FAQ on City Services

We will also continue to offer urgent and essential services to municipalities, including:

• Sheltering animals who come to us through municipal animal services
• Assisting owners in reclaiming animals and dropping off stray animals, by appointment
• Dog bite support
• Supporting pet owners who are unable to care or resources for their animals as a result of COVID-19
• Offering information on animal shelter health and wellness at Shelter Health Pro
• Offering support and options through our 310-SPCA call centre

Life-threatening animal emergencies and reports of animal cruelty or neglect should continue to be referred to 1-833-9ANIMAL or police.

Pet grooming services will be allowed to reopen in Niagara Falls as a service that provides for the health and welfare of animals. Scheduled appointments, curbside drop-off/pickup and cashless transactions will be required and enforced by By-Law Enforcements Officers.

• Niagara Falls History Museum (5810 Ferry St) has closed
  • For status updates and information, check out our social media accounts.
• MacBain Community Centre (7150 Montrose Rd) has closed including the:
  • City of Niagara Falls Customer Service desk
  • YMCA of Niagara
  • MacBain Community Centre Library branch
• Gale Centre Arena (5152 Thorold Stone Rd) has closed
• Chippawa Willoughby Arena (9000 Sodom Road) has closed
• Coronation 50 Plus Recreation Centre closed
• All tournaments at arenas and sports fields are cancelled at least until the end of June.
• Staff are awaiting the next rounds of Provincial directives to determine when house leagues and local play can resume.

• The City of Niagara Falls will be extending deadlines for current Bids and Tenders requiring hand-delivery. All electronic submissions currently posted will continue to be received electronically.
• The City of Niagara Falls is actively developing alternate methods for bidders to purchase tenders as well as for bidders to make their submission. More information will be posted as soon as possible.

• The Chippawa Boat Launch will re-open on May 16th from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.  View the Chippawa Public Boat Launch Media release for more information.
• The Niagara Parks Commission will also be re-opening their boat launches on Saturday, May 16th.  View the Niagara Parks Commission Boat Launch Media Release for more information about the Niagara Parks launches.
• Access to the Niagara River is available - gates are open

Greyhound and Megabus are reducing the number of trips to and from Toronto. Effective March 28 they will operate the terminal using one shift 9 am - 5 pm daily.

If you are looking for Niagara Falls Transit information during COVID-19, scroll down to the Transit section for updates on local transit buses.

For any Business Information, view our COVID-19 Resources for Business page for updates.

When reporting businesses that are not in compliant with the provincial closure orders, please contact the Niagara Regional Police Service non-emergency number 905-688-4111 (Do not call 911 or our customer service).

Any municipal business licences that are set to expire on April 30, 2020 can be renewed by sending in payment, along with your RENEWAL NOTICE, by cheque through Canada Post mail or by dropping off a cheque payment via the drop box located in front of City Hall. For anyone not able to pay by cheque, licencing enforcement will not take place until after June 30, 2020 for licences that expired on April 30, 2020.

We will continue to accept all permit applications at this time. All new permit application for signs, pools, decks, sheds, and any other accessory building shall be submitted by email to: [email protected].

All other building permit applications will be accepted by appointment only at this time. Appointment requests for permit applications shall be made by email to: [email protected]. Please see https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/building/application-forms.aspx for all required forms.

All inquiries will be by phone at extension 4251 or by email at: [email protected]. If you have any questions relating to existing permit applications please contact the Plan Examiner directly. Currently without the ability to process in-person payments, all fees prior to the issuance of the permit shall be submitted by cheque through mail to the Building Division at City of Niagara Falls, City Hall with the Building Permit number indicated on the envelope.

Please expect delays in answering inquiries, issuance of status letters, response to status letters, issuance of permits, and inspections during COVID-19. The Building and Municipal Works Division is committed with its best efforts to assist the construction industry during this time.

We will continue to schedule building inspections by appointment only. Request can be made by phone at 905-356-7521 ext. 4285 or by email at [email protected]. Please note: Any inspections that require the entering of an occupied residential dwelling will not be scheduled until further notice, however, Building Services will log the request until such time when there is no risk to conduct the inspection. All other inspections will be conducted if a 2 metres social distance from construction personnel is maintained within the area to be inspected.

