Town News
Financial Assistance for Canadians
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- Published: April 1, 2020
Oxford Residents! Please share with your friends, neighbours and families.
If you require financial assistance at this time, you can find benefits offered by the Canadian Federal Government below:
Dedicated EI Phone Line: 1-833-381-2725 Employment Insurance: How To Apply For EI: Click Here.
Emergency Support Benefit: Have You Been Laid Off Or Your Hours Reduced? Click Here.
Emergency Insurance Sickness Benefit: No Paid Sick Leave, Are You Quarantined, Sick? Click Here.
Emergency Care Benefit: If You’re Unable To Claim EI But Are Sick Or Quarantined And/Or Are Taking Care Of Family Members: Click Here.
Need Mortgage Help? Mortgage Support For Canadians: Click Here.
Child Care Benefits: Increased Child Care Benefit Information: Click Here.
Student Loan Deferrals: How Can I Defer My Student Loans? Click Here.
Tax Deadline: Filing Deadline Pushed Back Until June 1st: Click Here.
Support For Seniors: Reduced Minimum Withdrawals For Registered Retirement Income Funds: Click Here.
April 2020 Town of Oxford Newsletter
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- Published: March 31, 2020
April is Volunteer Month... See who have been named Oxford's Representative Volunteers of the Year.
Read how the Town of Oxford is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you know where the saying "This too shall pass" originated? You might be surprised.
Click on this link for our most recent newsletter. pdf 2020-04-01 April Newsletter Town of Oxford NS (256 KB)
April is also Poetry Month! Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/PoetryAtLargeOxford/
Letter and FAQs from Chief Medical Officer of Health of NS
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- Published: March 27, 2020
Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health of the Province of Nova Scotia has issued a letter and a document on frequently asked questions to support the Public Health Protection Act Order.
Click here for the letter from Dr. Strang and Click here for the FAQ document.
Financial Support for Individuals and Business Owners
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- Published: March 27, 2020
Oxford Residents and Businesses! Below is information that was sent to us from our MP Lenore Zann regarding financial support for individuals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations known as the Federal Economic Response Plan. Please share this information.
Health and General Information
Government of Canada: COVID-19 Information
Government of Nova Scotia: COVID-19 Information
Government Financial Support
On March 25, 2020, the Government of Canada unveiled further details on a new Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Child Benefit and GST credit payment as part of its COVID-19 Response Package.
The Benefits announced include:
- the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- one-time boost to the Canada Child Benefit
- one-time top-up payment to low-income individuals and families through the GST credit
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
Application details will be available through My CRA and My Service Canada in early April. If you are not currently registered on either My CRA or My Service Canada, we recommend you sign up now if you intend to apply for the benefit.
Canada Child Benefit
The Government of Canada is providing an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family. This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May. Those who already receive the Canada Child Benefit do not need to re-apply. If you would like to apply for the Canada Child Benefit, please click here.
Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment
The Government of Canada is providing a one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically
You can find information about our supports for small businesses here:http://canada.ca/covid-19-business.
The Canada Border Service Agency's Border Information Service (BIS) is now accessible 24/7. For the most up-to-date information related to cross border travel and business, please call 1-800-461-9999.
We will get through this by working together. If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. Please visit this website to learn more and submit a proposal.
More Key Support Measures for Canadians
Provide additional flexibility to support businesses as necessary through EDC, BDC, Farm Credit Canada and the Canada Account.
Support the mortgage financing market in Canada through enhancements to the CMHC.
Increase the Canada Child Benefit by $300 per child for the 2019-20 benefit year. Qualifying parents will receive the extra amount as part of their May payment.
Provide a temporary wage subsidy for three months to eligible small employers. Eligible employers include those eligible for the small business deduction, unincorporated employers, certain partnerships, non-profit organizations and charities.
Provide a special payment under the GST credit to low and modest income families.
Help prevent shortages of patented drugs or medical devices.
Increasing the protection of Canadians' savings by providing the Minister of Finance with the flexibility to increase the CDIC's deposit insurance limit.
Support provinces and territories with a COVID-19 Response Fund including one-time funding of $500 million through the Canada Health Transfer.
Introduce a pause on the repayments of Canada Student Loans for six months.
Reduce the minimum RRIF withdrawal to help protect seniors' retirement savings.
Where to Start:
Whether you are self-employed, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur - you shouldn't have to worry about having to lose your business or your job.
To get the help you need:
1. Visit our website for businesses for information about supporting your employees and your business. It is constantly updated as the COVID-19 crisis evolves.
2. Contact your local financial institution. Since we know most small businesses have a relationship with their local financial institution already, we've worked with the financial sector to increase their lending capability to support you in in this challenging time. They are a good first place to start for help.
3. Download the Canada Business App to find tailored supports to address your needs in the face of COVID-19.
4. Consult the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's pandemic preparedness guide to help prepare you business in the days and weeks to come.
Thank you Oxford! You're doing great!
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- Published: March 25, 2020
Social distancing is challenging, and our businesses are feeling the strain.But for the next couple of weeks, it is critical that we follow the instructions of our Premier and Chief Medical Officer and continue to stay home as much as possible. This is what successful social distancing looks like. Drive for essentials, walk for exercise and stay home otherwise. Way to go Oxford!! Keep up the great work!
Take care of your Mental Health
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- Published: March 25, 2020
Don’t forget to take care of your mental health. Check out this video on YouTube.
Important Message Regarding Trail Usuage
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- Published: March 24, 2020
Click on the important message below from the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry regarding provincial trail use at this time.
Business Supports and Resources - Press Release
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- Published: March 24, 2020
For information on provincial and federal assistance for Businesses, updates on the closure of the NS/NB border, and tips on how businesses can help themselves during this pandemic, the link below will allow you to read the Connector's most recent press release.
Sewer System Update
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- Published: March 23, 2020
This is good information from the Town of Truro, applicable to the sewer systems in the Town of Oxford.
Nova Scotia State of Emergency issued
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- Published: March 23, 2020
The Province of Nova Scotia issued a State of Emergency Sunday March 22, 2020.
For more information click here
A Message from Mayor Stewart and Council -Regarding COVID-19
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- Published: March 18, 2020
March 2020
To All Oxford Residents and Businesses:
I know that these are very uncertain times for our town. I want to assure you that the safety and well being of the residents of Oxford is of utmost importance to our Council. As a town, we are following the recommendations of the NS Health Authority, the Provincial Government, and the Government of Canada in the interest of protecting the health of those around us. The Council and staff of the Town of Oxford are prepared.
At this time, all of our non-essential programs have been suspended until further notice. All of our facilities, including the Capitol Theater and Oxford Pioneer Heritage Club will not be opening their doors to the public until the threat has passed. Sadly, we currently have no time frame.
Each and every one of us must do our part by practicing social distancing. I cannot stress enough that if you have traveled outside of Canada in the last two weeks, you need to self-quarantine for at least 14 days. The majority of cases that have been detected in Nova Scotia are coming from people that have traveled outside of the country. We need to slow the spread of this virus and ensure safety for all. Please, let us take care of ourselves and each other as we follow these recommendations, and get through this together. Stay home, particularly if you or someone in your home is sick. Please safely check on elderly family members and neighbors, as well as those with underlying health conditions. These groups are the most vulnerable for serious complications from COVID-19.
Our local business community will experience negative effects from so many closures. I encourage you to support our local businesses through the purchase of gift certificates, delivery services, or shop for essentials while practicing social distancing. Many of our businesses are stepping up to the plate to assist those in need, through adjusted hours, home deliveries, or other ways that they can help. Thank you for leading the way!
We are going to have to hunker down for a while, and we are going to have to change the way that we do things as residents and as a town. We will strive to provide you all the new information via Social media, or you can call the Town Hall at 902-447-3129 for a recorded message.
If you could, take a moment today and thank a front-line worker. We depend on them immensely to get us through all of this, and they do not have the choice to stay home.In closing, I am proud of our town staff as they help our community prevent, prepare, and respond to this unprecedented event.
I am witnessing acts of kindness and good deeds on a daily basis from the residents.Together, we will get through this ……..#OxfordProud.
