​COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

General information

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Where can I get the most up-to-date health information about COVID-19?

• Please refer to the Windsor Essex County Health Unit for the latest information on COVID-19.

Who should I contact if I have questions about COVID-19 and testing?

• The majority of COVID-19 illnesses are mild. A clinician can help guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person. Please use one of the following options:
• Contact your primary care provider (for example, family doctor). Let them know that you have used this self-assessment tool​.
• Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse. Let them know that you have used the self-assessment tool.

What are the New Requirements for Masks/Face Coverings?

• Please note, as the lead health agency for the region, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is responsible for the majority of public health rules and regulations in the current pandemic, not the City of Windsor.
• Learn about mask requirements and more at the Health Unit's website.

For City of Windsor services and information, residents can call 311 between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday, or they can download the 311 app, email 311@citywindsor.ca or use www.311online.ca to send requests 24/7 (though responses will be processed at the hours noted above).

How can I report COVID-19 related complaints?

• For detailed information on this topic, please see Windsor Police update, How to Report COVID-19 Related Complaints.
• Note: The use of 9-1-1 is for emergency situations where someone is in immediate danger. If you are calling regarding a non-emergency complaint during business hours of Monday to Friday (stat holidays exempted) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., complaints regarding COVID-19 related issues in Windsor can be directed via telephone to 311.
• Stop the Spread Business Information Line: 1-888-444-3659
• Price Gouging Complaint Line: 1-800-889-9768

Where can I find community supports during the COVID-19 pandemic?

While we cannot provide a comprehensive list of supports in our community, a good first step is to call 211, Windsor-Essex’s help line for community programs and services. See 211 Ontario: How to access help during COVID-19. Here is a brief selection of services offered by our community partners:

• Windsor-Essex Seniors Call Assurance Program provides meaningful connections for seniors in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 1-877-771-2677, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• If you or someone you know is a senior or person with a disability who doesn’t have the capacity to cook for themselves and requires a meal delivery of prepared meals, call the Windsor-Essex Food Helpline at 888-488-1578 for support (fees may apply).
• See updates on hours and locations of Windsor-Essex food banks.
• Learn more about the new drive-thru food hub at the Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc. with Mayor Drew Dilkens.
• Windsor-Essex Counselling Support Line offers help for anxiety, stress, fear and depression as the need for physical isolation in Windsor-Essex continues. Call 519-946-3277 or 1-877- 451-1055.

What is happening with eviction orders?

Please note: Landlord/tenant relations are not governed by the City of Windsor, but the Province of Ontario offers the information below. For the latest updates, please check the Landlord and Tenant Board website.

• In response to the evolving COVID-19 public health situation, no new eviction orders will be issued until further notice and sheriff's offices will postpone any scheduled enforcement of current eviction orders.
• The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has reviewed the appropriate approach to conducting hearings and until further notice the LTB is suspending:
• All hearings related to eviction applications, unless the matter relates to an urgent issue such as an illegal act or serious impairment of safety; and
• The issuance of eviction orders, unless the matter relates to an urgent issue such as an illegal act or serious impairment of safety.
• Hearings related to eviction applications will not be scheduled at this time.​
• Tenants must continue to pay rent while an eviction order is not being enforced.

Planning, Response and City Services

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What are the changes to Transit Windsor's services?

• Pursuant to authority granted under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has ordered Transit Windsor to resume city service seven days a week on an enhanced “Sunday” schedule only, effective until at least July 26, 2020. Transit will be employing enhanced safety measures at this time.
• Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Bus has suspended operations as of March 19 until further notice.
• Effective May 4, The Windsor International Transit Terminal (300 Chatham Street West) and the Transit Centre (3700 North Service Road East) will be open for customer support (no sales until further notice).

See Transit Windsor COVID-19 Service Update for further details.

Are City recreation facilities closed?

• All City of Windsor public facilities of a recreation nature (arenas, pools, museums, libraries and community centres) are closed. This change will remain in effect at least until further notice, consistent with Ontario Ministry of Education’s school closures.
• Roseland Golf and Curling Club is now open with new guidelines and restrictions designed to keep staff and patrons safe. Golfers are asked to review the new golfer guidelines prior to visiting. 
• Little River Golf Course will remain closed until further notice.
• For further details and other areas to note, view the official news release.

Are marinas and boat lauches open?

• For updates as of May 15, 2020, please view the official news release.

What's happening with the Provincial Offences (POA) Courts?

Will the Ward 7 By-Election still take place?

• In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid rate at which the situation is changing, City Clerk Valerie Critchley has declared an emergency under section 53 of the Municipal Elections Act, thereby postponing the Ward 7 by-election that was scheduled to take place on April 27, 2020.  It should be noted, this is not an emergency declaration for the municipality under The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
• For further details, please click this link to view the official news release.

• Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre
• Adventure Bay March Break memberships will be fully refunded.
• Fitness centre and aquatic memberships will either be credited for time lost via a membership extension or participants can receive a pro-rated refund/credit on account if they prefer to have their membership cancelled at this time. Membership extensions will be applied once we know when we are re-opening.
• Guests who bought Splash Passes online with the intent to use them during March Break can receive a full refund – otherwise they do not expire as there is no specific date of use attached to them and they can use them in the future.
• Community Centres
• Programs/Rentals:
  As a result of the facility closures, all programs, camps, classes, and/or events have been cancelled until further notice. The City of Windsor will provide you with a full refund or a credit on your account, whichever you would prefer. We appreciate your patience, as staff will be contacting program registrants and rental groups directly to discuss credit and refund options. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please contact the facility directly.
• Memberships:
  Customers with previously purchased memberships will be provided a prorated refund for the time remaining or an extension for the time we are closed, whichever the customer prefers. Please contact the facility for further details.
• Weddings:
  Unfortunately, due to the current closures, weddings have been cancelled until further notice. Full refunds for any payment given to the City of Windsor will be provided. Previously booked weddings occurring at City of Windsor facilities until May 30 should be aware that further cancellations might be required as the City of Windsor will be following all future advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Please contact the host facility for further information.
• For a complete list of facilities and contact information, visit Facilities for Rent.

Are City parks still open?

• Effective May 20, 2020, the City of Windsor has opened dog parks, some outdoor sports amenities, picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas.
• Effective May 19, 2020, the Province of Ontario announced modified restrictions to outdoor recreational amenities including the re-opening of tennis courts and limted use of outdoor sports fields if ready.
• Playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, outdoor pools, and some other amenities remain closed until further notice. View the updated list of what is closed and open in parks and recreational areas.
• Effective July 13, 2020, 7 of 9 splash pads in the City of Windsor will be re-opened. To adhere to new public health recommendations, splash pad areas will be enclosed using temporary fencing, and staff will be stationed on site to limit the number of individuals in the pad, as well as to periodically sanitize the features. Two splash pads will remain closed: Remington Booster Park and Kimmy Lucier (Mic Mac Park).
• Trails and green spaces remain open for walk-through purposes, but please observe social distancing. 
• The City of Windsor wants to remind residents that social distancing restrictions, i.e. keeping 2 metres from others and avoiding gatherings of more than 5 people remain in place. This applies to all areas including fields, parks, sidewalks and open spaces.

Are public washrooms in parks open?

The following locations are currently open:

• Festival Plaza
• Charles Clark Square

The following park washrooms are opening May 22, 2020 in the afternoon:

• Jackson Park – Sunken Gardens
• Reaume Park
• Malden Park – Outside the Malden Park Visitors Centre
• Malden Park – Matchette Road

Is parking still being enforced?

• In an effort to help small businesses, parking enforcement has been relaxed at on-street meters, but designated accessible spaces still require proper permits.
• Enforcement continues in parking lots, and emergency access must always be maintained.
• Complaints and abuse of time at meters will continue to be investigated and enforced.  This means that you can not exceed the meter's maximum and park all day. Your vehicle will be marked, and ticketed if found to be abusing the time frames.
• Plazas that remain open will be heavily enforced to keep accessible spots and emergency routes clear for those who need them.
• All other residential parking restrictions will still be enforced at this time for safety and operational reasons. Follow the street signage in your area.

