COVID-19

Province Extends and Strengthens Stay-at-Home Order

On Friday, April 16^th, the Province of Ontario announced a two-week extension to the provincial State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order along with the introduction of strengthened COVID-19 restrictions. In accordance with this announcement, all Loyalist Township playgrounds and outdoor facilities will be closed to the public effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Play Structures and Outdoor Recreation Amenities Closed

Staff have begun to close outdoor recreational amenities. Closed amenities include sports fields, playgrounds, and sports courts. In accordance with provincial restrictions, residents are asked to refrain from using these amenities.

Parks and Trails Remain Open

Parks and trails will remain open at this time. Residents are reminded to practice physical distancing and limit their contact to members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone.

Additional Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures

In addition to the closure of outdoor recreation facilities, the province also announced the following public health and workplace safety measures effective Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.:

Prohibit all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household.

All non-essential construction is to be shut down.
Reduce capacity limits to 25 per cent in all retail settings where in-store shopping is permitted.
Limiting inter-provincial travel.

Increasing fines and increasing police enforcement powers.

Effective Monday, April 19^th the capacity of weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites, or ceremonies will be limited to 10 people indoors or outdoors.

Provincewide Stay-at-Home Order Begins April 8

Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Ontario government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes.

In a news release, the Ontario government defined trips for essential purposes as:

Going to the grocery store or pharmacy;
Accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated);
For exercise close to home and with the people you live with;
For work that cannot be done remotely.

The province is also strengthening public health measures for non-essential retail. Measures include but are not limited to:

Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes, including access for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment.
Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only.

As a result of the stay-at-home order, municipal services have been impacted as follows:

Municipal Buildings Closing to Public Access:

To adhere to and support the provincial Stay-at-Home order, Township offices including the Administration Office in Odessa, Township Fire Stations, the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre and the Leisure & Activity Centre, will be closed effective Friday, April 9 and many staff will be working remotely until the stay-at-home order is over. Loyalist Township continues to provide essential services, with staff available to assist residents by email or telephone. If calling a municipal office, please leave a phone message and your call will be returned.

The Township office at 18 Manitou Crescent West in Amherstview will continue to be open by appointment only. In accordance with established public health requirements, appointments with Township staff will require completion of a COVID-19 screening. Appointments should be limited to essential purposes only.

Payments:

Tax and utility payments can be made through online banking, through your financial institution or by using payment drop boxes located at the Administration Building (263 Main St., Odessa), the Manitou Office from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (18 Manitou Cres. W, Amherstview), W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre (322 Amherst Dr.) or at the Bath Fire Hall (241 Church St, Bath).

Facility rentals, recreation programs and aquatics

As a result of the shutdown, Loyalist Township will be pausing all in-person programming and rentals during this period.

Program registrants and clients with facility bookings will receive a credit placed on their account. Until a reopening date has been determined, we will not be accepting future bookings of our facilities. We ask clients to remain patient while the administration of these credits takes place. Account credits can be used to re-register in programs or re-book facilities once we have re-opened.

Try a virtual program

Looking for something to do at home? We've got you covered! Loyalist Township has virtual program options for the spring to keep you busy while you're staying safe at home. We have many options available including fitness, art, music and more! Visit our recreation page to view our virtual program guide and for information on registration.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

If you are eligible for a vaccination at this time, please make your appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking tool (linked below). For further information, please call 1-888-999-6488. Lines are open daily 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Provincial Online Vaccine Booking Tool

Further vaccination information can be found at KFL&A PH Vaccine.

Current Status of COVID-19 Cases in KFL&A

Loyalist Township COVID-19 Safety Plan

As part of the Yellow level of the COVID-19 response framework, a safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request.

For a high level view, see the snapshot of our COVID-19 safety plan.

Loyalist Township Emergency Services COVID-19 safety plan

To ensure the health and safety of our employees and other visitors, everyone who enters any municipal facility, must complete health screening before coming into the building. Once inside a municipal facility, employees and visitors must follow all public health protocols in place.

