WATERLOO - Waterloo council proposes a $730,000 aid package to help taxpayers get through coronavirus impacts in April and May.

As in neighbouring Kitchener, the proposal is to allow residents and businesses to delay for two months without penalty the payment of property taxes, water bills and other accounts. City hall will waive late payment charges for those months.

For two months the city also proposes to waive penalties for bounced cheques and suspend overdue collection efforts. It proposes to waive parking permit fees for April and also waive application fees for sidewalk patios.

"I want residents to be focused on their health, family and neighbours during this unprecedented challenge," Mayor Dave Jaworsky said.

"I've heard from residents and businesses about their concerns for cash flow, and this quick action will give a bit of peace-of-mind, as we all figure this out. Waterloo is a resilient community, and we want to do what we can to ease the burden for any resident or business feeling the pressure."

It's estimated the total cost to taxpayers could reach $730,000 in lost revenues, depending on participation. Council could pay for it from a savings account of nearly $4 million meant for unexpected expenses.

Council is expected to vote on the aid package Wednesday at its first electronic meeting, now that social distancing has been ordered to limit the spread of the potentially fatal virus.

Cities in the region have been co-ordinating 60-day relief efforts in a bid to be consistent across municipal borders.

Waterloo North Hydro has joined other municipal electric utilities in extending its ban on winter disconnections until July 31.

Ontario moved Tuesday to reduce daytime electricity rates to the level of off-peak weekend rates for 45 days, to help families staying at home. Coun. Jeff Henry had planned to ask for 60 days of relief.

The Enbridge natural gas provider in Waterloo intends to suspend all gas disconnections until Aug. 1.

jouthit@therecord.com

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Twitter: @OuthitRecord