Toronto Is Now Giving Everyone 2 Months To Pay Their Utility Bills Without Any Penalties
Toronto has got some good news for everyone that's worried about paying their bills right now. The City has announced that they will be implementing a 60-day grace period for all residents and businesses for water and solid waste utility bills as well as property taxes. Toronto utility bills dated as of March 16 forward will have late payments waived.According to a news release tweeted by John Tory, the City is taking steps to "protect Toronto's economic success in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.""The COVID-19 pandemic has turned people's lives upside down overnight," Tory says in the statement. "We know families are struggling to figure out how to make ends meet while also worrying about their health and the health of their loved ones. Toronto businesses and residents need to know that we understand these are extraordinary circumstances and we are here to support them."Toronto's utility bills are usually due 21 days after issue, but now, businesses and regular residents will have up to two months to pay off their water bill or property taxes. The Mayor's Economic Support and Recovery Task Force has been working on ways to ease the blow that loads of workers have had to face with the closure of bars, restaurants and nightlife.
"Property tax accounts will be adjusted as necessary to reflect these relief measures," the statement says. However, it's not only the city that is working hard to help its residents during this trying time. The Ontario government has also recently announced multiple projects aimed at help residents who may not have jobs during the next month.
On March 19, Ford also announced that Ontarians won't be evicted if they can't pay rent this month. This move comes after the province declared a state of emergency earlier this week.
All public gatherings over 50 people are being asked to shut down, meaning that restaurants, schools and theatres across the province have been shutting their doors.
As of Friday morning, the province of Ontario has confirmed 251 positive cases of COVID-19 and 2 deaths.