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Although there have been no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region, all surrounding public health agencies have now confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in their communities. The cases impacting covering the Ottawa, Cornwall and Kingston areas have been linked to international travel. As a result many services, amenities and events have been cancelled or postponed to stop the spread of the virus.

The province declared a state of emergency Tuesday requiring a number of legally required closures:

  • Indoor recreation facilities
  • Public libraries
  • Child care facilities
  • Private schools
  • Theatres
  • Concert venues
  • All bars and restaurants, except those that provide takeout or delivert options

Public health officials are suggesting that people practice social distancing, work from home when possible and wash their hands as much as possible.

To help you plan the following weeks through the novel coronavirus pandemic, Global New has created a list of what is cancelled, postponed and still running in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region.

Municipal Services:

Brockville City Hall and the Gord Watts Municipal Centre will be closed to the public until April 5, 2020 along with the following City facilities to the public:

  • Brockville Arts Centre
  • Brockville Museum
  • Brockville Public Library
  • Brockville Youth Arena and Brockville Memorial Centre
  • City Hall
  • Harbour Public Washrooms
  • Gord Watts Municipal Centre
  • Rotary Park Public Washrooms
  • Water Treatment Centre
  • Water Pollution Control Centre
  • Station 1 Fire Hall (Perth Street)

Brockville Police have implemented some temporary measures in order to facilitate a safe work environment and a safe community.

  • The Brockville Police will be responding to emergency calls for service, however, measures have been put in place to allow some non-emergency calls to be handled over the telephone.
  • The Brockville Police Facility will be closed to the general public, however, those who attend can speak with dispatch staff via intercom.
  • Fingerprints will be rescheduled.
  • Persons coming into contact with police may be asked some simple screening questions.

Brockville Fire Department will continue to respond to emergency calls, however the following measures have been put in place for non-emergency issues.

  • Residents are encouraged to use the telephone for non-emergency calls.
  • Station 2 Fire Hall (Laurier Avenue) will be closed for all public visits and tours. Meetings with staff will be by appointment only. Visitors will be screened in the entrance lobby.

The Town of Gananoque has announced the following disruption of services at Town facilities until April 5.

  • The council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, was cancelled
  • Town Hall is closed to the public. Staff remain on site. Services to the public will continue by phone and electronic means.  Paperwork/payments can be dropped off using the front entrance mail slot. For larger items, please contact ext. 1111 and special arrangements for deliveries will be made.
  • The fire hall is closed to the public, only police and fire department essential personal will be allowed in the building.
  • The March 31 tax due date will be extended until the municipal office has been reopened for 5 business days. Interest will not be applied until the 6th business day.
  • The Arena, visitor centre, and public works office are also closed. Services are available via phone and email.

Gananoque Police/Emergency Services building remains open but due to COVID19 the front door is locked. Visitors are asked to use the intercom and dispatch personel will assist you. A screening process will determine entry into the building.

The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands office is closed to the public until Monday, April 6, 2020. The office will remain staffed and operational to provide essential services and assistance to residents — staff can be reached by phone and email. To contact the office, please call 613-659-2415 or email [email protected].

Council, committee of the whole, and committees of council will only meet to deal with urgent, legislative, regulatory and/or time sensitive issues. Public meetings scheduled for April 6 will be postponed to a future date. Notice for these meetings will be recirculated when dates are determined.

All Township recreational programming, events, and facility rentals have been suspended for the immediate future, as gatherings can accelerate the spread of the virus.

Building inspections will continue on a limited basis. Building inspectors will require social distancing measures on site and may use alternative measures such as photos and videos for inspections. When entering the location for an inspection, the inspector will only view the area needed for the inspection and will touch as little as possible and maintain a safe social distance.

Interim property tax payments are due March 20, 2020 and utility bills are due March 31, 2020.

Operations and road functions will continue as per regular standards and guidelines. Waste sites remain open at this time as per regular schedule.

Leeds and the Thousand Islands Fire Services will continue to operate under standard operating procedures, however, they have taken additional measures to protect first responders.

Leeds and the Thosuand Islands Public Library, while closed until April 6, have been developing and implementing a series of web-based programs.

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