed webpage.

www.brant.ca/recreation (For all things recreation)

www.brant.ca/VirtualPrograms (Registered and non-registered program offerings)

www.brant.ca/RecAtHome (Free at home recreation ideas and resources and lending program)

Stay active!

If you’d like to learn more, ask a question or lodge a complaint regarding COVID-19 restrictions, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement Team. Contact Covid-19@brant.ca or call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT.

For issues that occur on weekends, after hours and on statutory/public holidays that require immediate response, contact the County of Brant 519.442.2241 (after hours number) or the OPP at *OPP or 1.888.310.1122.

Please note, the County of Brant and City of Brantford are different municipalities. 

If you are located within the City of Brantford and have a complaint, please contact 519.759.4150 or visit https://www.brantford.ca/en/your-government/by-law-enforcement.aspx

River Access points are open as of May 22, 2021.

For information on the Grand River Conservation Authority's (GRCA) Parks and River Access, please visit the GRCA website.

As of January 5, 2022,  Social gathering limits will be reduced to five people indoors and ten people outdoors.

There are a number of food banks in the County of Brant.  For a listing of these as well as other social services resources please visit www.brant.ca/BrantCares

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program satellite office:

As of March 17 2020 at 4:30 pm, the Community Services Office at 15 Curtis Ave. N., Paris also closed. As a result, the Ontario Works Paris satellite office and the Ontario Disability Support Program satellite office will also be closed. Please contact your case worker directly for more information.

County of Brant Trails
Trails owned and/or managed by the County of Brant are open, but you must practice physical distancing and maintain a minimum of 2 metres / 6 feet from others outside of your household. Wear a face mask if physical distancing may be difficult.

• Dogs are permitted in parks and trails on a leash. Please stoop and scoop.
• Refrain from littering in the parks and on trails.

For more information, visit the interactive map of the open and closed trails and parks: https://maps.brant.ca/opentrails

Additional maps of the trails by community:

• Overview Map (pdf)
• Paris (pdf)
• Mount Pleasant (pdf)
• Burford (pdf)

Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
For information about the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) owned and managed properties, facilities, trails and passive use conservation, please visit www.grandriver.ca/en/who-we-are/covid-19.aspx

City of Brantford
Please check the City of Brantford’s website for Park and Trail status for trails that cross municipal boundaries. www.brantford.ca/trails

The Brant Transit public transportation program continues to operate. Enhanced cleaning practices of vehicles has been implemented.  For more information on Brant Transit, please visit www.brant.ca/BrantTransit.

A reminder to users that Brant Transit does not run on statutory holidays.

The County of Brant waste collection crews continue to pick up blue box material and garbage on the regular schedule. Their efforts on behalf of our community are appreciated more than ever during this time, and we want to keep them healthy.  While crews have their own health and safety procedures in place, they have asked that we take these extra steps to help protect them on the job.

• Ensure used tissues and napkins are placed in the garbage
• Put all garbage in securely tied garbage bags, not loose in garbage cans
• If you are sick, place any item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items you would normally put in the blue box, such as water bottles, pop cans, juice boxes, etc.

These steps will help protect the health of crews who handle thousands of bins, bags and boxes each week. We all have a role to play and by working together we can make a difference.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Due to the current pandemic situation residents are asked to refrain from using the waste facilities at Biggar’s Lane Landfill and the Paris Transfer Station.

If use of the facilities are required please note as of Monday January 10, 2022 the County of Brant’s Solid Waste Facilities operating hours will be reduced.

The Sites will be open as follows;

Biggars Lane Landfill – Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm, Closed Saturday and Sunday

Paris Transfer Station – Saturday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, Closed Weekdays and Sunday

The following measures for protection of staff and residents have been implemented:

• Masks to be worn onsite at all times
• The County will only accept debit and credit payments at the waste facilities. Tap will be encouraged. Cash will not be accepted
• County staff working at drop off areas and interacting with the public will be practicing social distancing (i.e. maintaining 2 metres separation between themselves and other people)
• A maximum of 8 vehicles will be permitted on the Paris Transfer Station site at the same time

A friendly reminder to County of Brant residents:

Disinfecting wipes are helping people combat spreading germs. Please remember to throw wipes in the trash. Refrain from flushing wipes down the toilet as this can cause blockages and damage to wastewater (sanitary) and septic systems.  

Wipes can cause damage to sewer systems and equipment even if they are labelled "flushable" or "septic-safe".  When a product is labelled 'flushable' it generally means that it will clear your toilet bowl but does not mean it will clear your pipes or break down in the wastewater system and at a wastewater treatment plant.

Toilet paper dissolves easily in the wastewater systems.  However, wipes and paper towels do not.  

For more information, visit: www.brant.ca/en/resident-services/Sanitary-Sewer-Connections.aspx

For more information, visit: Canadian Water and Wastewater article "COVID-19 and Sewers – To avoid a Sewage Back-up don’t treat your toilet like trash can"