Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update on City of Windsor Services
Effective March 21, 2022, Windsor joins the Province of Ontario in easing further COVID restrictions in alignment with new public health measures. Mask use is no longer required by visitors entering most City facilities. To learn more about the provincial reopening process for the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Reopening Ontario.
The City of Windsor service adjustments listed below are up to date according to instructions under the current provincial designation.
Status of Municipal Buildings
Buildings at 350 City Hall Square West, 400 City Hall Square East and 2450 McDougall are open, but appointments are strongly encouraged, and self screening will be necessary for anyone entering. Signage will be visible at entrances.
The building at 400 City Hall Square East remains open to the public for service at some federal and provincial offices, as will any other building with self-contained leased space to non-City tenants (Mackenzie Hall and Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex). This is subject to change.
For City of Windsor services and information, residents can call 311 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (holidays excepted), or they can download the 311 app, email 311@citywindsor.ca or use 311online.ca to send requests 24/7 (though responses will be processed at the hours noted above).
Please see below for more information in the City of Windsor Service Adjustments section.
Masks/Face Coverings
The municipal mask by-law has been lifted as of March 21, 2022, and masks are no longer required in most municipal buildings. Mandatory masking requirements will remain in effect for select settings, such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes, and congregate care settings.
COVID-19 General Information
For health information and local guidelines related to COVID-19, please visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit including:
- Questions about COVID-19 testing
- How to report COVID-19 complaints
- How to book your vaccine appointment
- Precautions to protect yourself against COVID-19
- What to do if you or a family member has to self-isolate
City of Windsor Service Adjustments:
Building Department
The City of Windsor Building Division has resumed normal operating hours with limited reductions in service. Please refer to the letter below for more details:
Building By-Law Enforcement
By-law Enforcement
Municipal services have resumed for all compliance and enforcement matters relating to regulatory by-law enforcement. The general public is encouraged to file their concerns by calling the 311 Contact Centre.
Council Services (Office of the City Clerk)
Economic Development (Office of the Chief Administrative Officer [CAO])
All economic development services are available. On-site meetings and visits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The processing times for community improvement plan (CIP) applications and business incentives may be increased. Questions can be directed to Milan Vujanovic, Senior Economic Development Officer at 519-890-0453 by phone or mvujanovic@citywindsor.ca by email.
Engineering
No public-facing services will be offered (e.g. street opening permits, encroachments etc.). Limited service will be provided to development applications, engineering, E.I.S. and drafting. E-services will continue to be offered. Construction will continue.
As a result of COVID-19, the City of Windsor has agreed to
waive permit and annual fees for this sidewalk cafe season in an effort to support local restaurants and small businesses. In order to operate a sidewalk cafe, one must obtain an annual permit.
See Sidewalk Cafe FAQ for further details.
Finance (Office of the Commissioner of Corporate Services, CFO/City Treasurer)
Property Taxes
Municipal services have resumed for all property tax billing and administrative matters. The general public is encouraged to call the 311 Contact Centre with any enquires or reach us at propertytax@citywindsor.ca before attending City Hall. Please visit the Taxes and Assessment page on our website for additional links to information on property tax and assessment
Fire and Rescue
Emergency services continue. Inspections and Public Education activities have resumed.
Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste
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. Yard waste collection is continuing on its regular schedule,
Please also note updated guidelines on the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority's Safe Waste Management/COVID-19 page to help keep our workers protected while they perform this valuable service. General info can be found on our Waste and Recycling page.
Public Drop-Off Depot is open to the public, however, 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.
Environmental Services Offices is open to the public.
Human Resources
All services have resumed. When in-person discussions are required (i.e. recruitments, corporate training, personal meetings), alternative delivery methods may be used as appropriate (i.e. use of virtual platforms such as Zoom or e-learning).
Legal
Service response time may be reduced, but essential legal work will be completed.
