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Penetanguishene opens town hall, public works building to public

Appointments required for any Planning and Development Department services
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NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF PENETANGUISHENE
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The Town of Penetanguishene has opened Town Hall, the Public Works Administration Building and the Penetanguishene Fire Hall to the public.

All locations will have a full closure from noon to 1 p.m. to allow for proper cleaning protocols and a full staff lunch break.

It is required that the public make an appointment for any Planning and Development Department services, including applying for building permits or to speak with staff in the planning or by-law offices. If an appointment is not made, there is no guarantee that a staff member will be in the building and/or available to assist you. Appointments for Planning and Development Services can be made by calling 705-549-2673.

Corporate services
Marriage Licenses and Commissions of Oath: Marriage licenses and Commissions of Oath services are now available and recommend booking an appointment for these services to ensure that staff are able to serve you as efficiently as possible.

Finance updates
On July 8, Council approved additional COVID-19 financial relief measures for property tax and utility bill payments. Penalties on the 3rd and 4th tax installments due on July 31 and Sept. 30 have been waived for two months. Penalties on utility bills that fall due between Aug. 1, 2020 and Nov. 30, 2020 are also waived for two months. In addition, NSF charges have been waived until Dec. 31, 2020.

Notice of 2020 final tax billing
Final tax bills were mailed the week of July 6, 2020. The installment due dates are:

  • Friday, July 31, 2020
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

Notice of 2020 quarterly utility billing
The 2nd quarter utility bills for the period April to June were mailed the week of July 13, 2020 and electronic bills sent to those customers who signed up for e-billing. Payment is due by:

  • Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020

If you do not receive your tax or utility bill, please call the Town office at 705-549-7453. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the property owner from the responsibility for payment of taxes or utilities and any accrued penalties or interest. For payment options, please call the town office or visit our website

Note: Payments can be made in our 24 hour drop-box at the main entrance to Townhall. If you would like a receipt mailed or emailed to you, please indicate on the outside of the envelope.

Recreation and community services updates
Full list of open/closed amenities:
The following chart is available on our webpage and will be updated regularly.

Indoor Facilities
Open/Closed
Safety Measures in Place
Town Hall
OPEN 8:30AM -4:30PM (Closed 12PM – 1PM) 
 
Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Achieves
CLOSED – Opening August 4th
 View here for hours of operation and other information.
Penetanguishene Library
OPEN – Adjusted hours.
 View here for hours of operation and other information.
Public Works Building
 
OPEN 8:00AM -4:00PM (Closed 12PM – 1PM) 
 
Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre
CLOSED until further notice
 
Penetanguishene Fire Hall
OPEN 8:00AM -4:00PM (Closed 12PM – 1PM) 
 
Outdoor Facilities
Open/Closed
Safety Measures in Place
Parks and Trails
OPEN
  • Maintain Physical Distancing (2 metres)
  • Wash hands before and after any activity
  • Follow all directives on group gatherings
  • Trails less than 2 meters in width posted
Park Amenities:
  • Skate Park
  • Dog Park
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports Courts
  • Beaches
  • Splash Pad
  • Fitness Equipment
  • Pavilions and Gazebos
OPEN
*** The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a swimming advisory for Rotary Champlain Wendat Park
  • Maintain Physical Distancing (2 metres)
  • Follow all directives on group gatherings
  • Wash hands before and after any activity
  • Follow rules outlined on amenity signage at each location
Washrooms
OPEN
  • Hours have been adjusted to 10AM-6PM
  • Please follow all directives listed on washrooms
Boat Launch
OPEN
 
  • Maintain Physical Distancing (2 metres)
  • Staff are unable to assist with launches at this time
Wharf
OPEN
Please note until further notice; Tourist Information Centre and showers remain closed.
 
  • With the exception of the ‘T’ Dock, Boaters only to access docks
  • Boaters to promptly leave docks once vessel is unloaded and secure
  • Maintain physical distancing
Sports fields
OPEN
  • Follow all directives on group gatherings
  • Activities restricted to families of the same household
  • No league play
Amphitheatre
CLOSED
 

Planning and business development updates
Business assistance programs:
North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC) under a Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: NSCFDC will focus on assisting “main street” businesses, such as retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, and businesses of strategic importance to their communities, with loans up to $40,000. 

Recently available for Penetanguishene businesses is access to the Digital Main Street Program who give assistance and consultation to business to assist in using digital technology. Contact the Southern Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for more information by telephone at: 705-446-3355 or by email at [email protected].

Fire and OPP updates
OPP reporting tool:
We remind residents that OPP ask that you report allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act by phoning 1-888-310-1122 or utilizing the online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting.

Fire safety:
Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4 p.m. to midnight.

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