Concerns over a non-essential business operating or a gathering occurring in contravention of emergency orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act?

• During business hours contact your local bylaw enforcement office.
• The City of Niagara Falls Municipal By-Law Enforcement team is available to respond to concerns from the public as follows:
  • Every day from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm by completing the COVID-19 Complaint Form  or by calling 905-356-7521 ext. 4253/4341.
  • After hours, please call Niagara Region's dispatch line at (905) 984-3690 or 1 (877) 552-5579 for further bylaw response and assistance. Do not call 9-1-1.

Questions? Call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Should members of the community wish to report any instances of non-compliance with the emergency orders on Niagara Parks property, they can contact Niagara Parks Police dispatch at 905-356-1338, extension 0.

Bylaw and Property Standards Complaints

We will continue to investigate by-law and property standards complaints. Requests can be made by phone at 905-356-7521 ext. 4253 or 4341 or by email at [email protected]. Any investigations that will require the entering of an occupied residential dwellings unit will not proceed, and instead will require the owner or tenant to provide photographs of the concern, with other necessary documentation that can be sent to [email protected].

As indicated on the list of essential workplaces issued by the Province of Ontario, City-led infrastructure construction has been deemed essential and will proceed for important City water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure.  Construction of the City’s new Fire Station No. 7 on Lundy’s Lane has also been deemed essential and will continue. 

This construction is essential to ensure the City's infrastructure and facilities remain safe, in a state of good repair and able to meet our needs.

City contractors must continue to abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adhere to guidelines issued by public health authorities and the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Please view the updated Council Meeting Schedule page for any meeting date updates along along with Agendas, Minutes and Videos.

In responding to COVID-19, Risk Management is available to answer any claim inquiries via telephone at 905-356-7521 Ext. 6700 during regular business hours Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Any new claims to be submitted to the City Clerk's office can be delivered either:

1. In person by using one of two Exterior Dropboxes located at City Hall, 4310 Queen Street. The drop box to be used says: 'Payments Only No Cash'. Dropboxes are found on:
   • Erie Avenue at City Hall
   • Main entrance at City Hall
2. Registered Mail via Canada Post

There may be a delay in processing & investigating your claim due to COVID-19. At this time, we are not able to confirm the potential length of any possible delays.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding during these unprecedented circumstances.

There are no scheduled committee meetings. As the situation develops we will update the Committee Meeting Schedule.

The facility is currently closed.

For more information, visit our Resources for Seniors page for details.

Concerns over a non-essential business operating or a gathering occurring in contravention of the emergency orders that were made under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act?

The City of Niagara Falls Municipal By-Law Enforcement team is available to respond to concerns from the public as follows:

• Every day 8:30 am to 8:30 pm by completing the COVID-19 Complaint Form or by calling 905-356-7521 ext. 4253/4341.
• After hours, please call Niagara Region's dispatch line at (905) 984-3690 or 1 (877) 552-5579 for further bylaw response and assistance. Do not call 9-1-1.

Questions? Call Stop the Spread Business Information Line: 1-888-444-3659.

Should members of the community wish to report any instances of non-compliance with the emergency orders on Niagara Parks property, they can contact Niagara Parks Police dispatch at 905-356-1338, extension 0.

The health and well-being of candidates is of upmost importance to us. In light of recent events, and in support of community efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, recruitment at the City of Niagara Falls has been paused.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following recently advertised positions:

• Building Inspector
• Legal Services Student
• Municipal Enforcement Officer
• Part Time School Crossing Guards
• Planner 2
• Seasonal Labourer/Truck Drivers
• Skate Patrollers
• Summer Student Labourers
• Temporary Clerical Support Staff
• Transit Dispatch and Scheduling Supervisor

We recognize the impact of this decision on candidates and appreciate your understanding. It is our hope that taking this pro-active measure will help safeguard the community from potential exposure to COVID-19. The current situation is very fluid and circumstances are changing daily. We hope to be able to move forward with recruitment testing and interviews soon. Please continue to monitor the City website for updates.

