COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
General information
Where can I get the most up-to-date health information about COVID-19?
Who should I contact if I have questions about COVID-19 and testing?
What are the New Requirements for Masks/Face Coverings?
Effective August 19, 2020, a mask that covers the nose and mouth will be required in all indoor public spaces by order of the Mayor, pursuant to section 4(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including places of business, community centres, places of worship, entertainment venues and any common-use areas within a multi-use dwelling (such as lobby, elevator, laundry rooms and corridors). Exceptions are made for children and those with underlying medical conditions and to comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
How can I 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 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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).
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
What are the changes to Transit Windsor's services?
- Effective Tuesday, September 8, Transit Windsor began operating on an enhanced Saturday schedule, as well as offering secondary school extras, while adhering to public health guidelines to support the health and safety of drivers and riders alike.
- The Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Bus has suspended operations until further notice.
- See Transit Windsor COVID-19 Service Update for details on adjustments to bus service and customer service locations.
Are City recreation facilities closed?
In preparation for the fall/winter, and to create opportunities for physical fitness and healthy living, the City of Windsor is re-opening a number of community centres that had been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Additional adult and youth programing will also proceed, subject to registrations and public health guidelines.
City of Windsor public facilities of an indoor recreation nature (arenas, indoor fitness facilities, pools with the exceptions, museums, libraries and community centres) are closed unless otherwise noted. This change will remain in effect until at least December 31, 2020.
Arenas: Ice pad rentals will be available starting September 8, beginning with two pads at the WFCU Centre. Additional ice pads will be made available at other location(s) based on the demand through the finalizing of permits. The issuing of permits is being centralized through the WFCU Centre and can be confirmed by email at parkrec@citywindsor.ca. There will be strict safety protocols in place in consultation with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. These protocols will be included on the permits and will be posted on the rinks page of the City’s website. City Pools: The City will be opening some indoor pools, starting with the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre (WIATC) on August 31. There will be strict safety protocols in place, in consultation with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Updated information will be posted on the on the aquatics page. Effective August 31, reserved fitness lanes at the WIATC begin.
Effective September 14, reserved fitness lanes and shallow aqua fit classes begin at WFCU Centre Community Pool.
Note: The WIATC indoor fitness centre will remain closed.
Little River Golf Course will remain closed until further notice.
Are marinas and boat launches open?
What's happening with the Provincial Offences (POA) Courts?
In order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, The
Chief Justice of Ontario has decided to cancel POA court dates until further notice. Due to reduced services protocol in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, City Hall is closed to visitors until further notice, and this includes in-person Provincial Offences (POA) services.
Please visit our Provincial Offences web page and the Ontario Court of Justice page for updated information and further details on available services. Will the Ward 7 By-Election still take place?
With Windsor now in Stage 3 of the provincial COVID-19 re-opening, officials are confident a safe and transparent election process can take place. The Ward 7 by-election will be held Monday, October 5, 2020, and advance voting will be held on Tuesday, September 29; Wednesday, September 30; Thursday, October 1; and Saturday, October 3, 2020.
Voting will be in person and will take place at the WFCU Centre with special pandemic protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of residents, voters in Ward 7, candidates and election workers.
Will refunds be provided for memberships and programming?
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 limited use of outdoor sports fields if ready.
- Playgrounds, play structures and outdoor fitness equipment will be re-opened starting on Wednesday, August 12, and all should be inspected and open by Friday, August 14. Please be patient if the area you’re visiting isn’t open before Friday.
- Splash Pads: 7 of 9 splash pads that re-opened on July 13, 2020 will continue to operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Users should note that the fencing and staff onsite will be removed as of Sunday, August 16, and the splash pads will be unsupervised.
- Splash pad users are reminded to follow the signage posted at the splash pads, including:
- Parents and guardians should supervise their children at all times.
- Stay two metres away from others while on the splash pad and surrounding area.
- Follow all social gathering guidelines.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If you are feeling unwell, do not attend the splash pad, and follow up with a health care professional.
- 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 two metres (six feet) from others and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 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:
- Charles Clark Square
- Festival Plaza
- Sandpoint Beach
- Willistead Manor
As of July 29, 2020 the following park washrooms are open:
- A.K.O. Park
- Central Park
- Captain Wilson
- Forest Glade
- Garry Dugal Park
- Jackson Park - Sunken Garden and West
- Mic Mac - Prince Road, Ivan and Kimmy Lucier
- Malden - West Yard and Visitors Centre
- Reaume Park
- Realtor Park
- Walker Homesites
- Vets Memorial Park
Is parking still being enforced?
Effective Monday August 17, regular enforcement of parking at street meters has resumed. Please follow the times laid out at the meters and pay the appropriate amount for the time you need to park, as enforcement will no longer be allowing a grace period.
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.
Can I donate medical supplies?
- Effective August 28, the donation centre located at WFCU Centre will no longer be accepting donations. The City of Windsor would like to say than you to all the residents and businesses that donated medical supplies when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our community. See news release, City says Thank You for Medical Donations.
Are the Public Drop-Off and Household Chemical Waste Depots open?
Is there any way to access libraries?
- While all library buildings are closed, there are many ways to access the library:
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. Visit the Marriage Licences page for details.
- City Hall is now officiating outdoor wedding ceremonies limited to 20 attendees (including bride and groom). 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?
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:
Precautions
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:
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.
New for Stage 3: A drop box for tax and finance payments is now available in the lobby of 350 City Hall Square West and counter service available by appointment only. Email
propertytax@citywindsor.ca, or for general tax inquiries, call 311.
Will the City continue to expect my 2020 Property Taxes to be paid?
- Final property tax bills have been prepared and mailed. The first instalment date has been delayed by one month to August 19, 2020. If you have not received your bill by August 4, 2020 please call 311 or e-mail propertytax@citywindsor.ca Due to interim tax relief measures that deferred the last interim instalment from April 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020, the first instalment date for the Final tax bill 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 and will run through the month of December 2020.
How can I get caught up on my property tax payments?
- The City offers payment plan arrangements to assist property owners in bringing their account balance up to date.
- The City also offers a tax relief program for residents (conditions apply).
- To request assistance, e-mail propertytax@citywindsor.ca
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 Department, 350 City Hall Square West, Suite 410, Windsor, ON N9A 6S1
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. Alternatively questions can be e-mailed to propertytax@citywindsor.ca. 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?
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.