Is garbage and recycle still being collected?

• While garbage and recycling collection are continuing as normal, we would ask that residents keep 6 feet away from collectors. Also, all garbage related by-laws still apply, i.e. must be in acceptable containers, can not be overflowing, must be under 44lbs, etc. Full details can be found on our Waste and Recycling page. Yard waste collection is continuing on its regular schedule, though we are expecting large volumes and may experience some delays.

Are the Public Drop-Off and Household Chemical Waste Depots open?

• Solid Waste Drop-Off (3560 North Service Road East) will re-open to the public on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
• Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
• The Public Drop-Off Depot will resume normal operations with acceptance of waste including couhces, construction materials, electronics, etc.
• Residents may bring items to the Household Chemical Drop-Off as of Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
• The Reuse Centre will remain closed until further notice.
• Bagged Garden Gold Compost will be on sale.
• Note: COVID-19 Protocols
• The site is staffed by essential service workforce, so strict adherence to COVID protocols will be maintained for the safety of workers.
• Only residents who require service beyond their normal curbside collection should come to these sites, as excessive traffic and long wait times are expected.
• Site may close early due to excessive volumes of traffic.
• Debit/credit only - sites are cash-free. A vehicle without debit/credit will be turned away.
• Visit the Windsor-Essex Solid Waste Authority website for updates.

Is there any way to access libraries?

• ​While all library buildings are closed, access to on-line resources remains. Visit the Windsor Public Library website​ for options and ideas.

Can I still obtain a marriage licence or have a civil ceremony?

• City Hall is currently issuing marriage licences by appointment only for ceremonies taking place within 30 days.  isit the Marriage Licences page for details.
• City Hall is now officiating outdoor wedding ceremonies limited to 10 attendees. Visit the Civil Marriage Ceremonies page for details.
• In order to obtain a marriage licence, book a ceremony or if you have any questions, please email clerkvitals@citywindsor.ca. 

What City services can I access online?

• The following online services can be found on the City of Windsor’s website by clicking this link: E-Services.

• 311 Online - Complete a service request online for many city services.
• ACTIVE Windsor - Info and registration for recreation and culture programs, rentals and memberships.
• BizPaL - Everything you need to start a new business or renew existing permits and licences.
• Building Permits - Apply for building permits and view their status.
• Child Care Subsidy - Child care fee assistance for eligible families with children birth to 12 years old.
• Council/Meeting Delegation - Submit delegation request for City Council and Standing Committee Meetings.
• Dog Licence - Obtain or renew your annual dog licence.
• Emergency Utility Cut Permits - Cut Permits Utility Companies Only.
• My Property Tax - View your property tax account, make requests and provide updates.
• Ontario Works Application - Apply for Ontario Works.
• Open Data Catalog - Use municipal data to create and share resources from maps to apps and more.
• Public Property Inquiry - View assessments, associated permits and violations.
• Ticket Payment - Pay City of Windsor parking tickets and Provincial Offences Act (POA) tickets.

Are City Council and committee meetings still taking place?

Due to COVID-19, City Council and committee meeting schedules may need to be changed. Please refer to the following resources to help stay on top of the latest updates:

• Up-to-date meeting schedules, minutes and agendas can be viewed on our City Council Meetings page.
• All City Council meetings can be viewed live on our streaming platform.
• Anyone wishing to provide comment on agenda items prior to the meeting is asked to email clerks@citywindsor.ca.

Are the Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) and Mayor’s Arts Awards proceeding?

​Precautions

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What precautions can I take to protect from COVID-19?

• The precautions to protect yourself against COVID-19 are the same as those used to protect against common respiratory illnesses, such as the flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
• Members of the public are advised to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory illness, which include:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
• At this point in time, there is no need to wear any mask unless you are symptomatic or taking care of a suspect case of COVID-19. It is recommended that you follow usual health precautions above and follow the instructions provided by health care facilities.