Licensing
The Licensing Department is processing municipal licence applications for business, lottery, public vehicle and dogs. Mail-in applications are being accepted where applicable. In-person services are available, to avoid wait times and lengthy delays in processing your application, citizens are strongly encouraged to make an appointment. Please call 519-255-6200, option 1, for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Dog licences may be purchased on-line by visiting the City of Windsor’s
online E-Services. Register and renew your licence on-line today and receive a $20 voucher to Ren’s Pets.
Maintenance
All road and sewer maintenance programs have resumed operations.
Parking
- 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 is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (holidays excepted).
- For all parking and enforcement information, visit the Parking Enforcement page.
Parks
Planning
The Planning Division has been and will continue to accept all Planning Act and other development-related applications.
Mandatory pre-consultations on development applications will be available via electronic participation or by appointment. You can also schedule an appointment to submit an application or make an in-person payment. Please call 519-255-6543 to schedule an appointment.
Planning Act Applications:
Committee of Adjustment:
You can also continue to contact us by email at jwatson@citywindsor.ca or phone (519) 255-6543 or send regular mail to:
Planning Division
2nd Floor, 350 City Hall Square West,
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
N9A 6S1
You may also submit a Committee of Adjustment application or appeal electronically or in person by appointment. Please email jwatson@citywindsor.ca or call (519) 255-6543 to arrange to submit your application electronically.
Policy and Gaming
Gaming and raffle licence services are still being provided. Applicants should contact their gaming analyst directly by phone or email, and general enquiries should be submitted to
licences@citywindsor.ca by email.
Pollution Control
Public access to the septic unloading station for R.V. and travel trailers has been suspended at the Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant.
Plant tours for both Lou Romano and Little River are suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provincial Offences (POA)
The POA courts and counter services are open to the public at Suite 401-400 City Hall Square East. Court operations are being conducted in person and remotely depending on the method selected by the defendant.
See our Provincial Offences home page and the Ontario Court of Justice page for further information and updates.
Purchasing
Purchasing is operating at 100% with all service requirements.
Recreation and Culture
Participants are reminded that they should not attend any facility or program if you are sick.
Arenas and Outdoor Rinks
Lakeview Park Marina
Aquatics
The Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre Presented by WFCU Credit Union and WFCU Centre community pools are open for drop-in fit lanes, open adult and aqua fitness classes. Swimming lessons and rentals continue.
The fitness centrse at the WIATC and Gino and Liz Marcus are now open.
Stand-Up FlowRider classes have also returned to the WIATC, so come out and learn to surf.
Recreation Centre Programming
Museum Windsor and Outdoor/Virtual Culture Opportunities
Willistead Manor
Libraries
In-branch services are available including browsing, use of public computers, and access to seating and study areas while maintaining social distancing. See Windsor Public Library Service Update.
For information on recreation program offerings and registrations, please visit www.ActiveWindsor.ca or call 519-255-1161.
Social Services (Human & Health Services):
Housing & Homelessness Services:
The City of Windsor offers over-the-phone and virtual services for individuals and families in Windsor and Essex County who require assistance obtaining and retaining affordable housing. This includes help paying rent and utilities. Visit the
Housing and Homelessness page on the City’s website for more information.
Children's Services:
Services open to the public:
Transit
For the latest on Transit Windsor operations during the pandemic, see Transit Windsor COVID-19 Service Update.
- Transit Windsor service remains on an enhanced Saturday schedule with greater frequencies and extra buses added for peak service. Riders are urged to check transitwindsor.ca for updates and use the Transit App for real-time arrival information. If you have questions, you can call 519-944-4111.
- Protective barriers have been installed on all Transit Windsor buses. 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 reloading 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) as well as selected Shopper’s Drug Mart stores, 7-Eleven Locations, and City of Windsor Customer Care Centres (please verify operating hours). All customers and vendors entering either facility are required to still wear a mask. See Transit Windsor sales locations hours of operation.
- The mandatory mask policy remains in effect indefinitely.
Transportation Planning
Project management and response to resident service requests will continue. In person public meetings and reviews that require traffic data collection have resumed.
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.
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 1-888-488-1578 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.