You’ll be able to ride Thunder Bay transit for free, but most passengers are asked to board through the back doors only.
The measure is meant to encourage social distancing by increasing the space between the bus driver and passengers. It kicks in on Saturday and will be in place until further notice.
Passengers who need to use the front door for accessibility will be allowed to do so.
Nobody is allowed to sit directly behind the bus operator’s compartment, and passengers must stay behind the yellow line and not approach the driver. The city also wants you to stay one to two metres away from other riders.
City officials have not made a decision yet on whether bus passes will be refunded.
For anyone who drives, the city will allow you to park at meters for up to two hours at no cost, until further notice. All other parking rules will still apply. Officials say this is to allow residents to quickly pick-up and drop-off items at local businesses.
Starting on Monday, March 23, City customer service counters will only be available by appointment. The customer service desk at City Hall will operate on limited hours from 10 am to 2 pm.
The City will be limiting in-home visits for services such as building inspections, and more. If visits are required, pre-screening will take place prior to the visit.
If you received a parking ticket after March 1, you can delay payments on parking tickets without fear of escalating fines or license plates numbers being sent Ministry of Transportation for plate denial. The City will be suspending the aging process for City parking tickets received as of March 1, 2020, until April 30, 2020. At this time the ‘freeze’ on aging tickets will be reviewed.
The Parking Authority is still accepting payments for any tickets by mail, in the drop-boxes located outside both Parkades, or in-person by appointment only. You can call 625-2370 to make an appointment. Currently only debit or credit will be accepted for in-person visits, no cash payment.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay, and one in Fort Frances. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be a care partner designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th.
