The City of Cambridge is continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and, in consultation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, taking steps to help prevent the spread of infection in the community. On this page, you will find the most up-to date information on cancellations and closures, impacts to City services, online services, news releases, frequently asked questions, and general information.

Please note that while all City facilities are closed to the public until April 5, Service Cambridge remains open to respond to phone inquiries at (519) 623-1340. As well, following the recommendation of health officials, City staff in corporate divisions are currently working from home where possible and can be contacted by email or phone on city-related business. All emergency and critical services will be maintained to ensure the safety of the community.  

City Services

Closures & cancellations
Ongoing critical services
Customer service & corporate services

Service Cambridge remains open to respond to phone inquiries (519) 623-1340.

Following the recommendation of health officials, City staff in corporate divisions are currently working from home where possible and can be contacted by email or phone on city-related business.  
 Service changes

Parking

In order to support the community and in response to changing circumstances, the City of Cambridge is limiting the enforcement of parking regulations to those that support traffic movement and safety.

Enforcement will be suspended for the following until further notice:

  • On- and off-street parking time limits (e.g. 2 and 3 hour parking)
  • Paid parking
  • Late night (2:30-6 a.m.) parking prohibitions in downtown parking lots

 Enforcement will continue for:

  • Signed and unsigned No Parking & No Stopping areas
  • Fire routes & hydrants
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Driveway obstruction
  • Suspected abandoned vehicles
  • Other regulations as required

Building Permits and Inspections

Permits will continue to be processed during the City closure. Apply online. Please note that between March 18 and April 5, City building officials will not be conducting inspections on any projects in occupied buildings

Development Applications

To submit a planning application during this time, please bring the completed application, required supporting studies, and a cheque to the City’s drop box located at the southwest corner of the City Hall building at 50 Dickson Street on Tuesdays only.  If you have a planning enquiry, please send it via email to planning@cambridge.ca.

Burial Permits

We will continue to issue burial permits. Please contact the City to discuss the revised permit process by emailing clerks@cambridge.ca or alternatively by calling James Hutson at (519) 239-3280 or Danielle Manton at (905) 467-0135.

Business Services

The INVEST Cambridge team is available to help with all of your business questions by phone at 519-740-4685 or email at invest@cambridge.ca. Visit investcambridge.ca/COVID19 to learn about our Economic Response Plan and business supports. 

Older Adults Program

Adult Day Programs offered through the Adult Day Services Network (and funded by the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network) have been suspended in Cambridge until further notice, The Friendly Visiting Program will also be suspending its home visits until further notice. 

However, the WOW telephone service will continue. This program offers groups of 5 to 10 people the opportunity to get together over the phone for conversation, trivia games, bingo, and even musical sessions.
 Available online services
Residents are encouraged to continue to access a variety of online services.
  • Report an issue or complaint – Use our online reporting form to share any issues you see in the City – this will help keep our community safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Road and Lane Closures – View the list of current road closures in Cambridge. A link to Regional Road closures is at the bottom of this page.
  • Sign up for and manage your water account – MyWaterAccount is a secure online portal that allows customers to view their water and wastewater billing and consumption history.
  • Have My Say – Provide feedback on current and upcoming projects through our EngageCambridge platform.
  • File a claim – If you have incurred costs which you believe the City may be responsible for, follow our claim reporting process to have your claim considered.
  • Find Utilities – Find a list and links to the various companies that provide the City of Cambridge with utility services.
  • Apply for a permit - Visit our permit portal to apply, check the status, and pay for permits online
  • Tax Certificates - Lawyers use tax certificates to adjust taxes paid when a property is sold. These certificates provide a guarantee of the tax balance on an account at a specific date.  

Payments

Visit our online services web page for a detailed list of services. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Facility, program, & service change questions
Are City facilities closed?
All municipally-run facilities will be closed from Mar. 16 - Apr. 5. This includes City Hall, the Bishop Operations Centre, all arenas, pools, community centres, 50+ centres, and public libraries.
Are City playgrounds closed?

In an effort to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, the regional municipalities have closed outdoor playgrounds and skateboard parks. We are asking parents, caregivers and children to follow this direction until the closure is lifted.

Parks, trails and open space remain open and the community is encouraged to practice social distancing protocols while enjoying these outdoor spaces.
Is the City cancelling programs?

As per the recommendation of Public Health, we are suspending all City programming and camps from Mar. 16 - Apr. 5 and will re-evaluate at that time. We will be offering full refunds for recreation program registrations, including March Break, without any administration charge.

Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 to discuss the credit on your account.  
Is the City cancelling events?

To discourage large groupings of people as per the direction of Public Health, we are also suspending our City-run special events and meetings from Mar. 16 – Apr. 5. If you’ve paid a fee for any of the suspended events, you will receive a full refund.

Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 to discuss the credit on your account. For more details please contact Wanda Schaefer our Supervisor Recreation – Arts, Culture and Events at schaeferw@cambridge.ca at (519) 623-1340, x4491.

List of currently cancelled events/meetings:
What's happening with third-party events hosted at City facilities?
All municipally-run cultural and recreational facilities will be closed from Mar. 16 - Apr. 5, which includes events run at those facilities. Events and programs booked at City Hall are also cancelled.