For the current list of essential workplaces, please visit the Government of Ontario's List of Essential Workplaces page

• The Sports Wall of Fame Open House scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 am at the Gale Centre has been cancelled.
• The Sports Wall of Fame Committee will be extending the May 1, 2020 nomination deadline indefinitely.
• Canada Day Parade and Activities, please refer to the Canada Day Page for updates on the City’s virtual Canada Day.

Fireworks can be a great way to celebrate holiday weekends as long as it is done safely. The Niagara Falls Fire Department wants to ensure that residents are discharging fireworks safely and in accordance with the municipal by-law and are also maintaining proper physical distancing while celebrating. Visit the Niagara Falls Fire Department page for information about Fireworks during COVID-19 along with our Fireworks by-law.

Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an evolving situation and they will continue to update information as it becomes available. For more information about what Public Health is doing, visit the Niagara Region COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page.

For testing and lab result information, visit the Niagara Region Testing and Lab Results page.

The City of Niagara Falls discourages residents from having garage and yard sales during COVID-19. As an alternative, residents may consider exchanging goods, through a virtual garage sales online platform to create contactless sales and porch pick-ups to reduce the spread of the virus. If you do have to meet in person, please meet in a safe place and follow physical distancing guidelines of a minimum of two metres.

Garage and yard sales are not prohibited within the City of Niagara Falls, and if you feel you must host a garage or yard please be responsible and do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by taking the attached Garage Sale precautions.

For information about your garbage, organics and recycling service, please view the Niagara Region Garbage, Recycling and Organics page.

Niagara Falls retailers have changed their opening hours to allow seniors, and others most at risk to shop more comfortably. View participating stores and hours of operations here.

Many residents and businesses want to know how they can help our community during this time.

Some examples have been:

• I have a business or manufacturing company with an innovative idea as to how we can help during this crisis. Who can I contact?
• I have a unique idea or suggestion for service delivery based on my years of experience and leadership.
• I am willing to drive deliveries for people in quarantine and take people much needed supplies and food. Who do I reach out to?

For these inquiries and for direction on any other questions as to where to direct your services or offers of help, email Mayor Diodati.

If you would like to help a local community organization and contribute to those in need during this time, please visit the How the Community can help section on the Community Resources page for groups in our community accepting local donations for support.

Illegal dumping is the disposing of material in non-designated areas, such as public roads, ditches, public property, rural areas, vacant lots and in public litter receptacles. It is a crime.

If you see someone engaged in illegal dumping, please report this activity to Crime Stoppers

Additional reporting options include:

• Call Waste Info Line at 356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542
• Report on line: Niagara Region Illegal Dumping

Landfill sites and drop-off depots are open but will focus on providing essential services such as commercial/ contractors loads (including farmers), collection vehicles, commercial/municipal brush, etc. View the Niagara Region Landfills site for more information.

• All Niagara Falls Public Library locations will be closed effective 5:00 PM Friday, March 13th due to the risk posed by the COVID-19 virus.
• All programs and room rentals during this period are now cancelled.
• For more information about the Library, please visit the Niagara Falls Library page.

To view what Mayor Jim Diodati has to say, visit the Mayor's page for video messages.

Niagara Health Navigator app has updated its newest release to include two new features related to COVID-19. The content featured in the release includes:

• COVID-19 Updates: This feature provides patients and the community with the most recent information related to Niagara Health's response to COVID-19 and directives of public health officials.
• Ontario COVID-19 Screening: This feature links directly to the provincial government's self-assessment tool.

If you haven't installed the app, the Niagara Health Navigator can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

If you have already downloaded the Niagara Health Navigator, update the app in the App Store or Google Play to view the newest release.

In response to the emergency order issued by the Government of Ontario and following the advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Parks will be taking additional measures to close remaining outdoor recreational amenities across its 56 kilometres. For more information, visit the Niagara Parks Commission Media Release.

On March 16, the NPCA closed all conservation area programs, services and facilities for active public use. During the past two weeks NPCA parks remained accessible for passive use such as walking and hiking in keeping with our commitment to community well-being.

NPCA has closely monitored the evolving COVID -19 risks to public health and safety and we regret to inform our community that due to the seriousness of COVID-19, and in an effort to support social distancing, entrance to conservation parks will be closed as of March 26th 2020.This decision has bee made in coordination with our municipal partners and is based on advice from public health officials.

