Brampton council discusses city’s response to COVID-19
Published March 25, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Today, at a Special Council Meeting, Brampton City Council came together to discuss various decisions regarding significant changes to services and programming in response to COVID-19.
Some highlights from the meeting include the discussion of Brampton’s declared State of Emergency, free Brampton Transit fares, a change to Brampton Transit service and new boarding and riding practices.
Council also discussed the ability for residents to defer taxes without interest or late fees for five months and the importance of promoting social distancing across the city.
On March 24, Mayor Patrick Brown declared a State of Emergency in the City of Brampton in accordance with the City’s Emergency Management Plan, following consultation with City Council and on the recommendation of the City’s Emergency Management Team.
This is another significant step that the City is taking in support of both Ontario’s and the Region of Peel’s efforts to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Effective Saturday, March 21, fare payment is not required for Brampton Transit and customers will only be able to board through the rear doors of buses until further notice.
Customers with accessibility needs who require the use of the ramp may continue to use the front doors.
There will be enhanced Saturday Service Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday service will continue on their regular schedules.
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Brampton Transit administrative offices at 185 Clark Boulevard and 130 Sandalwood Parkway West are closed to the public.
A variety of additional safety measures were implemented on March 23 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
In terms of Property Tax Deferral, the City of Brampton has waived the interest and late fees on tax payments for the five-month period of March 18 to August 19, 2020, in response to COVID-19, which means that the City will allow residents the ability to choose to make the outstanding interim tax payments by August 19, 2020, without incurring penalty and interest.
Payments will continue to be accepted and processed by the City. Payments can be made at financial institutions, through online banking or dropped off at the drop box located at City Hall lobby adjacent to the parking garage elevator.
The meeting also discussed the enforcement of social distancing. Council requested that staff prepare regulation to support enforcement of social distancing and physical separation measures during this emergency.
New regulations being explored include, requiring a 2.0-metre separation distance between persons, other than immediate family members with whom a person lives and limitations and/or restrictions on the use of public playgrounds.
The City of Brampton will continue to support the public by providing essential services, including Brampton Transit, Fire and Emergency Services and By-law and Enforcement in order to ensure emergency service access across the City.
“As we navigate the coming months, the City will spare no measure in its efforts to help keep our community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.
“I would like to once again thank Council, City staff, and our community for their continued support as we work through this together.”
The City will also continue to keep residents informed and provide updates on the City’s response to COVID-19.
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