How to access city services during lockdown
Dire times call for rapid responses, and the City of Windsor is quickly adjusting its public services in light of the new provincewide stay-athome order.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and senior city administrators held a public Zoom meeting on Thursday to discuss and clarify what's available.
“The team has tried to make service delivery as easy and accessible as possible, despite the pandemic — and the work continues,” Dilkens said. “That's been the challenge during COVID.”
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
All refuse and recycling collection routes will continue as normal, with related bylaws still in effect. Residents are asked to physically distance from garbage workers.
The Public Drop-off Depot at 3540 North Service Rd. East will continue its regular winter hours, but with limited capacity to ensure physical distancing. Those attending the depot should expect delays.
CITY HALL SERVICES
The municipal buildings at 350 City Hall Square West, 1266 Mcdougall St., and 2450 Mcdougall St. are closed to the public except for those who have arranged appointments in advance, while 400 City Hall Square East remains open to allow access to certain federal and provincial offices.
Other city-owned buildings that have non-municipal tenants, such as Mackenzie Hall and the Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex, will also stay open.
The city has temporarily suspended in-person transactions for all municipal licence processing. Those seeking to obtain municipal licences are asked to call 519-255-6200 or email licences@ citywindsor.ca.
CITY BUSES
Tyson Cragg, Transit Windsor's new executive director, said city buses will continue on an “enhanced Saturday schedule.”
“Meaning that all of our routes are running, albeit on a slightly reduced frequency,” Cragg said.
Transit Windsor users should be aware of new barriers meant to protect bus drivers.
Front-door boarding practices and enhanced cleaning protocols will be maintained.
PARKS AND RECREATION
City-owned pools, arenas, community centres, and outdoor ice rinks will remain closed. However, parks, trails, playgrounds, sports courts, and green spaces remain open. Members of the public are asked to physically distance and there are restrictions on gatherings (no more than five people when outdoors).
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH SERVICES
Employment, housing, children's services, and social services continue. Offices are closed for in-person visits, but services can be accessed by calling 519255-5200 or 1-866-925-2022, or by connecting online at www.citywindsor.ca/socialservices.
Provincial funding for the City of Windsor's Targeted Emergency Child Care Plan for School-aged Children has been extended to Feb. 10. Emergency child care is available free of charge to healthcare workers and other front-line workers with children enrolled in school. See the provincial eligibility list for details.