The city has put a plan in place for residents to pay bills and receive payments in the event of strike by Canada Post workers.

The Crown corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have extended contract negotiations beyond Wednesday’s deadline for a strike or lockout, providing some hope that new deals can be struck without a service disruption.

Meantime, the city will continue to assess the situation, said Maria Visocchi, the city’s director of communications.

The city said that direct bank deposits aren’t affected for residents receiving Ontario Works financial assistance. All October payments issued by cheque were mailed on Tuesday and recipients should receive them by Oct. 1.

Ontario Works recipients are advised to call 519-759-3330 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday if they are a client and handed in their statement of income on time, or are a landlord or vendor expecting a cheque and have not received it by Oct. 1. Recipients who submitted their statement of income or other documents late can also contact the city as their cheques may be delayed. Those who are expecting any other payments or correspondence who would like to know if it’s being mailed or will be held for pick up can also contact the city.

Those who don’t receive an October drug or dental card can present their valid September dental card to dental providers to receive service and present their Ontario Health Card at pharmacies to get prescription medication.

To avoid delay, Visocchi said residents should not put any documents in the mail if a Canada Post labour disruption is announced. Paperwork should instead be dropped off in person at 220 Colborne St. during regular business hours. Alternatively, there is a drop box outside the main doors for documents, which also can be faxed to 519-759-1750.

Tax payments and Brantford utilities (water/wastewater) bills can paid at local financial institutions either in person, by telephone or online. Payments also can be made in person at city hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When the office is closed, there is a drop box at the city call entrance for cheques only, not cash.

Voter information cards for the Oct. 22 municipal election were mailed to the public during the week of Sept. 17 and Visocchi said it’s expected that all cards should be received by Saturday. Those who don’t have their voter card by that time and want to vote online starting on Monday should visit city hall, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to pick up their card in person.

It is recommended that vendors register for electronic funds transfer (EFT) if they haven’t already done so. The EFT direct deposit form can be found on the city’s website at accounts payable form or email accounts payable at AP@brantford.ca to obtain a hard copy of the form. Invoices can be dropped off at city hall.

Payments to the city’s accounts receivable department can be made by drop box at the entrance of city hall any time or in person at the customer service counter, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.