NPCA's top priority remains the health and safety of our staff and visitors and the closure of our conservation areas is in line with what Federal and Provincial leaders as well as Public Health experts.

The Province of Ontario has lifted noise restriction by-laws to allow deliveries to essential retail operations throughout the day or night.

For information on other government programs and services, please contact the following:

• Wayne Gates - Member of Provincial Parliament
• Tony Baldinelli - Member of Parliament
• Region of Niagara

The Out of the Cold Shelter operated by Project SHARE at St. Andrews United Church will close as scheduled on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Existing shelter guests will be transferred to other shelters in the Region before the 9th.

On March 30, 2020 Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the Province had extended the March 17 Emergency Declaration under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Extended also are all associated orders including the closure of non-essential workplaces and limiting social gatherings greater than five people.

In announcing the declaration, the Premier announced new orders to close outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, park shelters, community and condo gardens, and others.

Green spaces in parks and trails remain open for pass-through access, but visitors must continue to practice social/physical distancing.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy asks everyone to postpone using the Bruce Trail for walks or hikes until further notice, to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many areas of the Trail are closed. And even beyond these areas, travelling to and on the Trail puts local communities, hikers, and our health system at risk. Read more about the Bruce Trail updates.

The City of Niagara Falls will be reopening the following recreational amenities to the community on Tuesday, May 19, 2020:

• Oakes Park Track, 5700 Morrison Street - washrooms are open from 8AM to 8PM daily
• Skateboard Park at MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road
• Tennis/Basketball courts citywide - nets on tennis courts are currently being installed
• Off-Leash Dog Parks at Firemen's Park (2275 Dorchester Road at Mountain Road) and Niagara Falls Humane Society (6025 Chippawa Parkway, near Stanley Avenue)

In addition, for those using basketball courts, the City requires that play is limited to shooting hoops, and that no games where physical contact may occur are played.

Organized sports are still restricted on municipal fields, given their necessity for gathering of groups. At this time, park and outdoor amenities not listed above, such as playground equipment, remain closed to limit the spread of COVID-19 on shared surfaces.

By-law enforcement will continue to enforce gatherings larger than five people, and anyone using closed park amenities.

By request from the Niagara Regional Police (NRP) Chief of Police, Municipal Enforcement staff will continue to enforce Municipal By-laws, and monitor and disperse any public gatherings observed throughout the City. Complaints regarding social gatherings more than 5 people on public or private property can be reported to COVID-19 Complaint Form.

The following conditions are in place for parking operations during facility closures:

• Parking enforcement is still in effect however operating in a limited capacity and will be addressing safety related matters as a primary duty
• Staff are still taking calls and addressing parking complaints however calls will be reviewed for its priority based the above safety matters
• Current outstanding tickets can be paid online or by mail (cheque or money order)
• Due to the limited access to pay in person, tickets will be given an additional 4 weeks of time to pay without penalty
• Ticket disputes and screenings are being done by phone only
• Valid tickets will be provided with extension of time to pay based on limited access to city facilities
• Overnight parking restrictions and 12 hour parking restrictions will not be enforced at this time
• Any on-street permits and Municipal Lot permits that expire during this time will continue to be honoured until city facilities are open to the public.
• Parking Tickets can be paid online

With the growing concern and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus, The City of Niagara Falls understands what a difficult and stressful time this is for everyone and we are taking active measures to support our customers.

We invoked a high priority response by closing the doors to customers; however, our main focus remains on providing our customers with service, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and our customers. Customers are encouraged to reach out to us by email or telephone:

• Water Department 905-356-7521 ext. 4347 or [email protected]
• Tax Department 905-356-7521 ext. 4306 or 4313 or [email protected]
• Pre-Authorized or Equal payments 905-356-7521 ext 4309 or [email protected]
• Water Collections 905-356-7521 ext. 4310 or [email protected]

Niagara Falls Water Bill Customers and property owners now have the opportunity to view their water/property tax account information online through the MyCity Dashboard. To view and download your account transaction history, past bills and more, sign up for the City's free and convenient MyCity Dashboard at niagarafalls.ca/dashboard.

