NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF TINY
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The Township of Tiny is committed to following the Emergency Orders put in place by the Provincial Government, and taking any additional measures deemed necessary to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The health and safety of our residents and community is our top priority.
On May 1, 2020 at 1 p.m., the Office of the Premier announced that the Ontario Government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as of May 4, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., provided they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Included in the list of businesses are those that provide lawn care and landscaping services. As such, businesses providing lawn care and landscaping services can resume operations within the Township, effective immediately.
The Province’s list of businesses permitted to reopen does not include pool maintenance companies. It remains unclear whether the Province considers pool maintenance an essential service, and municipalities have been granted the discretion to interpret and enforce this matter as they see fit. Under section 20 of Ontario Regulation 82/20, the Township of Tiny will permit pool maintenance services to be provided within the municipality, effective immediately, to reduce the potential for stagnant water and the transmission of West Nile Virus. Contractors must operate in accordance with all public health and safety measures.
The Township of Tiny Municipal Law Enforcement Department will be enforcing the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), including all relevant regulations, as it relates to property maintenance in the following manner:
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Tree Services |
Removal of hazard trees, limbs and decayed trees NEW: Pruning, Spraying of Gypsy Moth |
Landscaping services will be interpreted by the Township of Tiny to include tree services |
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Lawn Care and Landscaping |
Leaf removal Spraying Provincially-designated noxious weeds (i.e. poison ivy, giant hogweed, etc.) NEW: Fertilizing, Spraying weeds, Aeration, Overseeding, Planting and gardening |
Lawn care and landscaping services were deemed essential by the Provincial Government on May 1, 2020 |
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Pool Maintenance |
Applying larvicide NEW: Opening, Cleaning, Maintenance |
Pool maintenance services will be interpreted by the Township of Tiny as permitted under O. Reg. 82/20, section 20 |
The property maintenance service restrictions listed above apply to private contractors/businesses. Homeowners with the skill and ability to do so can perform any maintenance work on their own property, provided they have obtained all the necessary permits and comply with all Emergency Orders. However, please remember to adhere to the Provincial recommendation to shelter in place at your primary residence. This Provincial recommendation has not been mandated under the EMCPA and is, therefore, not enforceable by the Township. It is each individual’s duty to make the responsible decision to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel.
To report an allegation of non-compliance with the EMCPA, please call the OPP non- emergency line (1-888-310-1122). The OPP will forward COVID-19 complaints to the Township’s Municipal Law Enforcement Department, where applicable, for further action. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
You may also call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 to confirm whether a specific situation is non-compliant with the EMCPA. Assistance is available Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit here.
These are challenging times. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic and precautionary measures to flatten the curve have created hardships and inconveniences for businesses and both permanent and seasonal residents. Please continue to work together as a community, and follow all Provincial directives and health care guidelines to help us control the spread of the virus.
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