What do I do if I or someone I know have to self isolate?

The Government of Canada and Public Health Ontario offer the following helpful resources for situations where self isolation is required:

• ​​If a person is returning from outside of Canada
• This person must follow the self isolation guidelines
• ​If you are living with someone, this link should be shared with them also​

How do you properly wash your hands?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• To get properly germ-free hands, you need to lather them up with soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice) under clean, running water.
• Ensure to rub the front and back of your hands, and between fingers.
• Dry your hands properly, preferably with paper towel.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Taxation FAQ

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Will the City continue to expect my 2020 Property Taxes to be paid? 

• In response to recent events stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Windsor introduced the following measures to assist property owners with the financial burden as it relates to property taxes:
• The third instalment for the 2020 Interim Property Taxes has been changed from April 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
• All remaining pre-authorized payment withdrawals scheduled in the months of April, May and June will continue to be taken on the scheduled dates unless otherwise cancelled/adjusted by the property owner (see link to media release below).
• All remaining postdated cheques for the April 15, 2020 instalment will be cashed on the scheduled dates unless cancelled by the property owner (see link to media release below).
• Charges for Non-Sufficient Funds related to property tax payments will be waived through the period ending June 30, 2020.
• There will be no late payment charges in either form, penalty and/or interest, through the period ending June 30, 2020.
• To request changes to a Pre-authorized payment or to request the return of a post- dated cheque, email propertytax@citywindsor.ca.

Additional details can be found in the media release on our website.

• ​Final property tax bills are being prepared and are expected to be mailed on or around July 20, 2020.  The first instalment date has been delayed by one month to August 19, 2020.  
• The second the third instalments dates are similar to prior years being September 16, 2020 and November 18, 2020.  
• Pre-authorized payments plans (10 month plan) will commence in August 2020

How can I get caught up on my property tax p​ayments?

How can I pay my property taxes without attending City Hall or my financial institution?

• Property tax payment can be made using these alterative methods:
• On-line via internet or telephone banking. Set up the City of Windsor as a bill payment using the Roll Number as the account number (15 digits that follow 37-39).
• One of three pre-authorized payment plans. Forms can be found on our Paying Your Taxes page and can be submitted electronically to propertytax@citywindsor.ca or faxed 519-255-7310.
• Mail a cheque to The City of Windsor – Taxation Dept 350 City Hall Square W. Ste 410, Windsor, ON  N9A 6S1
• Courier a cheque to The City of Windsor Taxation Dept c/o 400 City Hall Square E. Windsor ON  N9A 7K6​ (Note to couriers: Please bypass the Service Canada lineup at 400 City Hall Square East, enter through the west entrance using the wheelchair access door and proceed straight to the first floor security desk.)

How can I get information about my property taxes?

• 311 is able to answer general property tax enquiries and will create a service request if a more detailed response is required. Information including the following can also be found using the MyProperty Tax e-service. Registration is required.
• You can access your account by clicking Sign In or Registration if you do not have an account.
• Services include:
• Review history of tax account
• Enrol in pre-authorized payment plan
• Request information or submit changes

What if I am selling or purchasing a property?

• Your lawyer should be advising our office at the time that the transaction has closed. Documents can be e-mailed to propertytax@citywindsor.ca or faxed 519-255-7310. Changes to ownership will be made as time permits.

How can I register for, change or cancel my pre-authorized payment plan?

• Pre-authorized enrollment, as well as change forms are available by clicking Paying Your Property Taxes.
• Complete forms can be e-mailed to propertytax@citywindsor.ca or faxed to 519-255-7310.

What if I have made an overpayment or am expecting a refund?

• Generally, any amounts that result in a credit to your property tax are retained on your account to offset future taxes. Should you require a refund, a request in writing must be made and e-mailed to propertytax@citywindsor.ca. Refunds will be processed on an as needed basis.