COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions

I am a Durham Region Local Housing Corporation resident. How can I pay my rent if I cannot enter the building?

You can pay your rent through cheques, post-dated cheques, pre-authorized payments or through online banking. Online banking is available through RBC, CIBC, TD and Scotiabank. Please contact our office at 905-666-6222 to find out how to do this. If you need to pay with cash, please do not put it into the drop-box at your site. Instead, contact your property manager to make arrangements.

I am a Durham Region Local Housing Corporation resident. Is my rent still due on April 1?

Yes, your rent continues to be due on the first day of the month.

I am a Durham Region Local Housing Corporation resident. What do I do if I can’t pay my rent because I’ve lost my job because of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Although rent is due the first of the month, we know some people are facing difficult times. If you can’t pay at the first of the month, please contact your property manager.

If you are eligible for rent-geared-to-income assistance, April 1 rent adjustments based on lost wages due to COVID-19 will be done once you submit the following: proof of reduced income; a Record of Employment if you are laid off; or proof that you are receiving Employment Insurance or Ontario Works.

What is the Region doing to manage COVID-19 among homeless residents? 

The Region of Durham is actively co-ordinating the COVID-19 response for unsheltered residents, enhancing the shelter system in order to provide more support to these at-risk individuals. Learn more. 

Where can I find COVID-19-related resources and information for businesses in Durham Region? 

You can find information regarding government programs, services and supports available during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Invest Durham website.

The Region of Durham has declared a state of emergency. What does this mean for me?

Declaring a state of emergency reflects the seriousness of our response to COVID-19 and the tremendous co-ordination and communication that is required from all levels of government.

Behind the scenes, it allows us to respond more nimbly to the situation. It is critical that, for the time being, we focus our staffing and resources on the health and safety of the Durham Region community.

It does not, on its own, introduce any new measures or recommendations for our residents and businesses. It also has no effect on measures being put into place by other levels of government.

When does an emergency declaration expire?

Municipal emergency declarations do not automatically expire and may be terminated by the head of council or the council of a municipality at any time. Therefore, until the head of council or the council terminates the emergency it will remain in place.

What is an essential service?

The Province of Ontario has developed a list of essential workplaces that can remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. This list is subject to change. The Region’s dedicated staff continue to deliver many of the services, deemed essential by the province. These essential services continue because they impact the everyday lives of our residents and businesses. Our highly skilled staff continue to provide residents with clean, safe municipal drinking water; our operators ensure collection and treatment of sewage so the water that goes down the drain is treated to protect the environment. Our crews continue with critical infrastructure repair and maintenance of our roads, bridges and traffic signals to ensure they remain safe for drivers and pedestrians; while our waste management facilities remain open, curbside collection of recycling, garbage and compost, ensures that waste is being disposed of correctly and safely to protect the public and the environment. Finally, the ongoing maintenance of our Regional facilities ensures that those buildings that need to remain open, from our long-term care homes to our plants, are safe for staff and clients.

The health and safety of our staff and residents is paramount, the Region continues to provide these essential services to our community.

Is it safe to restore water services to my building after being closed for months? 

If your building has been closed or on low occupancy over the last few months due to COVID-19, the water in your building could be stagnant and can pose serious health risks if not restored properly. There are critical steps individual property owners must take to safely restore water services when reopening buildings.

Learn how to safely restore water services to your building using the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association’s Fact Sheet for Building Owners and Operators.

Why are staff working on roads and why are the dumps open?

Our dedicated staff continue to deliver services that impact the everyday lives of the residents and businesses in the Region, much of what we do has been deemed essential services by the Province. While the situation continues to change on a daily basis, our residents can rely on these services. As we continue to navigate COVID-19, the Region remains vigilant in its efforts to help prevent the spread and #FlattenTheCurve.

Are Depot crews social distancing?

The Region is committed to taking all measures to encourage social distancing in the workplace. In response to this rapidly changing situation, we have revised practices to protect staff. All depots have mandated no more than one staff person, per vehicle (except in large vehicle where a 6’ separation between a maximum of 2 people can be maintained) and we continue to look for other ways to protect our staff.

Are the dump sites open?

Yes, the Region of Durham continues to ensure that services identified as essential by the Province of Ontario, including waste management and household hazardous waste collection, will be completed safely and efficiently. Our Regionally-operated Waste Management Facilities (WMF) and Household Hazardous Waste Depots will remain operational for as long as possible. For more information visit durham.ca/WMF.

What has the Region done to make staff and clients safe at Waste sites like the dump?

To ensure we can continue operating, while ensuring the health and safety of both our employees and clients, we’ve implemented several safety measures outlined here.

What hours are the Waste sites and dump open?

For more information about the Regional WMFs, including locations and accepted materials, visit durham.ca/WMF.

What should I do with disposable wipes?

Disposable and cleaning wipes belong in the garbage, not in the toilet. Durham Region’s sanitary sewer system is only intended to manage human waste, like pee, poo and toilet paper. In fact, disposable wipes, cleaning wipes, tissues and paper towel being flushed down the toilet can not only cause a block or backup in the sewer system but can also cause flooding and do costly damage to your home or business. Even items that are marketed or claim to be flushable, such as disposable wipes, should not be flushed – they don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. Think before you flush and dispose of waste responsibly. For more information, visit durham.ca/ThinkBeforeYouFlush.