NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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MIDHURST – As the province reopens, the county is continually evaluating and adjusting service levels based on usage and health recommendations to support a strong, safe and sustainable recovery.
The following service and program updates are being implemented:
LINX Transit
As of Thursday, July 2, LINX Transit is joining other municipalities in reintroducing passenger fares. Face covering or non-surgical masks will be highly recommended for LINX Transit customers. LINX operators will be wearing appropriate safety gear to ensure the safety of our customers.
LINX Transit is following the newly introduced Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Public Transit Safety Guidelines to protect our communities and reduce the risk to passengers and employees by restricting opportunities for community transmission, including requiring all passengers and drivers to wear non-medical masks or face coverings. While masks or face coverings will be highly recommended, we understand there are circumstance for children and people with disabilities, or other medical conditions, that prevent them from wearing a mask.
In keeping with these MTO guidelines, the county is requesting that ALL customers also continue to follow existing protocols, including:
- Maintaining physical distance between people whenever possible;
- Removing all personal belongings and waste upon departure; and
- Sneezing into their elbow, using hand sanitizer and washing hands properly
Reminder: There will be no Transit services on Canada Day (July 1). The current modified operating and route schedule will remain until further notice. To find out when your next bus is arriving, go to www.linx.simcoe.ca/ or use Transit app, available at https://transitapp.com/ or download on your device free of charge.
Solid Waste Management
Recycling Collection Notice
Recycling quantities have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and collection crews are reporting a larger amount of cardboard set out improperly (either significantly overflowing bins or exceeding size limits). To avoid items being left at the curb, residents are reminded to properly breakdown cardboard and recyclable packaging. Place extra recycling in clear bags, a cardboard box or other containers (maximum size 55 cm x 45 cm x 40 cm – size of a large blue bin). Cardboard can also be flattened and tied into bundles (maximum size 75 cm x 75 cm x 20 cm) and placed beside the blue box. Following these guidelines will help alleviate delays in our collection.
Clothing Collection Rescheduled for Aug. 31 and Sept. 11
The county’s curbside clothing collection program originally scheduled for June was postponed. The processors for both clothing and electronics have now indicated that they are open. As such the clothing collection program is now rescheduled to occur between Aug.31 and Sept. 11 and electronics collection will occur Sept.14 - 25 (pending any additional impacts from COVID-19). Details and instructions on packaging and setting out clothing bags will be provided prior to the collection.
Waste Management Facilities
Work is ongoing to reopen the Matchedash Waste Facility, located in Severn. Additional safety measures and improved site conditions are necessary to ensure the health and well-being of staff and residents. A reopening date will be announced in the near future. Confirmation of increased operating days at the Mara and Tosorontio waste facilities are also anticipated shortly.
Bulky Collections
Bulky collection services will remain cancelled for 2020 due to ongoing health and safety requirements related to COVID-19.
Visit www.simcoe.ca/dpt/swm for more information on these waste management services and programs.
Fire Safety
To support our region’s health and emergency services, the county is joining with local Fire Services in promoting increased vigilance and additional safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the province, there were 37 fatal fires causing 41 deaths as of April 30, according to the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario. Please exercise caution with backyard campfires and while cooking, barbequing and smoking and take steps to prevent, plan and prepare in case of emergencies.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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