With a declared emergency in Black River-Matheson due to a COVID-19 outbreak within staff, the fire chief is limiting the burning that is allowed within the municipality.
An outbreak of the virus was announced April 8 by the Porcupine Health Unit. The day prior, an emergency had been declared in the community due to a high-risk exposure for staff that has the public works department self-isolating.
"We do understand that there may be some encountered problems, but we are confident in maintaining all necessary services," reads an April 13 update from Black River-Matheson that includes information on fire permits, public works and more.
Fire permits are not being issued right now and residents are only allowed to burn using an at-home chiminea.
"Chief Guy Lamb has ordered that there shall be no burning of slash piles and no open field burning," according to the update.
The township is also noting that people are parking at the Matheson boat launch inside the no parking area.
"This has resulted in the inability for the volunteer fire department to access the dry well. This behaviour places our volunteer firefighters and residents at risk. Please respect the no parking area," said the township.
For public works services, Villeneuve Construction has been busy doing the garbage collection, landfill maintenance and emergency road repairs. Residents with questions or issues to be addresses should contact director Chris Ciarrocca at 705-231-0906 or [email protected].
There have been no issues with the water or sewer system, and all services at the arena are suspended.
For administration:
- Front counter service is closed due to the provincial stay-at-home order. Payments can only be accepted through mail or online right now.
- The issuing of permits or licenses has been suspended until further notice. "This does not alleviate you of the responsibility to obtain and pay for a permit — once the Township Office reopens, all matters will be back to normal," reads the news release.
- Planning and building applications will be accepted via mail or email. They may be processed on a priority basis if necessary.
- The township's phone lines are open. Callers should leave a message, which is automatically emailed to the person being called, who will return calls within 24 hours of receipt.
