ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Mayor Danny Breen said he’s going to be “pressing upon” the federal government the need for financial support for residents and businesses in the Northeast Avalon after back-to-back issues this year.
“(COVID-19) is our second major event, and the impact is significant. So, we feel that that support should be rolled out quickly, and should be very fluid in how it’s done. We need the assistance. Our businesses and individuals need the assistance now.”
Breen said the city is “very concerned” for residents and businesses who are still recovering from financial losses during the state of emergency in January.
While there was talk in January of federal assistance for people affected by the Jan. 17 blizzard, Breen said he’s not sure of the status of that assistance. He said it’s being handled by the provincial and federal governments.
The Telegram has requests with both levels of government for an update.
The Telegram asked Breen whether there’s any indication the city will be able to offer a municipal tax break via the mill rate.
“One of the things that we’re talking about with the federal government is how that assistance works. So, I wouldn’t be able to make any comment on that right now. But we will be working with the businesses, and the business community, moving forward on what kind of assistance we can give,” said Breen.
“In fact, when we deferred payments, and deferred interest on tax payments (for businesses), we’re still in the process of that window right now. So, we haven’t really gotten out of the other kind of relief that we gave before we’re looking at what other options are available (for COVID-19).”
As for city staff affected by closures of city-operated facilities, Breen said all staff will continue to be paid, but casual staff will be paid until the end of this week, with a re-evaluation at the end of the week.
As for any decision to shut down businesses in the city to contain any potential spread of the coronavirus, Breen said that’s a decision that lies with the province.
“Public health is not something that we have the expertise in-house to be making those decisions.”
The City is taking measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.
— City of St. John's (@CityofStJohns) March 17, 2020
For the complete release, please read: https://t.co/XzMiTUd7Ge
Update March 17:
- recycling suspended for 2 weeks
- request access Animal Adoption Centre; call 576-6126, email [email protected] pic.twitter.com/9AoAYU2CgL
Meanwhile, the city is continuing to offer critical services such as garbage collection, snowclearing, wastewater and water treatment, and roadwork.
Metrobus impacted
Metrobus is also continuing service with measures in place to increase distances between passengers, as well as increased cleaning measures.
However, weekday morning peak-hour demand has decreased, according to Metrobus, due to closures of post-secondary institutions and with people working from home. Therefore, Routes 13, 24 and 26 will be discontinued after Friday.
We take the concerns of our customers about safe travel very seriously, and understand the heightened level of concern about the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus in public spaces such as transit buses. Please read our response to COVID-19 at https://t.co/0lH43s7obr
— Metrobus Transit (@MetrobusTransit) March 13, 2020
Route 13 customers can use Route 1 from The Village Shopping Centre.
Route 24 customers can use Route 14 from Airport Heights.
Route 26 customers can use Route 16 from Kenmount Terrace, or Route 10 from the Thorburn Road area.
Curbside recycling is also suspended for a couple of weeks, with Breen citing occupational health and safety reasons. However, residential dropoff will continue to be open at Robin Hood Bay.
Other changes to city services include:
- Limited access to Humane Services; call ahead to arrange a time to pick up pets, as part of an adoption or to collect a lost animal.
- The City Archives building at 15 Terra Nova Road. is closed to the public until further notice.
- All recreation facilities are closed and programs are cancelled until further notice.
- After-chool programs are cancelled until further notice.
- The Visitor Welcome Centre at 348 Water St. is closed.
- The Railway Coastal Museum is closed until further notice.
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