What’s open with restrictions

Manitou office

The Loyalist Township office at 18 Manitou Crescent West is open to the public by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to access Building and Planning staff by phone or emails whenever possible. You can make an appointment to speak with a staff member by calling 613-386-7351 ext. 170. The following protocols are implemented to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and our community:

Signs at entry doors for customers to screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before entering.
To manage physical distancing, only 1 customer is allowed in the lobby at any given time.
Hand sanitizer for customers at entry.
Plexiglass shields at customer service windows.
In accordance with KFL&A Public Health's Section 22 order Non-medical face coverings are required to be worn inside any commercial establishment.

Application submission can be submitted by email, postal mail, or dropped off at one of the Township's drop box locations. To avoid delays, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), applications can also be placed in the drop box in the front foyer at 18 Manitou Cres West without an appointment.

Parks and Trails

Lionhearts Inc. at Amherstview Community Hall

The Amherstview Community Hall will continue to be utilized by the Lionhearts Inc. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. for Meals-To-Go distribution.

What is closed

Amherstview Community Hall

Closed to public access. Lionhearts Inc. use the Amherstview Community Hall every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. for Meals-To-Go distribution.

Loyalist Township Fire Stations

All Fire Stations are closed to the public. Only Emergency Services personnel are allowed in the fire stations. Residential inquiries should be directed to the Odessa Fire Station Administration line 613-386-3762.

Municipal Administration Office

Play Structures and Outdoor Recreation Amenities

In response to strengthened COVID-19 measures announced by the province of Ontario, outdoor recreational amenities were ordered to close effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. Closed amenities include sports fields, play structures, and sports courts. In accordance with provincial restrictions, residents are asked to refrain from using these amenities.

W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre

Additional information on municipal services

#10 Kingston Transit Bus

There are no planned changes to Route 10 bus schedule. Schedules are available at KingstonTransit.ca/Schedules and on Google Maps, TransitApp or Moovit app.

Face coverings

Face coverings are required when riding Kingston Transit. Riders are reminded to keep their face covering on during the entire trip. Please be kind and remember that not all disabilities and medical conditions are visible, and some riders may not be able to wear a face covering.

As transit ridership increases, there may be occasions where physical distancing will not be possible. KFL&A Public Health has indicated that buses can operate at regular capacity with the use of face coverings and other measures, including enhanced cleaning and hand hygiene.

Amherst Island Ferry

Travel between regions will greatly increase the potential for spikes in community spread. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Individuals and families should avoid non-essential travel between regions. Visitors from other regions are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel to Amherst Island at this time.

Fare collection

Fare collection aboard the Amherst Island Ferry will resume March 8, 2021. Please note the following changes:

Passengers will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering, during fare collection. As the purser approaches the window of your vehicle, please have your ticket / cash ready, show it to the purser and follow their instruction to deposit in the collection bucket. Any tickets or cash observed to be held between your lips will not be accepted.
The cost of fare for cars, trucks under 1 ton, vans, farm tractors or small school buses has increased to $10 per vehicle. The fare cost for RVs, cars with trailer, large vehicles needing up to 2 spaces or large school buses is $20. Large vehicles, trailers or equipment needing more than 2 spaces will be charged $10 per space. This fee increase will allow for a safer hand-to-hand cash collection by only using bills in increments of $10 and eliminating the need for all change handling.
Fares for motorcycles and bicycles continue to be suspended.
Only cash or bulk ticket will be accepted initially. A new contactless option for debit card payments is being phased in and is expected to be available for bulk ticket book purchases by the end of March. As staff and ferry users become more familiar with the technology on board, the debit payment system will be expanded to also include the collection of cash fares using the tap feature.

Many new safety protocols have been created to keep ferry staff and the public safe during the fare collection process. Your patience and kindness with our crew is appreciated during this transition.

Mask/Face Covering Requirements

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all walk-on passengers shall wear a non-medical mask or face covering large enough to cover their mouth and nose.

