COVID-19 Updates

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City Hall
May 28, 2020

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The City of Terrace is committed to ensuring citizens are kept informed of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking direction from the federal government, provincial government, Northern Health, and the BC Centre for Disease Control in order to do our part to help minimize the spread of this virus. This includes recommendations for physical distancing, a tactic to minimize close contact with others in the community by avoiding crowding and cancelling public gatherings, among other measures.

Latest News

See all City of Terrace news

Business News

 

 

 

WATCH NOW: Mayor Carol Leclerc provides a COVID-19 update (April 28)

 

Find all of Mayor Leclerc's video updates here

 

 

 

City Facilities Status - Updated Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 1:45 pm

If you have questions related to COVID-19 specifically, please email us at covid19@terrace.ca instead of contacting the departments listed below. Thank you!

FacilityStatusHow to stay in touch
City HallOpen to the public on June 1.

If possible, please have only one member of your household enter City Hall to help maintain physical distancing.

Anyone who has been outside of the country recently or who has COVID-19–related symptoms will not be permitted to enter. Plexiglas shields and floor markings have been installed to keep both staff and visitors safe while completing transactions. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door.

Phone: 250-635-6311

Email: cityhall@terrace.ca

In person:  As of June 1:

8:30 am–4:30 pm; first hour of business (8:30–9:30 am) reserved for seniors ages 65+

Fire Department Administration OfficeClosed to the public.

Phone: 250-638-4734

Email: firehall@terrace.ca

In person:  Please call or email first.

SportsplexClosed to the public. Essential services only: please contact us for details.

Phone: 250-615-3000

Email: leisureservices@terrace.ca

In person:  Please call or email first.

Terrace & District Aquatic CentreClosed to the public. Essential services only: please contact us for details.

Phone: 250-615-3030

Email: leisureservices@terrace.ca

In person:  Please call or email first.

Public Works/Development Services

Open to the public on June 1.

Anyone who has been outside of the country recently or who has COVID-19–related symptoms will not be permitted to enter. Plexiglas shields and floor markings have been installed to keep both staff and visitors safe while completing transactions. Hand sanitizer is available inside the door. The number of visitors inside the facilities at any one time will be limited.

Phone: 250-615-4000

Email: pw@terrace.ca or developmentservices@terrace.ca

In person:  As of June 1:

8:30 am–4:30 pm

Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT)Unaffected.Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Updated Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 1:45 pm

General Questions

Can I visit the City of Terrace offices in person?
In line with the guidelines for Phase 2 of the Province’s Restart BC plan and WorkSafeBC, the City of Terrace is opening up City Hall and the Public Works/Development Services building as of Monday, June 1. The Sportsplex and Terrace & District Aquatic Centre remain closed to the public until such time that they can be opened safely, cost-effectively, and in line with all regulations.

Please read our news release for details.

In all offices, staff members are also available to assist you by phone and email. If you’re not sure who to call, please call our main switchboard at 250-635-6311 and we will point you in the right direction.

Please check https://www.terrace.ca/city-hall/department-contacts for a list of all contact information.

Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

 

Mayor and Council

Is the City going to declare a state of local emergency?
The City’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated on March 12 and we continue to work to protect our community from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Terrace is doing everything we can to support the State of Provincial Emergency declaration. We have been participating in regular conference calls with the province, which is providing CAOs and mayors with guidance on how best to respond to the many different aspects of this pandemic. The City of Terrace is not considering declaring a State of Local Emergency at this time. The Declaration of a Provincial State of Emergency that has been put in place by the Province is meeting the City’s needs and Council supports the province’s request for a coordinated response.

Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

 

Administration and Finance

Will there be an extension for property tax deadlines?
Property taxes are due July 2, as usual. However, the 10% penalty associated with non-payment will be deferred until October 1, 2020. Those who do not pay by 4:30 pm on September 30, 2020, will be charged a 10% penalty on any unpaid current taxes. Those who can meet the usual deadline of July 2 are encouraged to do so. This will help the City maintain its cash flow so it can continue to provide the many services that the community depends on.

