Chapleau Town Council's approved some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting held Wednesday, Council approved resolutions to waive interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the March 30th property tax installment, the second quarter water, wastewater, and refuse collection billing which will be due May 29th, and accounts receivable arising after March 1st.
Mayor Michael Levesque says it's meant to help residents amid the current pandemic.
Mayor Levesque and Council also commend health care providers - including the paramedics and volunteer firefighters - in preparing for COVID-19, as well as volunteers who've helped the vulnerable population with necessities - and Levesque highlights donations by Newmont Porcupine, which has donated $50,000 to Chapleau, $30,000 going to the hospital for equipment during the pandemic, and $10,000 each for the community's two food banks.
Officials from the Township, Chapleau Health Services, the Chapleau and District Family Health Team, and local physicians are also urging everyone to act as if there is community spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and fellow community members, meaning staying home except for groceries or prescriptions, cleaning hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with others - particularly those who are sick - covering coughs or sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.