At the March 20, 2020 Emergency Meeting of Council, the following payment relief measures were approved to support residents and business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as follows:

• Waiving penalty charges for current year (i.e. amounts billed in 2020) taxes, water bills and accounts receivable balances until June 30th
• No penalties for taxpayers/ratepayers for withdrawing from Pre-Authorized Payments until June 30th
• No NSF charges for payments that are returned until June 30th
• No disconnection of water services to June 30th

These measures can be revisited prior to June 30th to determine whether further measures are required.

Payments may continue to be made as follows:

• Online or telephone banking with your financial institution by using either the water account number or property tax roll number.
• Sign up here for Pre-Authorized Payment for Water Bills and Pre-Authorized Payment for Taxes.
• Parking tickets may be paid through niagarafalls.ca/parkingtickets
• A drop box is also available outside City Hall on the Erie Avenue side of the building (please do not deposit cash into the drop box). City Hall is located at 4310 Queen St. There is also another drop box at the front door of City Hall facing Queen Street.

The City of Niagara Falls is committed to ensuring that no one is disconnected for non-payment during this uncertain time and we are suspending any disconnections, effective immediately. We are most certainly putting our customers first and are working with them by arranging flexible payment arrangements, including the Arrears Payment Plan in order to allow customers more time to pay outstanding balances on their account, Equal Payment Plans or Pre-authorized Payment Plans. Please reach out to us to discuss payment options.

• Public Meetings for Official Plan and Zoning Amendments for the City Council meeting scheduled for March 24 have been cancelled. These applications will be rescheduled to be heard by Council at a future date, as yet unknown.
• Neighbourhood Open House meetings scheduled for the week of March 16th at City Hall have been cancelled due to the closure of City Hall. These meetings will be rescheduled for a future date.
• The meeting of the Committee of Adjustment scheduled for March 31, has been cancelled.
• Anyone wishing to file an application for an official plan amendment, a zoning by-law amendment, plan of subdivision, site plan application, minor variance or consent to sever land, may print an application form from the City's webpage and mail to City Hall with the appropriate payment and duly notarized.

The Provincial government has issued an emergency order that retail businesses and individuals in Ontario cannot charge unfair prices for necessary goods.

Individual offenders can face a ticket of $750, or, if summoned to court and convicted, could face a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and one year in jail. If convicted, a company director or officer could face a fine of up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail, and a corporation could face a fine of up to $10 million.

Consumers can report an individual who is price gouging by filing a complaint at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or by filing a report online.

The Ontario government has announced that the 2020 Assessment Update has been postponed. They have indicated that property assessments for the 2021 property tax year will continue to be based on the fully phased-in January 1, 2016 current values.  For more information, visit the MPAC 2020 Assessment Update

Residents experiencing concerns related to rats or rodents on their property should review the City's Rodent and Prevention Control webpage for helpful advice and access to the City's Residential Rodent Control Rebate Program.

On April 3, 2020 the province released an amended list of essential workplaces and ordered all businesses not covered by the amended emergency order to close their physical locations effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020. Seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds are not listed as essential businesses and, as such, are required to be closed.

The Province recognizes Ontario “snowbirds” are returning to Canada earlier than they normally would. In some instances, seasonal trailer parks and campgrounds may have been opened earlier than usual to permit individuals to take up temporary accommodation in their mobile homes, recreational vehicles or trailers. For Ontarians whose only Canadian residence is at one of these seasonal trailer parks or campgrounds, they are permitted to continue their occupancy and complete their mandatory self-isolation as required by the mandatory isolation order made by the federal government under the Quarantine Act which took effect on March 25, 2020.

Enforcement efforts to ensure that seasonal trailer parks and/or campgrounds are not being used for recreational purposes will take place.

• Emergency bylaw enforcement and investigation services continue for emergency orders and in response to unsafe conditions, including:
  • no heat
  • no water
  • boarding of vacant properties
  • illegal dumping
• If you are experiencing an urgent after-hours water or sewer issue, please contact our Service Centre directly at 905-356-1355.
• These are the Essential Services that will be continuing:
  • Burials
  • Water & Sewer Emergencies
  • Water Meter Sales to support building occupancy
  • Road Patrols
  • Major Road, Pothole and Trench repairs
  • Winter Maintenance
  • Forestry Emergencies
  • Fleet Emergency and Essential Services Support
  • Transit

On Saturday, March 28th, the Ontario government issued a new immediate Emergency Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. This order doesn't apply to private households with five people or more. It also doesn't apply to operating child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders provided the number of persons at each centre does not exceed 50 people. Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time. This order replaces a previous emergency order which prohibited organized public events of over 50 people.