Visit our Property Tax page for more information.

Is the City going to reconsider the proposed 7.4% tax increase for 2020?
The City of Terrace has reduced the proposed tax increase from 7.4% to 4.5% in order to help provide relief to both residents and businesses facing the challenging financial implications of COVID-19.

Read the news release here.

Will any due dates be extended for current water and sewer bills for businesses?
Due to the closure of municipal buildings, the 10% interest associated with unpaid 2019 4th quarter billings, due March 31, 2020, will be waived until end of day September 30, 2020.

Background: Businesses are billed for water and sewer on a quarterly basis. The October–December 2019 bill was issued at the end of January 2020. As per our bylaw, customers have 60 days to pay (by March 31, 2020), and if payment is not received by the due date, a 10% interest charge is applied.

The 10% interest charge has been waived until end of day September 30, 2020, allowing for an additional three months to pay. City of Terrace Council recommended this bylaw amendment at the April 23, 2020, budget meeting. See more here.

 

Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

 

Economic Development and Business Support

What is the City doing to support local businesses?
To respond to local business needs and help businesses navigate through and make use of available opportunities, the City of Terrace established the Terrace & District Economic Response Team along with the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures 16/37, Kermodei Tourism, and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, with input from the Terrace Downtown Improvement Association. Learn more in the news release and also in our main business support section: https://www.terrace.ca/covid19/biz

Where can I find information about business support available at the federal, provincial, and community level?
Check our business support page for a great list of business supports: https://www.terrace.ca/covid19/biz

 

Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

 

Public Works/Development Services

Can I get extra garbage bag tags?
Yes—with the Public Works and City Hall buildings open to the public again as of June 1, you may pick up tags in person. As always, please consider our crews and keep any additional bags to 50 lbs at most. Crews will use gloves and practise physical distancing with the public when picking up curbside bags. Do NOT place any yard waste in these bags. Please DO ensure the bag tag is clearly visible on the bag—stapling it on is best. Bags placed in garbage cans or other containers will not be collected—just place them beside your city-provided garbage bin. 

Find more details about our curbside pickup program at https://www.terrace.ca/city-services/garbage-recycling

Is my garbage, recycling, and organics pickup currently affected by the pandemic?
No; pickup is continuing as normal. The Do Your Part Recycling Depot in Thornhill has informed us that they are open to the public on Mondays as of April 20. Learn more on their website.

Find reminders on curbside recycling requirements here.

 

Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

 

Leisure Services

Is there a way to participate in fitness classes online?
Some of our instructors are posting videos online. Click here for our fitness videos page.

    Can I use City parks, playgrounds, and sports courts?
    In support of the provincial order for social distancing in effect in BC, all City of Terrace playgrounds and basketball courts are closed. Signs are posted at these facilities.

    The direction to close recreation facilities, including sports courts, was never mandated by provincial health authorities, yet most communities in the province made the decision to close without formal direction, and through an abundance of caution. This cautious approach has helped with flattening the curve of COVID-19; however, many municipalities across the province are now challenged with how a re-activation should happen.

    In the City of Terrace, we are starting to re-activate our facilities with direction from the BC Recreation and Parks Association. Exercise and fresh air are good for you, and we want to ensure you have more ways to enjoy that fresh air and exercise while continuing to do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With that in mind, we have now re-opened the tennis and pickleball courts with temporary Rules of Play, which are posted at each sports court, to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

    • Courts will be open 8:30 am–7:30 pm daily
    • Courts will be regularly monitored by City of Terrace parks staff
    • Washrooms will not be opened on these sites

    Please follow the guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, including maintaining physical distancing from those who do not live in your household, not sharing equipment, and not using these facilities if you’re sick or symptomatic.

    The City of Terrace is relying on the public to respect these temporary Rules of Play so we can continue to enjoy these activities. Please note that we are following the recommendations of the BC Recreation and Parks Association regarding playgrounds, so City-owned playgrounds remain closed at this time. Stay tuned for further updates on our facilities as we move forward with BC’s Restart Plan.

