City of Waterloo extends financial relief measures to assist residents and businesses

Posted On Monday May 25, 2020

(Waterloo, Ont. – May 25, 2020) – City of Waterloo Council has approved the extension of COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan valued at approximately $550,000 for the month of June to continue assisting residents and businesses dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This brings the total Economic Relief Plan to over $1.8 million, when including the financial relief measures that were previously approved for April and May.

The City’s financial package aligns with financial assistance previously announced by the federal and provincial governments and is designed to help people deal with financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan includes:

  • Waiving late payment charges on property taxes, water and wastewater utility bills and all other residential and non-residential accounts receivable for June 2020;
  • This includes payments to the city for permits, licenses, rents and any other amounts due in June
  • Waive Non Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees charged on customer accounts for June 2020;
  • Suspend all collection efforts until August 2020;
  • Waiving Uptown monthly parking permit fees for the month of June 2020;
  • Staff to develop an application-based property tax deferral program to extend 2020 final property tax due dates by 60 days for residents and businesses who qualify;
  • $9,500 in financial support for the Uptown Waterloo BIA Graffiti Removal program
  • $5,000 in financial support for Additional Neighbourhood Support
  • Three months of relief for the Business Licences Renewal Fee; and
  • Waive the Portable Sign permit fee until the end of August 2020

“While some parts of Ontario’s economy are slowly reopening, we know the impact of the pandemic on many people is still very real and that this situation is not over. That's why Council is pleased to provide this much needed to support to our residents,” said Councillor Jeff Henry, chair of the City’s Strategic Planning and Finance Committee. “It is Council’s expectation that the portable sign companies pass on the savings from free sign permit fees to their customers. It’s important that everyone do what they can to help.”

“It’s important that we not lose sight of the fact that people are still hurting and we need to remain aware and involved in supporting our community,” added Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “I also want to thank everyone who have continued to make payments and to encourage anyone who can, to please do so.”

The city relief package complements the assistance being provided through a regional effort, known as BestWR (Business and Economic Support Team of Waterloo Region) consisting of business leaders committed to supporting the restarting and success of local the local economy and the city’s Economic Development division which is providing supports to local businesses.

City services

The City is continuing to deliver critical services, such as building inspections of unoccupied buildings, fire services, water services and bylaw enforcement.

Senior support

The City’s grocery shopping and telephone reassurance programs continue to operate. People can sign up by calling 519-579-6930, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More information can be found at: waterloo.ca/covid19.

Media contact:

Tony Iavarone

Director of Communications

City of Waterloo

tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca