Town News
Water Service Disruption in Oxford - June 1, 2020
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- Published: June 1, 2020
Attention Oxford Residents and Businesses!
There is a water break on Water Street that the Public Works Crew is working on first thing this morning.
This will cause a service disruption on Water Street, James Street, Jackson Street and other surrounding streets.
As of right now, we are unsure as to how long this service interruption will be.
Committee of the Whole Meeting date changed to June 8
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- Published: May 29, 2020
Please take notice that the Town of Oxford Committee of the Whole meeting that was scheduled for June 1st is postponed to June 8th at 6 pm.
Reopening FAQ's by the Nova Scotia Department of Business
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- Published: May 29, 2020
Below is a copy of a document that the Nova Scotia Department of Business released regarding frequently asked questions about reopening.
What can reopen and when, information regarding daycares and more.
pdf Nova Scotia Department of Business Reopening FAQ's (135 KB)
Oxford offers a Municipal Property Tax Financing Program
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- Published: May 28, 2020
Oxford residents and businesses, the Town of Oxford recognizes that many citizens and businesses have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, the Town is offering a one-time property tax financing program for owners of residential and commercial properties negatively affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Below is a link to more details on the Municipal Property Tax Financing Program.
Some Restrictions that are being lifted
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- Published: May 15, 2020
Great news today from Premier McNeill and Dr. Strang.
As part of the initial steps in the provincial recovery from the first wave of COVID-19, some restrictions are being lifted.
1. Nova Scotians can choose to create an immediate family bubble.
This means two immediate family households can come together without physical distancing. This could mean parents, siblings, grandparents – families will have to figure out who is in their bubble. The two households must be mutually exclusive. We are not encouraging large families to gather in large groups for barbeques and reunions. This is a first step to allow immediate family to gather in small groups. This change is effective immediately.
2. Public beaches in Nova Scotia will be allowed to be open for public access effective May 16, 2020, at 8 a.m
3. The following activities at outdoor facilities will be allowed to resume effective, May 16, 2020, at 8 a.m:
Archery
Equestrian
Golf
Paddling
Sailing/boating
Tennis
These activities are able to resume at this early stage with the understanding that people can safely participate in them without the need for an official sport program.
Please note that there can be no practices, coaching, etc; no spectators; and no tournaments, regattas, competitions, etc.
Resumption of these activities is approved under the following general conditions:
Environment
- Take place outdoors
- Can be done by an individual or by multiple people who can maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres
- Access to a facility (i.e. washrooms, changing rooms, equipment rooms) either before or after taking part in the activity must be limited, and the facility must be able to comply with all requirements of the COVID-19 Public Health order currently in place with respect to physical distance and maximum numbers
Physical Distancing:
- Before, during and after activities while at the location where the activity occurs
- Individuals must maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres from others except when two or more individuals are in the same immediate family bubble
- Immediate family bubbles must maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres from other immediate family bubbles
Equipment
- Activities must not include the sharing of common equipment unless the individuals are from the same immediate family bubble.
- Equipment should be cleaned with an appropriate disinfecting cleaner prior to and after use.
Personal Protective Measures
- Individuals who are unwell must not participate in the activity
- Participants should be reminded of the need for proper hand hygiene before and after their activity; this should be supported by providing access to water/soap or hand sanitizer as is feasible for the specific location
- Participants should be reminded of the need for cough etiquette and not touching their face
Fires
- The province-wide ban on open fires has been extended to Monday, June 1 at 11:59 p.m.
- Use of backyard appliances like chimineas and fire pits will be temporarily permitted for households.
For the most up-to-date information about coronavirus, please refer to the provincial government website.
Power Interruption
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- Published: May 15, 2020
Nova Scotia Power advises that in the Oxford area there may be a power interruption on Sunday May 17, 2020 starting around 7:00 am for about 4 hours.
Please share this information with your friends, families and neighbours. Stay safe and well.
Update - Water Break fixed on Horton Street
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- Published: May 8, 2020
Update!
The water break on Horton Street is now fixed and the water is back on.
Water Interruption - May 8, 2020
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- Published: May 8, 2020
Attention Oxford Residents!
There is a water break on Horton Street.
We anticipate that the water service may be interrupted starting anytime between 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm and we expect this to be about an hour long interruption.
This may affect residents and businesses on the South Side of Oxford.
Easing of Some Public Health Measures around COVID 19
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- Published: May 1, 2020
Good News Oxford!
Easing of Some Public Health Measures around COVID 19 has been announced today.
Everyone is encouraged to use common sense so that newly relaxed restrictions can be successful, maintain physical distancing, and continue to check in on friends and family. If we do this the right way, we will all be able to enjoy more freedoms in the coming weeks. We can do it!!
For full details, check out this link.
Updated programs for businesses
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- Published: April 27, 2020
Latest update for businesses, as of April 23, 2020.
The Cumberland Business Connecter has organized a consolidated document regarding programs that are available for businesses.
Cumberland County Community Supports during COVID 19
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- Published: April 20, 2020
pdf Click Here (748 KB) for a PDF document of Cumberland County Community Supports we have available in Cumberland County during COVID 19.
The Town of Oxford Mourns
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- Published: April 20, 2020
The Town of Oxford flags will be at half mast in recognition of the weekend’s tragic events in Nova Scotia.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to family, friends and colleagues of Constable Heidi Stevenson and all the victims who lost their lives and were injured as a result of the tragedy.
As fellow Nova Scotians, we offer our support and sympathies to the broader community of our province.
Water Interruption - Foundry Street
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- Published: April 20, 2020
Attention Oxford Residents: There may be a water interruption on Foundry Street and surrounding streets.
This should only be for a small amount of time.
Public Works is working as quickly as they can.
What's Open in Oxford?
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- Published: April 14, 2020
pdf Open/Closed April 14, 2020 (123 KB)
Please click on the above link for an updated list.
COVID-19 uncertainty leads to staffing and service level impacts for the Town of Oxford
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- Published: April 14, 2020
Businesses/Services Open & Closed
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- Published: April 8, 2020
Oxford Area Businesses:
Oxford Food Bank Poster
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- Published: April 7, 2020
The Food Bank is currently maintaining regular hours.
Voluntary Survey on the impacts of COVID-19
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- Published: April 6, 2020
Canadian Impacts of COVID-19
COVID-19 has caused many impacts on everyday living.
Below is a link to a voluntary survey that is collecting data on the impacts of COVID-19 for Canadians.
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.