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The rapid spread of the Omicron variant and increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations will see the province introduce a Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen on January 5, 2022. The province expects to stay at this level for at least 21 days (until January 26), subject to public health and health system indicators. The goal is to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed as the booster dose rollout continues.

As a result, the Town of Orangeville announces that facilities will close effective January 5 until further notice, with many services still being offered in different formats. The recreation centres will close, and facility rentals and programs are cancelled. Recreation staff are working on notifications and refunds for those already booked. The vaccination centre at the Alder Recreation Centre will remain open. The Orangeville Public Library will close, but continue to offer curbside pick-up at the Mill Street location. Town Hall will close, with appointments available for essential services only. The Lakeview Annex, Fire Hall, and Operations Centre will remain closed. Municipal parks remain open for use, as will outdoor skating rinks once they are operational.

All Town staff are to work remotely unless the nature of their work requires them to be on site. The current goal will be to redeploy as many staff as possible to work in other areas, as needed, to address any service impacts. Residents are encouraged to access information and e-services at www.orangeville.ca or contact Customer Service staff at 519-941-0440 ext. 0.

In recognition of the impact on small businesses, the government is expanding the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program. Eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures. Details on eligible business types will be made available when applications for the program open later this month.

For the full provincial news release visit https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001394/ontario-temporarily-moving-to-modified-step-two-of-the-roadmap-to-reopen