If you’re an event attendee, please contact the organizer of the event for more information.

If you’re an event organizer or have booked a City facility for your own event, we will be able to cancel or rebook to a future date (depending on availability) with no penalty. Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 to discuss the credit on your account.
Are March Break camps cancelled?

Yes, all programs and camps are cancelled from Mar. 16 – Apr. 5. If you’ve registered for a camp, we will be offering full refunds.

Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 to discuss the credit on your account. For more details please contact Danielle Tanner our Recreation Coordinator - Child and Youth at tannerd@cambridge.ca at (519) 623-1340, x4554.
Are the Adult Day Programs running?

Adult Day Programs offered through the Adult Day Services Network (and funded by the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network) have been suspended in Cambridge until further notice. This includes the following City-managed programs: Golden Opportunities, Living Well and Boost which are located at the William E. Pautler Centre, Allan Reuter Centre and the Fairview Health and Wellness Centre.

The Friendly Visiting Program will also be suspending its home visits until further notice. The WOW telephone service will continue. This program offers groups of 5 to 10 people the opportunity to get together over the phone for conversation, trivia games, bingo, and even musical sessions.

Please note that participants will not be charged any cancellation fees and will maintain their spaces in their specific programs.

We will also be conducting reassurance calls to ensure clients are doing well, and do not require further supports.

For more information, please contact Nicole Cichello at Supervisor Recreation – Older Adult Services at cichellon@cambridge.ca at (519) 623-1340, x4398.
What happens to my membership(s) while facilities are closed?

All City recreation memberships will be suspended and extended for the period of the closure. Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 should you have any further questions.
If I cancel my enrollment in a City-run program, will I get a refund?

If you would like to withdraw from a program beyond Apr. 5, you may do so and receive a full refund. 

Kindly refer to our refund policy. Refunds will only be given in the same form as payment made and cash refunds over $20 will be refunded by cheque. Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 should you have any further questions.
Is registration for Spring/Summer activities still happening on Mar. 21?
Registration for 2020 Spring/Summer programs is postponed until further notice. Please continue to browse course in our Activities Guide online and we will notify the community as soon as a new date is set. 
I'm an event organizer looking for advice, who do I contact?
If you’re an event organizer or have booked a City facility for your own event, we will be able to cancel or rebook to a future date (depending on availability) with no penalty. Please contact Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340 to discuss your options.
How do I make payments if facilities are closed?
We encourage residents to take advantage of our online service options. If you're not sure if an online option is available, please call Service Cambridge at (519) 623-1340.
Are parking by-laws still in effect? 

In order to support the community and in response to changing circumstances, the City of Cambridge is limiting the enforcement of parking regulations to those that support traffic movement and safety.

Enforcement will be suspended for the following until further notice:

  • On- and off-street parking time limits (e.g. 2 and 3 hour parking)
  • Paid parking
  • Late night (2:30-6 a.m.) parking prohibitions in downtown parking lots

 Enforcement will continue for:

  • Signed and unsigned No Parking & No Stopping areas
  • Fire routes & hydrants
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Driveway obstruction
  • Suspected abandoned vehicles
  • Other regulations as required
Is the Farmers' Market still open?

At this time, the Cambridge Farmers’ Market is closed until further notice. Stay connected to you favourite vendors by visiting their online, on-farm, or in-person storefronts. Search the vendor directory. 

For market-related inquiries, please call (519) 740-4681, ext. 4252.
What supports are available for businesses? 

Our INVEST Cambridge office will be closed to the public until April 6. If you require assistance, the INVEST Cambridge team will be available to help with all of your business questions, by phone at 519-740-4685 or email at invest@cambridge.ca.

Visit our website to learn about Business Supports and Programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Small Business Centres

One-on-One Consultations can be scheduled by phone or e-mail.  

Call 519-740-4683 ext. 4352 to speak to someone in the Cambridge office during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or e-mail info@waterlooregionsmallbusiness.ca. 
Is public transit still running? 

The Region of Waterloo operates Grand River Transit. Please visit the Region's website for updates on service changes. 

All GRT buses and MobilityPLUS will continue running on a regular schedule until further notice. Effective Tuesday, March 17, ION trains will be running every 15 minutes.
What is the City doing to protect the vulnerable?

The Region, the area municipalities and many community partners have taken action to support the health and safety of vulnerable people affected by COVID-19. These actions include: 

  • An isolation space will imminently start receiving people who are homeless and showing symptoms of COVID-19. This space will be fully staffed. 
  • Drop-in spaces in Waterloo Region may open as early as this weekend to people who are homeless, giving them a place to go during the day. 
  • Food hampers and meals will be delivered to people with low income who can’t leave their home. This program can also serve people who are homeless if emergency shelters and other agencies become unable to. 
  • Public washrooms and spaces are being opened in and around city cores in Waterloo Region. 

Read the full release.

Learn more about the Community Support Control Group and service locations. 
How can I get involved if I want to volunteer?

If you're looking for information on how you can volunteer during COVID-19, contact the Region-wide Volunteer Action Centre for any available opportunities. 