Mayor Trish and Oxford Town Council
Town of Oxford Media Release - Coronavirus Outbreak
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- Published: March 18, 2020
In a further effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, follow the advice of our provincial and federal governments, and protect employees and the general public, all Town-owned facilities, including Oxford Town Hall, will be closed to the public – effective immediately.
For the time being there will be a reduced staff presence in the Town Hall, with several employees working remotely. Customers with an urgent service need may call our reception line at 902-447-2170. Service requests will be evaluated and addressed in terms of priority and staff capacity. In some cases, an in-person appointment may be arranged.
Interest will not be added to outstanding accounts for the month of March 2020. Should further such arrangements become advisable an announcement will be made at a later date.
The Town will continue to accept payment of accounts by mail. Send your cheque to: Town of Oxford, PO Box 338, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0. Online/telephone banking payments may also be made via your financial institution.
In order to encourage social distancing and discourage gatherings that may facilitate the transmission of the virus, all meetings of Oxford Town Council and committees for the month of March are cancelled.The Town of Oxford recognizes these measures will create inconvenience for some. These measures are taken with the health of the community and our employees in mind. Thank you for your patience and support.
Please be safe, practice good personal hygiene, and observe social distancing while we all work together to slow the progression of COVID-19.
Direct Inquiries to:
Linda Cloney
Public Information Officer
902-447-2624
lcloney@oxfordns.ca
Click here for Official Press Release
Town of Oxford Media Release - Coronavirus Outbreak
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- Published: March 16, 2020
Social Media/Media Release – 2020 03 16
The Town of Oxford is working diligently on its response to the coronavirus outbreak, to ensure the safety of its employees and the public. Further to the Nova Scotia cases of COVID-19, and as this has been categorized as a pandemic outbreak by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Town of Oxford takes the health and safety of our employees and broader community very seriously. The Chief Medical Officer for Canada stated yesterday that this is a serious public health threat and it is everyone’s responsibility to take strong action to delay the spread of COVID-19 to protect as many people as possible. As such, the Town is updating plans to attempt to ensure the continuity of essential municipal services, while at the same time as minimizing any potential spread of the virus.
We are accepting the recommendation of the Province of Nova Scotia and requiring all of our employees who travel outside the country to self- isolate for 14 days on their return. Where it is practical, they will be required to work from home during self-isolation if they are able to do so. Sanitation efforts are being increased, and general gatherings in all of our facilities are being restricted to core essential service delivery purposes only.
The Town has cancelled March Break programming, will not be hosting English as a Second Language classes or other public uses of the Town Hall until further notice. We have closed the Arena to the public for the remainder of the ice surface season, and further to the Cumberland Libraries announcement, the set up of the temporary location for the Oxford Library is on hold. Other facilities owned by the Town, such as the Capitol Theatre and Oxford Pioneer Heritage Hall may also be closed to public gatherings pending future developments. By doing so, we take the strong mitigating step of restricting access and slowing the progress of the virus. It is important to slow the spread and protect our most vulnerable citizens. The safety of the public and our employees is our number one concern.
The public is urged to consult the provincial website for official and updated information on the progress of COVID-19 at https://novascotia.ca/CoronaVirus/#protect. You can also call the Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line toll free at 1-833-784-4397. The Town of Oxford has a recorded information line that is available 24/7 with current information on our response to this public health emergency. Please call 902-447-3129 to hear the recorded message.
Keeping everyone safe and healthy, providing essential services, and maintaining emergency response preparedness are the primary objectives for the Town of Oxford. Adjusting programs and service levels to the developing situation may impact our customers. We regret any inconvenience and ask for your support and understanding through this challenging and unique circumstance.
COVID-19 Update
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- Published: March 14, 2020
Notice to residents: Due to COVID-19 the Town of Oxford will be taking of number of measures to address the health and safety of the public and its employees.
- The Town will be cancelling all activities planned for March Break.
-The Town will be following best practice of Hockey Canada and cancelling the remainder of Fun Hockey.
- The Town will also be closing the arena to the general public.