All passengers are encouraged to stay in their vehicles while on the ferry and limit contact with others as much as possible. Any vehicle passengers exiting the vehicle shall wear a mask.

Building permit consultation and application

The Building Department has prepared an FAQ's document to answer some commonly asked questions regarding building during COVID-19.

Building permit applications continue to be reviewed for all types of construction.
For permit application packages, please visit the building permits page.
Consultation will continue to take place by phone or email only. Email the Development Analyst or call 613-386-7351 ext 170 to get started.
Applications can be submitted by email, postal mail or dropped off at one of the Township's secure dropbox locations.
To avoid delays, applications can also be dropped off in the lobby of the Loyalist Township office in Amherstview (@18 Manitou Cres West) during regular hours (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm). There is a limit to the number of customers that can enter the building at any given time, so please follow the posted signs for instructions.
No permit deposits will be collected at this time.
Applications will be reviewed and staff will respond to the applicant by phone or email.

Permit pickup and payment

The assigned inspector will go over the checklist and any other information by phone.
Applicants will be asked to mail or drop off the payment cheque at a secure Township dropbox. For debit payment options, please contact 613-386-7351 ext. 170 to make an appointment.
A receipt for payment will be emailed to the applicant.
Once payment is received, staff will contact the applicant to sign the permit.

Council and Committee meetings

All public meetings and open houses are being held electronically.

Council meetings will continue; however, they will be held electronically. Public can live stream the meetings. To appear as a delegation at a Council meeting, please contact the Clerk's Department.

Committee meetings will be recorded, and recordings will be published to the Council Portal.

Engineering and Planning Pre-consultation Meetings

Applicants will be asked to submit as much detail as possible regarding their proposal, by email to the Approvals Planner.
Details will be forwarded to staff and outside agencies for preliminary review before a telephone or video conference is scheduled.
The pre-consultation will be done by teleconference. For simple applications, this may be done via email.
A set of minutes will be prepared and circulated.

Fire Inspections

To request or schedule a Fire Inspection, please call 613-384-4334.

Garbage and recycling collection

Bag Tags Required

Bag tags are required for all garbage bags put out for collection in Loyalist Township.

Residents can purchase bag tags from several retail locations in Loyalist Township. Please note that bag tags will no longer be sold at the Amherst Island Landfill until further notice.

Residents experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can contact the Township office at 613-386-7351 for waste disposal options.

Waste Collection Procedures

Waste collection continues according to the regular collection schedule. Residents are advised to follow additional precautions listed below if they are sick.

To help protect collectors and the public from the risk of spreading COVID-19, residents are advised to follow the safe waste disposal guidelines listed below:

Place used tissues and napkins in the garbage. Wash your hands afterwards.

Bag all waste. Do not place waste loosely in garbage containers.

If you are sick: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage – even items that you normally place into your Blue or Grey box (e.g., water/beverage bottles, pop cans, milk/juice cartons, etc.).

Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC)

The KARC Depot and scale hours along with Admin Office hours effective January 14, 2021 are as follows:

KARC Admin Office - Closed to the public.

Scale Depot Operations - Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Saturdays

Leaf and Yard Site - Regular Hours with limited residential entry

Household Hazardous Waste - CLOSED (will reopen after provincial shutdown)

Physical distancing and contactless service measures are in place, and residents are reminded to follow the directions provided by the depot attendants while visiting.

Financial Relief Measures

At the April 12th Regular Council meeting, Council approved the following financial relief measures for residents:

Late fees, interest or penalties on Utility and Property Tax that would normally be accrued until 4 weeks after the current Stay-at-Home order is lifted.
The early bird rate of $15.00 for dog tags was extended throughout the 2021 calendar year.

Inspections

Loyalist Township building inspectors will be following a new inspection protocol given current physical distancing recommendations. Inspectors may not engage in interpersonal contact at sites. Staff will not enter occupied areas of buildings under construction, including residential, industrial, commercial, or institutional buildings.

Staff will also inquire if any persons on the site or related to the site exhibit symptoms of sickness or have being self-isolating; have been to a COVID-19 infected area; or have been in contact with a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19. If the answer to any of these questions is yes, an inspection will not take place until the site is safe for an inspector to visit.

This policy may be subject to revisions as further protocols are put in place.

Landfill operations

The Violet and Amherst Island landfills remain open. Landfill operators will be in the landfill offices, but, for physical distancing purposes, operators will remain in the office. Please drive on to the weigh scale, remain in your vehicle, and the operator will advise you how to proceed based on your disposal requirements.

Amherst Island Landfill

Cash is still not accepted. Invoices will continue to be created and mailed as required. Bag Tags will no longer be sold at the Amherst Island Landfill until further notice.

Municipal infrastructure projects

To minimize risks to our residents and workforce during the COVID19 emergency, municipal infrastructure construction projects planned within existing residential areas were generally limited until safe work protocols were adjusted to include the risks associated with the pandemic. The following projects are continuing or expected to commence ahead of the 2021 regular construction period:

Loyalist East Business Park Phase 2 Servicing

Bath Water Treatment Plant Filter Upgrade

Annual gravel road maintenance program

Amherst Island 2017/ 2019 flood damage repair to shore roads

Some construction projects may need to be delayed further, depending on availability of labour, material, equipment. We thank you for your patience during this time.

No Suspension of Utility Services

The Township does not disconnect utility services at any time for non-payment. We will work with utility customers, on a case-by-case basis, if more time is required to pay for the current water & sewer bills. Call our utility billing department at 613-386-7351 x 105 or email utilitiesbills@loyalist.ca.

Planning Applications

We continue to accept and process new planning applications. (minor variances, severances, other Planning Act applications). Statutory public meetings continue to be held during Loyalist Township Council meetings through utilizing the zoom online conferencing technology. Committee of Adjustment meetings are also continuing through the zoom technology.

Consultations will take place by phone or email, only.
Application submission can be submitted by email, postal mail, or dropped off at one of the Township's drop box locations.
To avoid delays, applications and payment can also be dropped off in the lobby of the Loyalist Township office in Amherstview (@18 Manitou Cres West) during regular hours (Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm). There is a limit to the number of customers that can enter the building at any given time, so please follow the posted signs for instructions.
If large drawings or reports must be submitted in hard copy, this may be done by courier. The courier is to call the reception desk at the Manitou Crescent office, 613-386-7351, ext. 170, to make an appointment.
Staff will review the application and respond to the applicant by phone or email.
The application fee is to be paid by cheque and can be dropped at 18 Manitou Crescent West during regular office hours. Please follow postage signage for instructions. Receipts will be emailed.

If you have questions about a severance or minor variance, please email the Planning Technician or call 613-386-7351, ext. 124. For other planning applications please email the Approvals Planner or call Ext. 129. Information on how to submit a new application is available on our website.

Tax and utility penalties and interest waived

Council has recognized that many people are facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Feb 8th meeting, Council approved a motion granting a one-month extension for February tax installment payments and for utility payments due in February and March before adding any penalties or interest charges.

Tiered response protocol for Emergency Services

In order to protect both our Emergency Services personnel as well as maintaining the sustainability of our Fire Service, it has been recommended that Fire Services medical responses be downgraded to lifesaving responses only.

In no way do these changes jeopardize the safety or well-being of residents, however, there may be possible delays in providing assistance in non-life-threatening situation.

If you have any questions or concerns in regard to this new protocol, please contact Fire Chief Fred Stephenson at 613-386-3762.

Public Health information

Local assessment centres

Find the latest information on local assessment centre.

KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 information

Visit the KFL&A Public Health website for information on local guidelines, status of cases in the area, information on assessment and more.

County of Lennox & Addington information

Find COVID-19 information and resources from the County of Lennox Addington. For updates or questions email us at info@lennox-addington.on.ca.

Government of Ontario information

Find the latest information on provincial actions to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government of Canada information

Discover more information about the actions of the federal government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find the latest information on municipal actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.