    What will happen to my existing membership or punch pass for the Sportsplex or Terrace & District Aquatic Centre?
    As of April 29, we are refunding all pool and gym passes, fitness centre passes, and 10-punch passes that were still active at the time of the closure. If you paid for one of these services by credit card, we will do our best to refund the unused portion of your membership to your credit card. All other forms of payment will be credited to your account. If you wish to receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership credited to your account, please either email us at pr@terrace.ca or call the Sportsplex at 250-615-3000.

    My child was registered for swimming lessons. Will they be automatically registered in the next session?
    All swimming lessons that were scheduled to take place following the closure of the Terrace & District Aquatic Centre due to COVID-19 will be refunded in the coming days (week of April 27). If you paid by credit card, expect a refund to show up on that card. All other payment types will be refunded via cheque. All registrants’ names will be kept on file for when we reopen and set up new swimming lesson schedules. Thank you for your patience and understanding through this unprecedented time.

      I require cemetery services. Am I able to visit the office in person?
      Cemetery services can be accessed via email and telephone (fax and scan). To schedule an in-person appointment, please call or email before you come to the Sportsplex. Only two people will be allowed in the office at a time, so please consider this when arranging your visit. Please follow the recommended protocols and do not come to the office if you are sick, if you have been around sick people, or have possibly been exposed to COVID-19. To access services or schedule an appointment, please call 250-615-3024 or email lbillson@terrace.ca. Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

      Can I still book a campsite at Ferry Island?
      In line with the provincial government’s strategy for campgrounds, the City of Terrace has begun opening the Ferry Island Campground to the public. While we would love to allow all guests to visit us, we are taking a staggered approach to opening the campground. On Tuesday, May 19, Ferry Island Campground opened for locals only. We are staying local for the time being with the goal of minimizing non-essential travel, as per the guidelines of our trusted health authorities in the provincial government. You must live in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine in the City of Terrace, Electoral Area C, or Electoral Area E in order to camp (see the RDKS map here: https://rdks.geomapguide.ca/map/guest.htm).

      There are several other regulations you need to know about if you are local and want to camp. View details here.

      Please visit the Ferry Island Campground page for reservation info later in the season and contact information for additional questions.

       

      Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

       

      Other Community Topics

      I have a health-related question. Can you help?
      The City of Terrace is only able to answer questions regarding City operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Reliable information regarding recommendations and health tips can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website. Orders, notices, and guidance from the Province are available on their respective website, found here.

      What do I do if I see a business that isn’t following the Provincial orders?
      The Province enabled our compliance and enforcement officers to help with enforcement regarding public health orders. The City continues to support the Province in a coordinated approach in response to this pandemic, and we are putting our resources towards stemming the spread of COVID-19. This includes actively assisting with the public health Orders and what the Province expects of us.

      If you see a business operating in a way that concerns you, we encourage you to speak to their management to understand how they are abiding by the orders and recommendations from the Provincial government. If after discussing with management, there is still a concern that the business is operating in contravention of a provincial order, please reach out to our Bylaw department by emailing bylaw@terrace.ca or by calling 250-615-4037.

      Read more here.

      How is the City of Terrace supporting our most vulnerable community members?
      The City has been hearing concerns from the community about support for vulnerable people. Provincial agencies and local non-profits are responsible for providing services to that population and we understand that coordination is underway and ongoing to ensure that strategies are put in place. One initial action from the province is that there is a ban on evictions for non-payment of rent in BC Housing-funded buildings. The province is also developing protocols and identifying sites to support isolation for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness and those in private single room occupancy and social housing buildings. The City of Terrace is staying connected on these issues through discussions with the province. We have also been hearing about grass-roots groups surfacing to provide support where they can.

       

      Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

       

      Resources

      For the most up-to-date information, please use the following resources:

      To speak to someone:

       

      Don't see your question answered here? Please email covid19@terrace.ca.

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