Council Highlights from the April 14, 2020 Meeting

Clarington Council directs staff to come up with a residential tax relief program for COVID-19

Council has asked staff to come up with an application-based program that would offer qualifying Clarington taxpayers’ some relief on a portion of their municipal taxes. Council approved, in principle, a potential by-law that, if approved, would look at a possible reduction or refund of a percentage of the Clarington portion of taxes for qualifying taxpayers. Qualifying taxpayers would have to demonstrate that the property taxes are “unduly burdensome” during the time of the pandemic. The overall tax relief package would be capped at $2 million. Staff have been directed to come up with a comprehensive package and application process and work with other Durham Region municipalities on a consistent approach. Council has also asked staff to create a COVID Community Grant Program in the amount of $100,000. This grant program would provide a funding framework and support for community agencies, not-for-profit and volunteer organizations that provide community support programs for those in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff will provide a comprehensive report to Council on both these options on June 1, 2020. The details of either of these programs are still being developed and are subject to Council approval.

For more information on COVID-19 financial support options, read report FND-008-20.

Clarington creates business continuity plan during the pandemic

Clarington Council reviewed a business continuity plan created by staff to maintain Clarington services, operations, and ultimately to support the local economy. The detailed plan outlines Clarington’s staffing needs over the next several weeks. Many of Clarington’s services continue to proceed as the Municipality is considered an essential business under the Provincial definition. However, the Municipality is heeding Public Health advice and taking a close look at its capital projects to see which projects are related to critical infrastructure and need to proceed and which can be delayed. For those projects that move forward, they will be strictly controlled to prevent any spread of infection. The work will be subject to strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

Read report CAO-012-20 to get the details on Clarington’s business continuity plan.

Council and Committee meetings will continue as scheduled

Following physical distancing guidelines established during the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings will proceed in an electronic format allowing Members of Council to stay home.  Residents can watch the meeting online at www.clarington.net/calendar. Delegations will also proceed electronically. If you wish to appear as a delegation to address Council on an issue, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Department at 905-623-3379 ext. 2019 or clerks@clarington.net. The deadline to notify the Clerk’s Department that you want to make a delegation is 4:15 p.m., one business day before the scheduled meeting. Delegates will receive information and instructions on how to access the meeting electronically.

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