COVID-19 Fact Sheet
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- Published: March 13, 2020
Please read this Health Fact Sheet on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
pdf COVID-19 Fact Sheet March 2020 (180 KB)
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
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- Published: March 6, 2020
Attention Oxford Residents!
Are you passionate about community events and promoting Oxford as the Wild Blueberry Capital of Canada? We want your ideas!
The Town of Oxford extends an invitation to attend and Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival consultation. Join us for an evening of idea sharing and brainstorming to see what types of events you would like to see during the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival. Bring your thinking caps and be ready to participate!
This community engagement will be held on April 8th from 6:00-7:30 at Town Hall and there will be light snacks and beverages available. If you would like to be apart of this consultation please RSVP to Corey at 902-447-2798 or Ruthie at 902-447-2250 by April 3rd.
What's Happening in Oxford? March 2020
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- Published: March 2, 2020
Oxford events in March and beyond, Update on Police Services Review, and More
February 2020 Calendar and Newsletter Combo
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- Published: February 3, 2020
Enjoy the read! pdf 2020-02-01 February Community Calendar/Newsletter (251 KB)
Hurricane Dorian Financial Assistance Program
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- Published: December 19, 2019
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Financial Assistance Program for Dorian Damage
Government announced today, Dec. 19, it will open a disaster financial assistance program on Jan. 8, to help those who sustained property damage from Hurricane Dorian.
The program will help individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have uninsurable claims and municipalities with uninsured losses.
"Hurricane Dorian caused widespread damage across Nova Scotia and its effects were felt from Yarmouth to Sydney," said Chuck Porter, Minister responsible for emergency management. "Based on the information we received from municipalities and provincial departments, the damage is estimated to be about $11 million."
Disaster financial assistance programs help residents, small businesses, not-for-profits and municipalities recover from emergency-related damage. Details on the program and where to apply will be provided on Jan. 8, at https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/emergency-management-office .
Quick Facts:
-- Nova Scotia was hit by Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7
-- the hurricane was the largest and most powerful storm to impact the province in recorded history. At one point, more than 400,000 households were without electrical power
-- the last disaster financial assistance program was implemented in October 2016 following historic flooding in Nova Scotia
Additional Resources: Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office webpage: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/emergency-management-office -30-
Media contact: Susan Mader Zinck 902-499-1343 Email: susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca
Need Tourism Advisory Committee Members
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- Published: November 26, 2019
Seeking seven tourism industry representatives for the Cumberland Region Tourism Advisory Committee.
Click below for the ad details and the terms of reference for this committee.
December 2019 Community Calendar/Newsletter
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- Published: November 25, 2019
We're trying out a new format for the monthly Community Calendar.
In addition, we've also included some news items this time. Please click on this link to read:
pdf December 2019 Community Calendar/Newsletter (273 KB)
WE'RE LISTENING:
What do you think of the changes?
Marketing for Small Business (Facebook & More)
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- Published: November 19, 2019
Free event for small business operators and those thinking of starting a small business.
Please pre-register: See link for more information.
New Town Hall Hours
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- Published: November 18, 2019
A friendly reminder to everyone that the Town Hall administrative offices will be open to the public from 10 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday, beginning today, November 18, 2019. Staff will continue to work their regular hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Town Hall now has a secure payment drop off! It is available for anyone wishing to make payment on account or drop off registration forms or other information outside of our open hours. It is located on the door leading into Council Chambers – that’s the one closest to the crosswalk leading to the Sunset Thrift Store. The inside box is locked to ensure safekeeping of any mail dropped off, and is checked daily by staff. We hope this is a convenient way for you to continue to do your business with the Town
Town Hall Office Hours
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- Published: October 8, 2019
Residents are advised that, beginning November 18, 2019, the Town Hall offices will be reducing the hours open to the public.
Beginning on that date, the hours of operation for public access will be between 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Staff will maintain their regular working hours, and this service adjustment is to improve the overall operations and services provided by the Town. Alternate online billing payment options are available. A secured mail drop off box will be installed at the Town Office entrance for everyone’s convenience.
Extended hours may be offered on particular billing due dates and will be advertised in advance.