Date of Release: April 30, 2020

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR MAYOR:

“I would like to particularly acknowledge and thank all of the residents of Merrickville-Wolford. As a result of your commitment to self-isolating, social distancing, and washing your hands often and properly, there is no evidence of community spread in our municipality. Let’s not undo your hard work. Let’s continue to follow the advice of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and the Province of Ontario. Council and Village staff continue to monitor the pandemic and respond as necessary.  

In this Notice, you will see that Council is implementing immediate financial relief to our local businesses and taking steps to support economic recovery. Council met on April 29^th and approved changes to water and wastewater billing classes, late fees and penalties. Council directed staff to apply residential rates for our commercial users, reducing utility costs for our businesses. Council also extended the waiving of late fees and penalties for all Water and Wastewater System customers until July 31, 2020, however, if you are able to pay your bill, please continue to do so. This will allow us to preserve our resources for those who most need assistance.

On April 9, 2020, Council revisited the budget and reduced the 2020 tax increase to 0.44%, from the previously approved 3.13% recognizing the financial burden that is being realized as a result of COVID-19.

Reminder that audio recordings of our Council meetings are available on our website at www.merrickville-wolford.ca to ensure our commitment to transparency during this unprecedented time. Also, should you wish to be added to our email list to be provided with Council Agendas or other public notices, please send an email request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Most importantly, please continue to stay safe and healthy!”                                   

- Mayor J. Douglas Struthers

 Community Economic Development & Business Survey

• On April 29^th, Council received the results of the recent Business Survey completed by Merrickville-Wolford businesses. The survey was conducted in partnership with the United Counties’ Economic Development Department and business support organizations. Village staff have reviewed all responses and assisted local businesses regarding government relief programs and resources. Thanks to all businesses that completed the survey! The results are available on the Village website at http://www.merrickville-wolford.ca/business-help.
• Federal and Provincial COVID-19 relief programs are available to help businesses with income support, rent assistance, online presence, income tax filing dates, low interest rate loans and many other issues. For more information, please contact our Economic Development Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• An updated list of small business resources and government support programs can be found at https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/en/contacts-news-events/covid-19.aspx#.

Waste Collection, Landfill and Brush Amnesty Days

• On April 28^th, Council approved two new brush amnesty days at the Landfill allowing one half-ton truck or 4x8 utility trailer per property free of charge on May 16^th and May 23^rd. The previously approved brush amnesty dates of June 6^th and 13^th and September 12^th and 19^th remain in effect in addition to the new dates in May.
• Increased safety measures at the Village Landfill have been implemented. Please respect the 2-metre rule and our Landfill Staff as they take steps to protect the public and themselves.
• All solid waste must be securely tied in plastic bags and not placed in an additional garbage container when put out for collection.  No loose materials will be collected at this time. All recycling materials must be sorted by the resident as per the recycling schedule.  Garbage and recycling will not be picked up if these rules are not followed. Thank you for your cooperation.

 Village and Recreational Facilities

• All municipal facilities, including the Village Office, Merrickville Community Centre, Eastons Corners Centennial Hall and the Merrickville Public Library remain closed.
• Effective immediately, the Ontario government is allowing the use of allotment and community gardens across Ontario, provided that people practice physical distancing and do not gather in groups of more than five.

Fire Department

• A burn ban remains in effect in the municipality at this time.