COVID-19

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.

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.

To stay up to date and learn more, there are a number of online resources available to you.  Travel advice and information about COVID-19 including how to prepare, prevent and recognize symptoms of the virus can be found on the following websites:

• Brant County Health Unit www.bchu.org
  • Recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:
    • Staying home when you are sick.
    • Washing your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    •  Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    •  Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
    •  Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the garbage.
    •  Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
    •  Practice physical distancing

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

    • fever over 38 degrees Celsius
    • cough
    • difficulty breathing
  • if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms the Brant County Health Unit recommends the following:
    
    • Stay at home and avoid close contact with others.
    • Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

• • If symptoms require medical attention, residents are asked to:
    • call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
    • call BCHU at 519-753-4937 or visit bchu.org
    • call their health-care provider
    • call 911, if you need immediate medical assistance
    • if you plan to go to the emergency department call ahead at 519-751-5818.
    • If you seek medical care, share your recent travel history with your healthcare provider.
    • Avoid using public transportation
  • Please visit the Brant County Health Unit website for more information.

• Ontario Ministry of Health www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
  
  • provides up-to-date provincial information

• Canada Public Health Agency www.canada.ca/COVID-19
  • provides Canadians with up-to-date information and resources

Additional resources

Posters and fact sheets are available online through Public Health Ontario including:

• How to self monitor
• How to self isolate
• Self-isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts

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.

If you cannot electronically submit your application please use the drop box located outside the front door at 66 Grand River St. N., Paris.  We will no longer be accepting hand delivered packages or documents at this time due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing. 

Building permit information can be found online at www.brantca/Building.

If you have questions in regards to your applications or any general questions, they can be directed to our Building staff at 519.442.6324.

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 has been updating business continuity plans should COVID-19 challenge our community. 

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 will continue to be offered from Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm, however Saturday services will be suspended temporarily, starting March 28 until further notice to ensure operational effectiveness.

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

Effective March 14, 2020 at 8:30 pm, the County of Brant has closed the following:

• All community centres
• Arenas
• The Paris Museum and Historical Society
• St. George Lawn Bowling Club

These closures are directly aligned with recommendations from Brant County Medical Officer of Health and the Province of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer.

Re-imbursements for cancelled facility rentals will be generated as quickly as possible. Please be patient with staff.

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 people who offer a variety of services and supports are innovative, nimble and are responding to a variety of community needs.”

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.

The County of Brant has temporarily suspended all Council and Committee Meetings in accordance with objectives to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Further updates will be available on www.brant.ca/Council as practices and procedures are developed to maintain business continuity and proceed with outstanding matters requiring Council direction.

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

All Customer Service offices are closed.

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 from Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm, however Saturday services will be suspended temporarily, starting March 28 until further notice to ensure operational effectiveness. Please contact at us at 519.442.3822 for assistance arranging cemetery services.

Clerk 

If you require a meeting with the clerk, please contact 519.44-BRANT. 

If you have questions, please call 519.44-BRANT or email info@brant.ca

An Open-Air Burning Ban is in effect starting Friday, March 27, 2020. This ban is to ensure that all fire service resources are available to respond to the evolving COVID-19 health emergency.

View the Media Release: The County of Brant issues an Open-Air Burning Ban

For more information, contact the County of Brant Fire Department at 519.442.4500.

On March 28, 2020, the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario issued a statement outlining the maximum number of people who can attend a funeral or visitation in one room, at one time must be10 or fewer.

This number must be lower if the room cannot allow people to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres (six feet) apart from each other at all times, to a maximum of 10 people in one room.

Even if you have unlimited space, or are outside, the maximum is 10. The number does not include funeral staff. This directive will apply to all services occurring at County of Brant Cemeteries.

Note, that if you advertise a funeral, visitation or gathering in any medium you must state this limitation or link to this directive at https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive/

For more information, visit https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive/

The County of Brant Public Library Board has decided to close all branches as of Friday, March 13 at 5:00 pm. At this time libraries are anticipated to be closed until further notice.

During this closure, patrons are encouraged to keep their library materials at home. Please do not return items to the drop box at this time. All due dates will automatically be extended and no lost or overdue fines will be charged.

Online service is always available at www.brantlibrary.ca.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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 24, 2020 - Media Release: Non-Essential Businesses Are Required to Close

March 25, 2020 - Update: Brant Community Healthcare System Update on COVID-19 assessment centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

The County of Brant has closed:

• Playgrounds,
• Tennis courts,
• All skate parks,
• The Simply Grand Dog Park
• Basketball courts
• Sports fields
• Picnic shelters
• Picnic areas
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Community gardens
• Disc golf course
• River access points

The County of Brant reminds the public to stay home if you can and practice physical distancing if you attend an open space or trail to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Caregivers are encouraged to take children for walks outdoors and enjoy the use of parks (not playgrounds) while practicing physical distancing from others.  For those who are ill or practicing self-isolation (including children), please refrain from using any public spaces.

UPDATE - Effective March 19, all County of Brant Customer Service Offices are closed to the public. 

Due to office closures, online payments are now accepted for:

Bulk water, account receivable invoices, dog tags, building and planning applications.

Suspending late payment fees for accounts receivable and property taxes:

In an effort to help alleviate the financial pressures being placed on residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Brant will not be charging any late payment fees on accounts receivable or property taxes until further notice.

Those who take part in the pre-authorized payment program for taxes, please contact the County’s tax department if you would like to opt out of the payment plan, please contact tax@brant.ca or phone 519.449.2451.

Due to office closures, Municipal Taxes can be paid by:

• Online/telephone banking through your financial institution OR
• In the drop boxes at the addresses listed below:
  • Oakland: 3 King St. N., Oakland
  • Onondaga: 42 Brantford St., Brantford
  • St. George: 7 Gaukel Dr., St. George
  • Burford Administration: 26 Park Ave., Burford
  • Paris Customer Service: 66 Grand River St. N., Paris

* Please note all offices are closed.

Please also consider:

• Pre Authorized enrollment for Property Taxes. Visit www.brant.ca/TaxPaymentForm
• Mail: P.O. Box 249, Burford, ON N0E 1A0
• Property Tax Statements/Tax Certificates can be requested online: https://webforms.brant.ca/Finance/Tax-Certificates

For alternate payment arrangements, tax amounts for income tax purposes or more information please contact tax@brant.ca.

Hydro and Water:

Payments for Energy Plus water and hydro bills can be made by contacting Energy Plus at 519.442.2215, toll free:1.877.871.2215 or www.energyplus.ca

Dog Licenses (due date extended to May 31, 2020):

Dog License renewal payment options include:

• Over the phone: Credit cards payments can be made. Please call 519.449.2451
• By internet banking: Add “County of Brant Dog Tag” as a payee and insert account # this can be found on your renewal form (example LCDG0000000XX). If you need your account number, please contact the County of Brant at 519.449.2451 (or email doglicense@brant.ca)
• By mail: send your form with a cheque payable to the "County of Brant” to the “County of Brant – 26 Park Ave, P.O. Box 160, Burford ON N0E 1A0”
• Drop-boxes: Deposit your renewal form and payment at a County of Brant drop box. Addresses listed in section below.
• In the drop boxes at the addresses listed below:
• • Oakland: 3 King St. N., Oakland
  • Onondaga: 42 Brantford St., Brantford
  • St. George: 7 Gaukel Dr., St. George
  • Burford Administration: 26 Park Ave., Burford
  • Paris Customer Service: 66 Grand River St. N., Paris

*Please note, all offices are closed

Bulk Water:

As the County has suspended taking in-person payments at County offices, pre-payment for bulk water can now be made on-line using your credit card at: https://webforms.brant.ca/Finance/Bulk-Water-Fill-Station-Reload. Please ensure all fields of the form are completed accurately. There will be a one (1) business day delay before the amount is added to your account.

Composter sales are also temporarily suspended.

If you have questions, please call 519.44-BRANT or email info@brant.ca

As of March 13, 2020, all county-led recreation programs and events have been suspended until further notice.  This includes registered programs and drop-in programs such as drop-in skating and turf programs.  As well, the Paris Seniors Club which operates from St. James Anglican church is also cancelled.

Distribution of the Spring/Summer Community Guide has been cancelled.

The following food banks are available in the County of Brant. Please click on location below to visit their website or call for up-to-date information:

Paris Food Bank  – 519.442.3432

Fellowship Baptist Church Burford - 519.449.5315

Below is a listing of items that food banks are in need of. Please call ahead if you plan to drop-off donations (for the Paris Food Bank drop-off bins are also available at No Frills or Sobey’s in Paris):

• Canned meats
• Fruit (fresh or canned) and produce (potatoes, onions and carrots)
• Kids school snacks
• Juice
• Instant coffee/tea bags
• Hygiene items – soap and tooth paste
• Kraft Dinner

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.

Please find an updated listing of County of Brant trails that are open and closed: 

A reminder to use physical distancing of 2 metres when using trails. 

Please note, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has closed all trails effective March 24, 2020.

• Lions Park and Barkers Bush - Paris – OPEN
• Penmans Dam – OPEN
• North side of Willow St., Paris to Cambridge – CLOSED – GRCA
• South side of Willow St., Paris to Powerline Rd. – OPEN
• Hardy Rd. – CLOSED – GRCA
• Grand Valley Trail – OPEN (GRCA sections CLOSED)
• TH & B and LE & N trails from Shellard Lane and Conklin Rd. to Mt. Pleasant and beyond are OPEN

 For the GRCA trails that are closed, please refer to the GRCA Trails information and map below.

Grand River Conservation Authority trails information:

• Please see the following update on the closure of GRCA Trails: GRCA Update - March 24, 2020
• A complete list of GRCA trails that are closed can be found here: GRCA COVID-19 FAQ
• For more information on these trails please visit the following page: GRCA Trails

• GRCA Trails Map (PDF)

At this time, Brant eRide will continue to operate.  Please use for essential travel only.  Enhanced cleaning practices of vehicles has been implemented.  We will continue to monitor the situation and address the delivery of public transportation services as required.

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.

Please refrain from using the Biggars Lane Landfill or Paris Transfer Station unless necessary.

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 is necessary, please note that as of Monday March 30, 2020, the County of Brant’s Solid Waste Facilities operating hours have been reduced.

The site hours will be open as follows:

• Biggars Lane Landfill – Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.  Closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Paris Transfer Station – Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Closed weekdays and Sunday.
  
  

The number of users/vehicles allowed on the sites at one time will be reduced to enable physical distancing. Long waits may occur at times.

Details on the locations of the site can be found on the County website at www.brant.ca/en/resident-services/landfill-and-transfer-station.aspx

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

• Only debit and credit payments will be accepted
• County staff will be practicing social distancing (i.e. maintain 2 metres separating themselves and others)
• If 2 meters of separation cannot be maintained with the Scale House Attendants, users will be instructed to communicate with the Scale House Attendants by calling the scale house phone numbers, if they have a cell phone. A sign is posted at the scale house with instructions.

A friendly reminder to County of Brant residents:

Wipes

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 labeled "flushable" or "septic-safe".  When a product is labeled '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"