ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen said on Thursday the city is “reviewing” a municipal property tax reprieve for residents in light of lost income amidst COVID-19 concerns.
Breen said further details are expected today or Monday.
He said city staff are also looking into ways to assist businesses.
“We understand the difficulties that residents and businesses are facing here. It’s a significant drop in the economic activity in the city.”
Live media briefing with Mayor Danny Breen
Posted by City of St. John's on Thursday, March 19, 2020
Breen again urged the federal government to work quickly to provide the relief it announced earlier this week, “because there’s people and businesses that are in need of assistance now.”
As for the city’s casual, temporary employees who may not be working because recreational and other city-operated facilities are closed, Breen said those employees will be paid until April 4, when the city will review the situation.
Breen announced on Thursday that all public facilities operated by the city, including city hall, are closed to the public for walk-in service.
He said there are still some staff working inside city hall, but anyone who is able to work from home is doing so.
Residents and business owners needing to speak with a city representative can book an appointment by phoning 311 or 754-2489, or emailing [email protected].
A city news release said tax payments can be made online or through preauthorized payments.
For the latest information on City services impacted at this time, please visit http://stjohns.ca/covid-19...
Posted by City of St. John's on Thursday, March 19, 2020
Non-profit housing clients can call 576-8196 or email [email protected].
Meanwhile, all parking permits with a March 31 deadline are automatically extended to April 30.
Otherwise, all critical services remain in place, such as garbage collection. As previously announced, recycling collection is suspended for two weeks, with a further review of the situation to come at the end of those two weeks.
Breen said these changes will not cause any delays to the work of city council, including annual budget preparation.
The Telegram asked Breen how 2020 compares so far in terms of challenges he’s faced compared to the other years he’s worked on council since 2009.
“That’s a loaded question,” he joked.
“This is tough, and I don’t know, I joked with somebody the other day that … usually mayors open things, (but) I’ve closed more things than I’ve opened since September.
“It’s a challenge, but you know, we have a fantastic staff. They’re doing the work. Everybody’s working together, the co-ordination through the province, and the city, and everybody in the community.”
Breen called the COVID-19 crisis “a very, very difficult situation,” but said the city is up to the challenge.
“I think by all working together and taking care of each other, looking out for each other, we’ll make it through it.”
Twitter: @juanitamercer_