Cambridge location

150 Main Street, Cambridge
519-575-4400, ext. 7827
Is the City still hiring for jobs?

As a result of extra precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the decision to suspend the recruitment of all current vacant positions as of Wednesday, Mar. 18. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified individually. 
Will I still be able to get a building inspection?

As of Wednesday, Mar. 18, City Building Officials will not be conducting inspections on any projects that contain an occupied building (e.g. finished basements, secondary suites, additions, offices, etc.). This temporary halt to inspections will continue until Apr. 6 and will be continually monitored for reduction or extension. The City will continue to offer inspections to all other permits during regular inspection hours, until further notice. 
Is filming still happening? 
At this time, the processing of film permits is suspended and existing film permits have been cancelled.
Can I still submit a planning application? 

For submitting a planning application during this time, please bring the completed hard copy of the application, required supporting studies and a cheque to the City’s drop box located at the southwest corner of the City Hall building at 50 Dickson Street on Tuesdays only.  Please do not include any cash with items placed in the drop box and please note that the drop box is 11 inches by 1 inch in size.  Packages must be clearly labelled with type of application, address of the subject property and note that it is for the Planning Services Division.

If you have a planning enquiry, please send it via email to planning@cambridge.ca.
Are there any changes to garbage and recycling collection?

The Region of Waterloo has implemented some changes to garbage and recycling due to COVID-19. Check out the links below for more information.
Will the City still be installing Smart Water Meters?
The City is taking proactive measures and has requested that ICONIX cease meter installations until further notice to help prevent the spread of infection in the community. If you currently have an appointment scheduled, the ICONIX team will be in contact with you when meter installations resume.  
I'm a vendor, can I still submit an invoice?
While City Hall is closed to the public due to COVID-19, vendors are asked to please submit their invoices digitally to accountspayable@cambridge.ca to ensure timely processing of payments.
What are you doing to avoid a disruption of City services?
A dedicated pandemic response team has been established, and have updated our continuity plans and pandemic policies. This team is actively reviewing the latest information from health agencies and advising on appropriate City actions.
Where can I find general, reliable government information about COVID-19?
We continue to encourage people to connect with trusted sources for Coronavirus information including the following websites:
What are the recommendations for how to prevent the spread of the virus?
Residents are encouraged to follow precautions outlined by the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of germs.
Water safety and COVID-19
Visit the Region of Waterloo's website to learn how the Region is keeping your water safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

City Actions to Date

  • A dedicated pandemic response team has been mobilized - continuity plans and pandemic policies are in place. This team is actively reviewing the latest information from health agencies and advising on appropriate City measures
  • As part of the Region’s pandemic response plan, municipal and community partners have formed a Community Support Control Group to support our vulnerable population during this time.

In consultation with Public Health, the City is taking proactive measures to help minimize the spread of infection in the community. 

  • All municipally-run facilities and playgrounds will be closed to the public until April 5.
  • Unless deemed a critical service, municipal staff will be working from home until Apr. 5
  • Information posters with preventative tips have been posted at all City facilities.
  • Business travel for staff has been cancelled until further notice. 
  • Staff are being encouraged to hold meetings by phone, teleconference or online. 
  • All City events have been postponed or cancelled. 

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News Releases

 COVID-19 News Releases

March 27 - Business and economic support team forms to help businesses navigate COVID-19

March 25 - Cambridge City Council approves Economic Response Plan

March 25 - Region of Waterloo and local municipalities declare States of Emergency

March 21 - Pandemic planning group deploys supports and safety measures for the most vulnerable

March 17 - Ontario enacts declaration of emergency to protect the public

March 17 - All Remaining Municipal Facilities to close to the public up to and including April 5

March 17 - Statement from the City Clerk on the Ward 7 by-election

March 17 - Additional Public Health measures to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region

March 16 - Regular Schedule of Cambridge City Council Postponed

March 15 - Statement from Mayor McGarry

March 15 - Region provides more detail on service changes and facility closures

March 15 - Facility closures and program cancellations

March 15 - Further enhancement of Public Health measures to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region

March 13 - City Services Update 

March 13 - Enhanced Recommendations from the Medical Officer of Health (ROW)

Background

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a public health emergency of international concern and on March 11, 2020 declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. 

Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region on March 5, 2020. Additional confirmed cases are updated daily on the Region's website. 

Region of Waterloo Public Health is working closely with local hospitals, health care partners, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and national partners to monitor the situation. The City is receiving regular updates and guidance from Public Health.

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to the flu and other respiratory infections and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Like the flu, most people recover on their own.

Use the Region of Waterloo's COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to determine whether and how to seek further care.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at (519) 575-4400. 

Prevention

Public Health recommends everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid social gatherings and practise social distancing (two arms’ length or 2 meters from another person). 
  • Stay home if possible.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please see additional Public Health measures to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region.

More information and resources

We continue to encourage people to connect with trusted sources for Coronavirus information including the following websites:

Contacts

Any questions or concerns should be directed to:

  • Region of Waterloo’s Public Health hotline – 519-575-4400
  • E-mail the Region of Waterloo Public Health inbox