HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-03-19_MR_COVID-19_FINAL
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – Amid service delivery strategies and closure schedules, Municipal
Council announced on Thursday that they will earmark relief funding to help area residents, non-
profit organizations and businesses affected by COVID-19.
“These are trying times for all of our communities and households. The situation continues to
evolve and change as we receive new information and directives from the Province of Nova Scotia
about COVID-19,” says Warden Allen Webber. “Many of our residents and businesses are deeply
impacted by closures and reduced services. On behalf of Council, we are asking for your patience
and continued understanding.”
The structure of funding programs will develop further in the coming days and is expected to
cover any gaps in federal and provincial funding through supports for residents, commercial
customers, and non-profits organizations.
Immediate steps taken by Council at their meeting were:
• to delay distribution of the interim tax bill for one month;
• to extend the deadline for Low Income Tax Exemption Policy applications until June 30,
2020.
• to double the budgeted amount for low income tax exemption for fiscal year 20/21 with
increases to both income thresholds and rebate amounts;
• to establish a one-time emergency grant to non-profit organizations with facilities that
are negatively impacted by COVID-19 up to $1000/month to a maximum of $5000 per
organization;
• to increase Council Grants to $50,000; and
• to explore opportunities to alleviate financial stress for the small-business sector.
Program details will be shared as they develop. Other support measures could be identified as
this situation unfolds and will be rolled out using the Municipality’s website at
www.chester.ca/covid-19 and social media accounts.
Municipal Offices will close effective March 20, 2020 and will remain closed for the time being.
Any meetings that occur (Council/Committee of the Whole) are closed to public. Some staff have
been authorized to work from home so that many services, such as filing permit applications, can
continue. Customers can contact staff and departments they have always contacted using regular
telephone numbers and email addresses. Services, such as waste collection and wastewater
treatment will continue. The Public Drop-off at Kaizer Meadow Landfill will close on Saturdays
effective March 28, but open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with limited staffing.
All municipal facilities are closed, including parks, playgrounds, the Green Gym and Skate Park.
The trail is still open to users.
Warden Webber continues, “Knowing our communities, I have great confidence that we can
weather this storm. By protecting ourselves and others by practicing self -isolation, social-
distancing, and impeccable hygiene as directed by the Province, let’s minimize the risk as much
as we can. Please continue to be thoughtful and supportive of one another. We are all in this
together and are trying to find the best way to protect the health and wellness of our families,
friends, and neighbours.”
For a list of resources or information about COVID-19, visit www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus. For
local information and resources, visit www.chester.ca/covid-19 or “ Lean On Me – Making
Municipal Connections”, a municipal-administered Facebook group connecting those in need
with those willing to help, which will be up and running shortly.
Allen Webber, Warden
Desk 902-275-4145
Cell 902-275-8373
awebber@chester.ca
Dan McDougall, CAO
Desk 902-275-4111
Cell 902-277-0631
dmcdougall@chester.ca