The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) across the entire legislated fire region of Ontario due to impacts related to the COVID-19outbreak. This is a proactive action by the Ministry to reduce the number of preventable human-caused wildfires to ensure that emergency response capacity is maintained. Minimizing wildfires will ensure the province is able to address any emergency fire situations as well as will reduce necessary contact among staff, and between staff and the public.  This RFZ is effective April 3, 2020 and will be in effect until such time that the MNRF can determine that emergency response capacity will not be impacted by COVID-19.  See the following memo issued by the MNRF.  Director AFFES Memo – Restricted Fire Zone Declaration due to COVID-19

Upon recommendations from the province of Ontario, and the Public Health Authorities, the Township of Kerns’ Community Hall remains closed until further notice due to COVID-19. The following Public Facilities that remain open will continue to operate under revised levels of service effective March 24^th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.:

Municipal Office:

Staff will continue to work in the municipal office to uphold municipal governance, however the office will be closed to the general public. Please contact the municipal office by telephone at (705)-647-5439 for any inquiries or requests.

Physical deliveries (cheques, cash, general mail, etc.) are still accepted through the drop box located to the right of the main entrance.

Public Works:

The Roads Department will continue to operate and maintain levels of service however the garage is closed to the general public -absolutely no visitors.

Municipal Landfill Site:

The Municipal Landfill Site will continue to operate within normal hours. However, the Landfill Site Attendant will no longer physically punch residents’ dump cards or collect tipping fees. Instead, the Landfill Site Attendant will maintain their own record of all waste deposited at the site which will then be punched on each residents’ corresponding dump card at a later date. Waste that is subject to tipping fees will be documented and receipts/invoices will be mailed to residents.-no cash will be collected at the Municipal Landfill Site.

Before attending the landfill site, please ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a fever, new onset of cough, or difficulty breathing?
• Have you or anyone in your family travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
• Have you been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, or is under investigation for the COVID-19 virus?

If you meet the above criteria, in order to protect our other residents and employees, please do not visit the Municipal Landfill Site. Please follow the directions of the local public health authorities (Timiskaming Health Unit @ 705-647-4305)

Upon recommendations from the province of Ontario, and the Public Health Authorities, the Township of Kerns is closing all Public Facilities until March 31 2020 effective immediately.  The landfill will remain open, and dump cards can now be picked up at the joint Municipal Office located at 903303 Hanbury Rd in Harley Township, which also remains open.

Timiskaming Health Unit is doing regular health communications regarding COVID-19 and will provide updates to the community as necessary. To ensure consistency regarding public announcements within the district, please visit the Timiskaming Health Unit’s website at http://www.timiskaminghu.com/90484/COVID-19

The website is currently providing information on a variety of common questions such as:

• What Timiskaming Health Unit is doing to respond to novel coronavirus
• What to do if you suspect you have symptoms of novel coronavirus
• When you should call the Timiskaming Health Unit
• Information for individuals and families
  • New general factsheet and Q & A (Ministry of Health)
  • How to self-isolate
  • How to self-monitor
  • Self-isolation guide for caregivers

• Information for Employers
  • Prepare your workplace
• Credible sources of information
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Health
    • Media briefings every Monday and Thursday at 3 p.m.
  • Public Health Ontario

World Health Organization

2020 Interim Property Taxes Due are due March 16 2020.  Payments of Cash or Cheque, in CAD funds only, are accepted and can be mailed or dropped off.  The Municipal Office is located at 903303 Hanbury Rd New Liskeard ON and open from 8am-4pm. A drop box is also located at the Municipal Office for your convenience.

Click on the links below for Winter Storm Safety Information

BeReady Winter Weather
Power Outage Checklist
Travel Survival Kit
Winter Health and Safety Tips
Winter Storm Safety Checklist

Winter Hours for the Municipal Landfill Site are now in effect. November 1-March 31 hours are: Wednesday 12pm-4pm and Saturday 9am-5pm

TO ALL KERNS TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

Further to the recent snowfall and the current winter season, please be advised that the Highway Traffic Act, Chap. H.8. 181 cites the following:

«No person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without permission in writing so to do from the Ministry or the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road. R.S.O. 1980, c. 198, s. 157.»

Putting snow or ice on the roadways (including pushing snow across the road) could be very dangerous for anyone traveling on our township roads, therefore, it extremely important that the above law be respected. If you have any questions, please call the township garage at 705-647-6322.  We wish to thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

The Kerns Township Roads Department is pleased to add a newly aquired Grader to their fleet!

When bringing recyclables to the landfill site, residents are reminded to NOT bag them. The only exeption to this is paper shredding which can be bagged in a clear plastic bag. Thank you for your attention to this matter and thank you for recycling.