The City of Niagara Falls will continue to monitor and prohibit social gatherings in parks, parking lots, or other vacant areas to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Municipal Enforcement staff will continue to enforce Municipal By-laws, and monitor and disperse any public gathering observed throughout the City.

Complaints regarding social gatherings can be reported to COVID-19 Complaint Form or by calling 905-356-7521 Extension 4253 or 4341

After hours, please call Niagara Region's dispatch line at (905) 984-3690 or 1 (877) 552-5579 for further bylaw response and assistance. Do not call 9-1-1.

Municipal Enforcement staff will be assisting Niagara Regional Police in the monitoring of social gatherings. They will also assist in monitoring the functioning of bars and restaurant establishments to ensure their service is limited to takeout and delivery of food only.

Small business office is closed to the public however staff are still responding to inquiries via phone or email. All workshops and seminars have been postponed until further notice.

All tournaments at arenas and sports fields are cancelled at least until the end of June. Staff are awaiting the next rounds of Provincial directives to determine when house leagues and local play can resume.

Temporary lawn signs to identify those working from home can be erected, but only during the period effected by the Province's Emergency Orders.

Under City of Niagara Falls Sign By-law 2008-224, as amended, various types of signs can be erected in residential areas. The Sign By-law provides for a Temporary Sign which is defined as "a sign anchored to the ground but erected for a limited period of time." For the period of time effected by the Provincial Emergency Orders regarding COVID-19 only, the following rules will apply for temporary lawn signs to identify those working from home :

• A Temporary Sign may be erected on a residential property which contains the name of the business located within the dwelling unit and the address.
• The owner/operator of the business must reside in the dwelling unit as per the regulations of Home Occupation.
• The Temporary Sign must not exceed the size of a "real estate sign" which is prescribed to have a maximum sign area of 0.5 square metres (approximately 24 inches X 30 inches) in a residential zone.
• The Temporary Sign is allowed only for the time period the Provincial emergency order is in place, and must be removed upon the expiration of the emergency order, as may be extended from time to time.
• A sign permit is not required to erect a Temporary Sign.
• The sign must be located 1.5 m from any property line so it does not pose a safety hazard by blocking visibility or by causing a physical blockage of movement of people or vehicles.
• Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers will respond on a complaint basis during this time period only to issues pertaining to public safety.

For more information about Tourism information and the COVID-19 response, visit the Niagara Falls Tourism page for up to date resources.

Niagara Falls Transit is committed to keeping its customers and staff safe. Enhanced cleaning procedures are being implemented for transit.

The following reduction in Niagara Falls Transit service must be undertaken due to an impending lack of manpower and in the best interest of operations and public safety:

