Durham municipalities have issued reminders to residents that all municipal transactions would still need to be completed on time even though postal services may remain suspended due to a workers strike.
Significant transformational changes to crown company Canada Post – with more than $5 billion in losses since 2018 – were announced by the federal government, in response to which the workers union announced a strike. Canada Post says union’s proposals would add billions in additional costs.
Penalty or Interest on Late Payments
The City of Oshawa said: “During this labour disruption, community members are still responsible for submitting all time sensitive payments and applications on time. Items received late are subject to penalty or interest.”
It pointed out that Service Oshawa Online offers many online payment options and online service requests. Questions about items not outlined below can be directed to Service Oshawa via email or by calling 905-436-3311.
The city said the strike impacts the following services:
Property Tax bills: Oshawa residents and property owners are encouraged to register to receive their next Interim and Final tax bills through E-Billing.
Garbage bag tags: Residents ordering garbage bag tags online during this period will need to collect their tags in person at Service Oshawa (located in City Hall, 50 Centre Street South).
Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services: Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing Services has developed a contingency plan to continue to communicate with its customers as well as uphold its legal responsibilities, including but not limited to issuing hardcopy notices on sites, personal hand delivery and email.
Recreation Services: Registration for Recreation programs is available online using activeOshawa Online or in-person at Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre, Donevan Recreation Complex and South Oshawa Community Centre.
Committee of Adjustment: Committee of Adjustment meetings will continue to be held as scheduled. Applications can continue to be submitted online using the Application Portal. During this labour disruption, Notices of Hearing will not be mailed to adjacent properties but will continue to be posted on the City’s Committee of Adjustment Events Calendar, and a sign will be posted on each subject property.
External vendors: External vendors awaiting payment from the City can pick-up cheques at Service Oshawa (located in City Hall). Note that the person named on the cheque must be the person who picks it up as they will be required to show a piece of government-issued ID for the cheque to be released.
Clarington Service Disruptions
The Municipality of Clarington notified residents that all incoming and outgoing mail will be affected by the labour disruption at Canada Post. This includes:
Property Tax
- If you recently purchased a property within Clarington please visit Property Taxes and Assessments or contact Taxation Services at 905-623-3379 ext. 2650.
- Sign up to have your tax bill sent directly to your email account at www.clarington.net/eBilling. Once you sign up, you will no longer receive a paper copy of your bill by mail.
Public Meeting Notices
- Residents within 120 metres of a proposed development will receive hand-delivered or couriered notices of upcoming Statutory Public Meetings, with 18 days’ notice of the set meeting date. Those who reside outside of Clarington but own property within the defined area will have their notices couriered.
- Visit www.clarington.net/PublicMeetings to stay up to date on upcoming public meetings and notices.
- Visit www.clarington.net/Subscribe to sign up for email news and alerts or follow Clarington on social media.
Clarington Connected print newsletter
- Visit www.clarington.net/ConnectedNewsletter to view the latest edition or visit your local recreation centre to pick up a print copy.
Alternate ways to get in contact
- In person: visit the Municipal Administrative Centre at 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville to drop off time-sensitive mail in the after-hours mail slot.
- Phone or email: Visit www.clarington.net/Contact for email and phone numbers for Municipal facilities and services.
Regional Services
Additional services provided by the Region of Durham are also affected. Visit www.durham.ca/ServiceImpacts to learn more.
Water and sewer bills
- Visit the MyDurhamWater portal to access and pay bills online. Water and sanitary sewer bills can also be paid at a financial institution; or by cheque (payable to The Regional Municipality of Durham) at Clarington’s Municipal Administrative Centre at 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville.