NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF BLACK RIVER-MATHESON
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While the situation with respect to our Declaration of Emergency continues to improve, we have a long way to go.
We are pleased that our Public Works employees are back to a full complement and that everyone came out of the quarantine in healthy condition. Public Works is now back to their regular duties.
Today, the Province of Ontario extend the Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021. This means that the Municipal Office and front counter services will continue to be unavailable until at least June 2, 2021.
We are very pleased with the information that the Porcupine Health Unit continues to distribute. It is by following their suggestions that we will all benefit. Please join us in practicing the measures promoted by the PHU. Only leave your home if it is necessary, wear your mask when required, wash your hands often, get tested if you feel symptomatic and get your vaccine when it is your turn.
Public Works
The suspension of all municipal service at the arena will continue given the Provincial lockdown. Please note that the vaccination clinics being held by the Porcupine Health Unit at the arena are continuing. We encourage everyone to attend when it is your turn, to help prevent the spread of this terrible disease.
Fire Services
We are still not issuing fire permits at this time. Chief Guy Lamb has ordered that there shall be NO Burning of slash piles and NO open field burning. Residents may also burn with the use of a stay-at-home chiminea at this time. No other burning is allowed.
We have provided notice of users blocking the dry hydrant at the Township boat launch. As of the writing of this release, it is disappointing to see violators continuing to park 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. Bylaw Enforcement will be attending to the area and there will be NO leniency for violators. Your violation could cost someone their life!
Administration
With the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order continuing until June 2, 2021, any front counter service continues to be suspended until further notice. We will continue to accept payments through the mail or online for property taxes and utility bills.
The suspension of the issuance of any permits or licenses continues until further notice. This does not alleviate you of the responsibility to obtain and pay for a permit – once the Township Office re-opens, all matters will be back to normal.
We will continue to accept Planning Applications and Building Permit Applications via mail or email and may process on a priority basis if it is deemed necessary.
The Township phone lines will remain open. Leaving a message when you call will automatically be directed via email, to the person you wish to speak with, who will then return your call within 24 hours of receiving your message.
Regular messages will continue to be released via the media, website, postal service, and our Facebook page. The Township now has a Twitter feed which can be accessed as @TownshipBRM. Please make sure that you check for these updates.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Wray, Chief Administrative Officer at 705-914-0551 or [email protected].
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