On July 20, the Town of Tecumseh will begin a gradual and phased in approach to re-open Town Hall for in-person and appointment services. The building was closed to the public in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovation on Town Hall has continued with restrictions on entrances and available space. Since the closure, customer service has been provided via on-line, phone and drop-box, as well as regular mail and courier. These services will continue and citizens are encouraged to use these options wherever possible as an alternative to attending Town Hall. Full details on what services are available is on our website.

“We know the closure of Town Hall has changed how we have done customer service,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “With Stage 2 of Provincial reopening, Administration has been working to put in place safety protocols, protective equipment and physical barriers at customer service stations to permit reopening Town Hall to the public. We ask for the public’s continued patience as we slowly re-open and complete the renovation. On-line, phone and drop-box services are still available and have been working very well over the last four months. These will continue to be offered as an alternative to coming into Town Hall.”

“As we plan to reopen to the public, we have introduced measures to keep the public and our staff safe,” said Margaret Misek-Evans, Chief Administrative Officer. “We look forward to providing in-person public services once again. While these visits might look different than they did before, our staff are committed to serving citizens and taking care of their needs. Feel free to continue to use the on-line and remote service delivery options as these are available, encouraged and expanded for user convenience.”

Beginning July 20, 2020, public, drop-in traffic will be between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. only via the entrance off McNorton Drive. A maximum 10 people will be permitted inside the customer service area and a security guard will conduct a health screening and ensure visitors are wearing a mask. Entrance to the building is permitted for those making a payment, requesting Building/Planning information or have an appointment. Payments made by cheque via the drop-box or through a banking institution are encouraged to reduce contact.

Services available for drop-in include:

• Cash/Debit Payments:
  • Bulk Water
  • Building Permits
  • Planning Applications
  • Property Taxes
  • Dog Tags
  • Alarm Registrations
  • Parking Tickets
• Applications/Permits:
  • Backwater Valve & Foundation Drain Subsidies
  • Building Permits
  • Planning Applications
  • Driveway/Curb Cut; Culverts; Sanitary/Storm; Water Services and Water Meters 

Services available by appointment only:

• Marriage Licenses
• Lottery Applications and Reporting
• Commissioning of documents
• Burial Permits and Registrations
• Taxi Cab Drivers’ Licenses
• Urban Hen Applications
• Cat Spay/Neuter Vouchers

Visitors must call ahead to make an appointment between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.  Scheduling of appointments will be accommodated based on availability of meeting rooms, during the Town Hall renovation. The last appointment will be 4 p.m. due to length of time for service.

Entrance outside of an appointment time will be on a first come/first served basis. Anyone entering Town Hall for any service must wear a mask or face covering, hand sanitize on entry and report to Security for screening. Renovation on Town Hall continues with workers inside the building in designated areas. As part of the physical distancing measures and renovation work, some appointment-based visits may be delayed and timed when space permits. The Town is able to accommodate virtual appointments for meetings with staff, provided signatures or payments are not required. Please contact the department to set this up.

The Tecumseh Arena and Recreation Complex is providing some in-person services beginning July 20 with additional security measures in place, however visitors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment. Please call 519-735-4756 Ext. 425 to make a facility reservation, register for tennis court or pickleball court keys, make a funding request, inquire about a commemorative program and schedule an appointment to pick up a key or make a payment. Similar security measures and screening practices apply at the Arena.

The foregoing arrangements are expected to continue into the fall.

- 30 -

Media Contacts:

Marg Misek-Evans, Chief Administrative Officer, 519-735-2184 Ext. 111

Lesley Reeves, Manager Strategic Initiatives, 519-735-2184 Ext. 150