Town focusing efforts on delivering essential and critical services during COVID-19 pandemic

Thu, 19 Mar 2020

As part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and based on the advice being provided by the Medical Officer of Health, the town announced today that it is scaling back the delivery of non-essential services. All essential and critical services will be maintained to ensure the safety of the community. The town previously announced the closure of all town facilities.

“While we recognize the inconvenience that this change may mean for some residents, the safety of our community and our staff has to be our primary focus,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “We will continue to adjust our operations according to the recommendations of health authorities to reduce the ability of the pandemic to spread.”

Essential and/or critical services that will remain operational are those that:

• are required to meet legislative requirements
• support employee and public safety and security
• enable critical business services and supports
• protect and operate vital infrastructure
• are necessary to keep essential services operating
• fulfill contractual, legal and financial obligations.

“Staff has done a thorough assessment of the services required to keep our community safe and supported,” said the town’s Acting CAO, Jane Clohecy. “Examples of essential services include the public safety services delivered by Oakville Fire, Roads and Works, Parks and Open Spaces, and Municipal Enforcement, as well as Transit, ServiceOakville, and key support services.”

Oakville Transit will continue to operate. As of Monday March 23, 2020 Transit will operate at a reduced Sunday level of service between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. given the current overall reduction in ridership. Transit buses will also begin rear door boarding effective immediately to maintain social distancing. Residents should visit OakvilleTransit.ca for specific route information.

The town’s Economic Development department will also remain operational to continue to provide information and support to the business community during these challenging times.

Mayor Rob Burton also announced that given the need to reduce public gatherings, and in accordance with the town’s Procedure By-law, the following meetings of Council and Committees would be postponed to their next regularly scheduled meeting dates:

• Council - March 23, 2020 postponed to April 20, 2020
• Heritage Oakville - March 24, 2020 postponed to April 14, 2020
• Committee of Adjustment - March 31, 2020 postponed to April 14, 2020
• Appeals Committee - April 2, 2020 postponed to May 7, 2020
• Planning and Development Council - April 6, 2020 postponed to May 4
• Property Standards Committee - April 28, 2020 postponed until further notice

COVID-19 remains and an evolving situation and the town continues to respond to the advice and direction provided by federal, provincial and regional governments, and their Medical Officers of Health.

ServiceOakville remains available at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca to respond to community questions and requests for essential services.

For more information about service changes, facility closures and more, please visit our COVID-19 Information page.