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 requirements for masks/face coverings?
Effective August 19, 2020, a mask that covers the nose and mouth is 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 City business hours, 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 to 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 (stemming from a Landlord Tenant Board decision) 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?
Protective barriers have been installed on all Transit Windsor buses. Transit Windsor returned to front-door boarding and fare collection as of October 26, 2020.
Riders are encouraged to board at the front door and exit at the rear door (with the exception of those with mobility needs who may exit at the front door).
Fare media, including the re-loading of Transit Windsor Smart Cards, is available at the Transit Centre (3700 North Service Road East) and Windsor International Transit Terminal (300 Chatham Street West). Capacity limits are in place, and all customers and vendors entering either facility are required to fill out a screening and contact tracing form. See
Transit Windsor hours of operation. The mandatory mask policy remains in effect indefinitely, and bus capacity will be limited to seated loads only (no standees) to allow for physical distancing on board.
Effective Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 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.
What's happening with the Provincial Offences (POA) Courts?
The POA courts are operating remotely only; however, POA counter services are available to the public by appointment only, and appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. You can make an appointment online at our website or by speaking to a phone representative. For urgent requests, please email poa.tickets@citywindsor.ca or call 519-255-6555.
Are marinas and boat launches open?
Are City recreation facilities closed?
Eight of the City’s splash pads are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. See list of splash pad locations. Sandpoint Beach is now open. Supervised beach hours will remain consistent with previous years, with lifeguards on duty from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather and water quality permitting, until Sunday, September 5, 2021.
All six (6) outdoor pools are now open.
Sports field permits are now available. Permitting for outdoor sports leagues is also available based on demand and availability, as field conditions allow.
Recreation and Culture is offering camps at three (3) sites. Camp locations include Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex (CPRC), Forest Glade Community Centre and Windsor Water World. Registration is available via ActiveWindsor.ca Arenas, indoor pools, Cannon Cove, Adventure Bay Family Water Park Presented by WFCU Credit Union, indoor museums and all other cultural facilities remain closed at this time.
Roseland Golf and Curling Club and the Little River Golf Club are both open. COVID-19 guidelines will be in place and must be followed. Tee times can be booked online at Roseland's website roselandgolfandcurlingclub.ca or by phone at 519-969-3810. Tee times at Little River are via phone reservation only at 519-945-3935.
Any inquires can be emailed to parkrec@citywindsor.ca
Are City parks still open?
- Parks and trails remain open for informal recreation purposes, but users are asked to please observe social distancing. Provincial guidelines for gatherings must be observed.
- Picnic permitting has resumed, allowing for a maximum of 25 people per permitted site.
- Outdoor dining and patio extensions without live entertainment have resumed subject to restrictions.
- Outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies with capacity limited to permit 2-metre physical distancing are now allowed. Permits can be issued based on availability, with noted capacity limits, at select outdoor park sites, including Willistead Manor– Paul Martin Gardens (no interior access), Jackson Park, Mary E. Bibb Park, Reaume Park and Alexander Park.
Parks Amenities:
Open, as long as 2-metre physical distancing can be maintained:
- Parks and recreational areas, including benches
- Playgrounds, play structures, and play equipment
- Off-leash dog parks
- Outdoor sports facilities, such as golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts and skate parks
- Baseball diamonds, soccer fields and other multi-use fields
- Picnic sites and picnic tables
Are public washrooms in parks open?
All washrooms are open and will remain open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, weather permitting. However, some locations start to close as early as 7 p.m. as staff cycle through
Is parking still being enforced?
Meter parking is free for 15 minutes when using the Passport Parking App. Users can simply enter Zone #3800 at any meter in the city. This is an effort to help with take-out restaurant orders. The app can be used once every six hours.
With the exception of the free 15 minutes mentioned above, regular enforcement of parking at street meters continues as normal. Please follow the times laid out at the meters and on signage in municipal lots and garages, and pay the appropriate amount for the time you need to park.
The Public Works administration building located at 1266 McDougall Street has reopened to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Is garbage and recycle still being collected?
While garbage and recycling collection are continuing as normal, we would ask that residents keep 6 feet (2 metres) 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 44 pounds, etc.
Public Drop-Off Depot will remain open at limited capacity to ensure social distancing. Delays can be expected. The rodent program will continue; street sweeping program and litter bin collections are operating on a reduced service level; and special event services will be offered for approved events throughout the city.
Are the Public Drop-Off and Household Chemical Waste Depots open?
Are libraries open?
- Libraries are once again open but with the ablity to social distance determining the number of patrons allowed in at one time. For more information on available services, visit the Windsor Public Library website for further details
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.
- Civil ceremonies are available, but please contact the Clerk's Department for the latest information at clerkvitals@citywindsor.ca
What City services can I access online?
Are City Council and committee meetings still taking place?
Windsor City Council will remain in a virtual-only format until further notice.
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.
- Members of the public are advised to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory illness, which include the following:
- 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.
- 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.
What is the 2021 Final Property Tax Schedule?
2021 Final Property Tax Bills have been mailed.
Due dates for regular tax payments are July 14, September 15, and November 17, 2021.
The City also offers three convenient pre-authorized payment plans (PAP). Due dates for each of the PAP plans are as follows:
Installment Date Plan: July 14, September 15, November 17, 2021
Mid Month Plan: July 15, August 16, September 15, October 15 and November 15, 2021
End of Month Plan: July 30, August 30, September 30, October 29 and November 30, 2021
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 alternative methods:
- Online 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 My Property 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 the ownership will be made within three weeks from the date that the information is received from your lawyer. A Statement of Account will be mailed to the new owners as confirmation that the change has been processed. Inquiries related to an ownership change should only be made after the three-week period has passed.
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.
For general tax inquiries call 311 or email propertytax@citywindsor.ca.