Chatham-Kent, Entegrus offer alternate payment options during postal strike

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has alternate arrangements in place for residents to make tax payments, submit applications and other documents during the national postal strike.

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The strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers shut down operations that will cause mail-related service disruptions in municipal service areas, stated a municipal media release.

“Mailed items such as payments, applications, building permits, registrations, or other documents could be delayed in arrival and lead to late fees or longer processing times,” municipal officials said.

To avoid late fees, interruptions or delays, residents are encouraged to use alternate payment or delivery methods including:

• Bringing mail directly to a municipal service center or customer service drop box
• Submitting documents through email where possible
• Arranging pre-authorized payments.

“Payment due dates will not change and late fees will apply should payments be missed,” the municipality said.

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Information about setting up alternate payment methods can be found at chatham-kent.ca/services/propertytaxes/Pages/Pay-Property-Taxes.aspx.

Municipal service centers and customer service drop boxes are located at:

• Blenheim – 35 Talbot St.
• Bothwell Customer Service Drop Box – 320 Main St.
• Chatham – 315 King St. W.
• Dresden – 485 George St.
• Ridgetown – 45 Main St. E.
• Thamesville Customer Service Drop Box – 3 London Rd.
• Tilbury – 17 Superior St.
• Wallaceburg – 786 Dufferin Ave.
• Wheatley Customer Service Drop Box – 35 Talbot Rd. W.

Power utility Entegrus also issued a release reminding customers of their responsibility to pay bills by the due date during the postal strike.

Entegrus also provides alternate methods to access bill and other important account information.

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“Account balances can be accessed quickly and securely through the My Account portal on the company website or by using Entegrus’ automated telephone system,” the utility said. “Alternate payment arrangements are outlined on the company website and Customer Service is available to assist via email, live chat or phone.”

Customers may receive important notices via email, automated phone call, or text message, depending on their preferred contact information, Entegrus said.

The utility thanks customers for their patience and understanding and encourages customers to stay informed by visiting entegrus.com/postalstrike for updates.

For residents relying on social assistance, “Employment and social services direct bank deposits and reloadable payments are not affected by the Canada Post labor disruption,” the municipality said.

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Clients receiving Ontario Works assistance can complete income reporting for December through “My Benefits,” by phone, or email while mail delivery is not available. Income reporting statements can also be dropped off at one of the offices throughout Chatham-Kent.

“Daily checks will be available by pickup or delivery by making arrangements with a case manager,” the release said.

More information will be forthcoming on monthly checks, landlord and vendor payments next week. For urgent information, please call a case manager at 519-351-8573.

Tickets for shows at the Capitol Theater or Kiwanis Theater will be held at the box office, located at 75 William St. N. until further notice. Tickets can be picked up at the daytime box office prior to the day of the event. Pre-paid tickets will be available at the event venue two hours prior to show time.

For all other questions and concerns, call 3-1-1 or email [email protected].

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