• Niagara Falls Transit will be reducing weekday service to a Sunday schedule, operating hourly, 7am to 9pm until further notice.
• WEGO will be providing WINTER level service, operating the Red Line from 7am - 11pm until further notice. Due to the current situation with regards to COVID-19 - some services on our WEGO transportation system have been cancelled or reduced. Please see the WEGO Route Schedule for our Red. At this time the Green and Blue line service is not available.
• Further reductions to WEGO Red line service to and from Table Rock along Niagara Parkway to mitigate non-essential travel to that location and Niagara Parks Commission Properties as they are closed at present
• Chair-A-Van will be providing trips on a reduced schedule to currently registered riders only. Please call St. John's Ambulance at 905-357-0122 for more information about how this affects you.
• Rear door entry only to all buses has been instituted
• Niagara Region Transit is making temporary service changes, which come into effect on Monday, May 4. These changes are a result of impacts on service demands and resources due to COVID-19. The hours of service will now be slightly reduced from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last trips departing during the 8 p.m. hour. Previously, Niagara Region Transit was operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Routes 40/45 between Niagara Falls and St. Catharines will be removed until further notice. Passengers can still travel between Niagara Falls and St. Catharines using the 50/55 route. All other Niagara Region Transit routes will continue to operate with hourly service which began on March 23.
• Visit the Transit Routes page for information on Sunday and Winter WEGO schedules.
• Supplemental service to address our entire community's essential needs is being added to the existing Sunday level of service on NF Transit. Buses will be running a reduced Route #108, everyday starting at 9:30 am from the Bus Terminal on Erie Road to the Town and Country Plaza on Portage Road and making all stops in between until 9:00 pm. This will ensure access to Project Share, grocery stores and other essential services for the northeast neighbourhoods of our community!
• We want to thank all our riders who may have had to alter their plans for this week until we could get this service in place to meet your needs! Please refer to posted schedules at terminal/plaza locations, at Project Share and online at the special Route 108 Transit Route page.
• Blue Line (Route 602) service is temporarily cancelled until further notice due to ridership reductions and to address community spread concerns of COVID-19. Red Line service will continue to provide any and all service in the tourism core ensuring connections with the City's transit service to our community and out-of-town connections.
• Refunds or credits for passes will be discussed when regular transit services return.
• GO Train Weekday service has been modified due to COVID-19. View the GO Train Weekday Service page for details.

What is Niagara Falls Transit Services doing to protect Operators and riders?

• To exercise safe social distancing between the Operator and Passengers (as a precautionary measure against COVID-19), some of our front seats will be blocked off from Passenger's use with signage and tape. Further there will be signs posted on fareboxes and doors asking riders that are showing symptoms or who meet travel ban criteria to not board our vehicles at this time.
• We continue to provide front door boarding for persons with disabilities - please indicate to your driver that you require ramp service or to board as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code. Drivers have been issued gloves to secure any equipment onboard.
• We use industry standard products to disinfect and sanitize our fleet on a regular maintenance schedule. We are in the process of starting additional cleaning with sanitizing crews immediately. Fleet will be coordinating the application of a microbial shield onboard our entire fleet with a contracted provider shortly (this includes our staff fleet of shuttles/ trucks etc).
• Touchpoints at transit facilities are undergoing more frequent cleaning and sanitation.

At this time, City Forestry staff will be limiting tree trimming to only those situations where health and safety/emergency concerns exist.

• Marriage Ceremony services are not available until further notice.
• Marriage Licences will not be issued until further notice.
• Commissioner of Oaths / Affidavits service is not available until further notice.
• Business Licensing: No new applications will be accepted until further notice. Renewals can be sent in by mail or placed in the designated Drop Box located in front of City Hall.
• Lottery/Bingo Licensing: No new licences will be issued until further notice. Any reporting on previous or current licences can be sent in by email or placed in the designated Drop Box located in front of City Hall. NOTE: With the Bingo Hall being closed, the drop box there is not available.

• The Water Meter Replacement Program is partially on-hold. Select properties will be contacted in the coming weeks regarding their water meter.
• Water and sewer emergencies continue to be handled by Environmental Services crews.
• City staff are reminding residents to only flush waste and toilet paper to avoid blockages and other service disruptions.
• The list of non-flushables includes baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, paper towel, tissue, floss, diapers, condoms, feminine hygiene products, kitty litter, and kitchen waste. Even so-called flushable wipes should not be sent down the toilet, as they don't actually break down properly.
• Please also remember fats, oils and grease (FOG) poured down the sink or toilet, congeal and clog sewer lines.
• All of the above could lead to raw sewage backing up in your home or your neighbour's home, causing damage and potentially displacing those who live there.
• The following rebate programs are on hold for 2020 while staff reevaluates them:
  • Toilet Retrofit
  • Rain Barrel
  • Flowie Rebate

• Weeping Tile Removal Assistance Program (WRAP) - Residential appointments for new WRAP applications will be postponed until further notice. Ongoing WRAP applications will continue to be administered by Staff.
• Residential Drainage Concerns - Appointments and in-situ field review of non-emergency drainage concerns are postponed until further notice.
• The following rebate programs are on hold for 2020 while staff reevaluates them:
  • Toilet Retrofit
  • Rain Barrel
  • Flowie Rebate