SF COVID-19 Response: Updates on payments and service delivery

Mar 25, 2020

The Township is making every effort to support its residents through these unprecedented times.

South Frontenac residents currently enrolled in a monthly water or property tax preauthorized payment plan with the Township, with a withdrawal date of March 31st or April 1st, 2020, will be provided the option to request a deferral of the March 31st or April 1st payment withdrawal.

In order to defer your payment, we ask that you provide your request in writing to the Township via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or in our drop box located at the front door of our office at 4432 George Street in Sydenham. Please ensure that your request has been submitted no later than end of day on Thursday March 26th, 2020

This deferral opportunity is for one payment ONLY and will be processed only for those that formally request the deferral by the deadline above. The deferred payment will be incorporated in the recalculation of future payments within the pre-authorized payment plan cycle.

Township Council and Staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation with guidance from KFL&A Public Health. Further updates about the Township’s service delivery, facilities, health and safety and more will be available through our website, social media platforms, and our banner in the Frontenac News and other channels.

Total Fire Ban in Effect - March 20, 2020

Please be advised that effective Friday, March 20, 2020, there is a total burning ban in effect across the Township of South Frontenac. Despite some rain in the forecast the ground remains very dry.

A total fire ban means absolutely no open air burning including cooking fires, charcoal barbeques, and fireworks; but does not include cooking appliances with a mechanical shutoff.

Residents are reminded of the importance of complying with the burning Bylaw 2012-68 which is available on our website – www.southfrontenac.net.

Residents are also reminded that any infraction of this By-law will result in significant financial penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact South Frontenac Fire and Rescue at 613-376-3027 ext. 2234.

Your cooperation to protect our citizens and property is sincerely appreciated.

Services

While our offices and facilities remain closed to the public, most municipal services will continue to be delivered and public communications via telephone and email remain in place during regular business hours.

In addition to these closures, please note the following changes to our service delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a need to reduce the spread of the virus:

• Community Grants Applications: The deadline for 2020 Community Grant Submissions has been extended to April 30, 2020. Please continue to email your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop them off at 4432 George St. in our drop box located at the front door.

• Sydenham Water Public Consultation Session: The Sydenham Water Public Consultation session scheduled for April 16, 2020 will be postponed.Please continue to complete and submit the customer feedback survey included in your recent utility bill. Online submissions are encouraged, however, you can also submit your completed survey to our drop box located at the front door of our office at 4432 George St., in Sydenham.

• Touch a Truck Event – The annual ‘Touch a Truck’ event that is held in May for young children and their families will be postponed.

The postponement of other Township events or affiliated events will be considered on a case by case basis and discussed with organizers as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

• Cancellation of the April 9 Committee of Adjustment Meeting: Township Planning staff have been working to assess the COVID-19 situation and make relevant changes to our service delivery. Recognizing the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on our partner agencies, and in the interest of maintaining public safety during this evolving situation, the decision has been made to CANCEL the April 9, 2020 Committee of Adjustment meeting.

Pre-consultation meetings will continue to be scheduled but will occur via telephone. The Township recognizes that the broad response to the COVID-19 pandemic creates uncertainty about the timelines for processing planning applications. The Township will update residents as more information becomes available from the Province and our commenting agencies regarding these timelines and the scheduling of public meetings.

• Building & Planning Permit Application Submissions: While our office is closed to the public, Planning and Building staff remain available to respond to inquiries and assist in the processing of applications via phone and email. Online submissions are encouraged where possible, however, you can also submit your applications and corresponding information to our drop box located at the front door of our office at 4432 George St., in Sydenham.

• Tender Submissions & Openings: Tender & RFP openings will be conducted as scheduled; however due to office closures, the township will be postponing public openings until further notice. Instead, the results of the public tenders and RFPs will be posted immediately on our website’s ‘Tenders’ page here: https://www.southfrontenac.net/en/town-hall/tenders.aspx.

Bidders are encouraged to drop off their tender or RFP package in person at our office drop box located at 4432 George St. in Sydenham, or mail them without requiring a signature upon delivery. Taking these measures will help to ensure your tender documents are received on time.

• Summer Student Recruitment: The Township has decided to extend the due date for summer student applications to March 31st, 2020. Although we are still actively recruiting, timelines associated with interviews and hiring may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Reminder – Garbage & Recycling: Reminder to residents that all Township waste sites including hazardous waste, are closed to the public until further notice. Garbage and Recycling will continue to be picked up on the regularly scheduled days. Garbage and recycling pickup is available curbside to all residents, including at the end of private lanes. Should you have any questions, please contact our Public Services department at 613-376-3027 ext. 4331.

Please continue to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19 by practicing these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your and others’ health:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home if you are sick

Township Council and Staff will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation with guidance from KFL&A Public Health. Further updates about the Township’s service delivery, facilities, health and safety and more will be available through our website, social media platforms, and our banner in the Frontenac News and other channels.

It is the goal of Council and staff to continue to provide quality services to the public, while keeping residents and staff safe, and to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.