In a media release, the City of Estevan stated that they made plans to support businesses and residents hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said that these are extraordinary times and the council wants to help those who are going through hard times.

“We want to offer assistance and best service our citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic” shared Mayor Ludwig. “The City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your utility and property tax payments.”

The situation is very fluid.

"Council has been busy fielding questions, answering phone calls, and answering questions. I'd like to thank all of the staff working so hard and diligently through these times. It speaks to what a great community we live in, seeing neighbours helping neighbours and people helping out the elderly to get through these trying times. We are very proud of our community and we respect the fact that they are really pulling together through all of this."

The City will continue to bill for utility services as usual.  However, to best serve the City’s customers in these extraordinary times, the City has made the following changes to current utility collections activities:

  • Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until September 1, 2020;
  • Late payment charges will be suspended on all utility accounts until September 1, 2020; and,
  • Continue to generate utility bills, reminders and other related notices for customers who are in arrears to keep them informed of their current situation.

These measures are aimed at providing financial relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills on time.  By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will have the option to delay bill payments without putting themselves in additional financial hardship.  However, civic staff will continue to work with the City’s utility customers regarding payment arrangements so as not to leave them in a difficult financial situation in the future.

Delaying disconnections will help ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper hand-washing and personal hygiene.

The 2020 Property Tax notice will be delivered by the end of June 2020.

To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your 2020 Property Tax payment.

On your notice, your 2020 Property Tax due date will still show July 31, 2020, however:

The City is extending a two-month grace period to provide you with additional time to pay your 2020 Property Tax. You will not incur any late payment penalties on your 2020 Property Tax if you pay the full amount due by September 30, 2020.

"We would like to emphasize for everyone to stay calm and we will work through these issues and we will be stronger as a result."