How does the Canada Post strike impact me?

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The Canada Post strike could mean payment interruptions for customers and vendors. Many have issued statements on what the strike means moving forward.

The City of Windsor

The City of Windsor has released information regarding payments.

It said it has taken measures to ensure vendors still receive payment.

If you are a vendor who gets paid through direct deposit, payments will continue as usual. If you usually get paid via cheque, your cheques will need picked up at 350 City Hall Square West.

It can be picked up Monday through Friday, not including holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the first floor counter finance window.

Before picking up cheques, the City of Windsor said to call 311 to make sure it has been printed.

The following items are required:

• An official letter from the vendor authorizing the individual to pick up the cheque
• Two pieces of valid government identification (one must have a photo)
• Signature from the individual for any cheques that are picked up.

Delays should be expected due to the number of cheques.

When mailing services continue, remaining cheques will be mailed.

If you must make a payment to the City of Windsor, it said payments can be couriered to:

City of Windsor Finance Department

c/o 400 City Hall Square East

Windsor, Ontario

N9A 7K6

Tender submissions for the Tax Sale can also be sent to that address.

If you have a property tax payment, it can be sent to that address or:

• At an approved bank, credit union or trust company
• By phone or online banking
• With your mortgage payments at your financial institution
• At the 350 City Hall Square West drop-off box on the first floor (for cheques only)
• A pre-authorized payment plan

Further updates will be provided as the Canada Post strike continues.

If you’re looking for more information, visit the City of Windsor’s website or call 311 for help.

The Municipality of Lakeshore

The Municipality of Lakeshore is alerting property owners that upcoming water bills may be impacted by the Canada Post strike.

According to the municipality, November bills have been sent out, but if the strike continues, December bills could be affected. If your bill doesn’t arrive, Lakeshore said you are still responsible for your bill.

“While the postal strike may disrupt our operations, our team is dedicated to mitigating those impacts and ensuring the delivery of high-quality service to our residents and customers,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey.

Lakeshore is suggesting the following to ensure you get your bill information:

• Sign up for electronic billing online to get your bills by email. This must be done by Nov. 20.
• Sign up for a pre-authorized payment plan so your payment is taken directly our of your bank account. That can be done here.
• For those not wanting to take either of these options, your billing information can be obtained over the phone at 519-728-2700.

Any correspondence is asked to be sent via email. For further instructions, email [e-mail] or call 519-728-2700.

E.L.K Energy

E.L.K Energy is reminding customers to stay aware and informed through alternative methods.

If you rely on mail-in payments or mailed paper bills, the energy company recommends checking the status of your bill online. If you don’t have an account on E.L.K’s website, you are encouraged to make one, as payment still must be made on time, despite the interruption.

In addition to monitoring your account, customers could register for paperless billing, which would send your bills to your email. For more information on that, click here.

Customers are also encouraged to sign up for pre-authorized payments. This payment type allows the money to be automatically taken out of your bank account, ensuring a timely payment. That can be set up here.

E.L.K Energy warns customers not to send payments via mail amid the strike. Other payment options are available and can be viewed here.

Alternative payment methods could take longer to show up on your account.

If you need help with next steps, E.L.K’s customer service can be reached by email at [e-mail]. If you prefer phone, you can call 1-519-776-5291 or 1-877-355-7798 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Due to the Canada Post stike, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is warning of disrupted mail services in various municipal service areas, like Riverview Gardens.

Things that could be impacted include payments or other documents that take longer to arrive to the municipality, leading to late fees or longer processing times. Residents are reminded to avoid late fees, interruptions or delays, you can drop off cheques and documents at the reception desk Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After hours, you are asked to use the silver metal box on top of the recycling and garbage console by the public washrooms at the Robertson Avenue entrance. Cash can also be collected at reception during business hours.

Late fees will still apply and due dates will not change for payments.

Resident care conference letters will be sent by email and those without email will be called.

Community members are also invited to drop off resident mail, birthday cards, holiday cards and more at the reception desk.

Municipal Service Centres and Customer Service Drop Boxes are at:

• Blenheim: 35 Talbot Street
• Bothwell Customer Service Drop Box: 320 Main Street
• Chatham: 315 King Street West
• Dresden: 485 George Street
• Ridgetown: 45 Main Street East
• Thamesville Customer Service Drop Box: 3 London Road
• Tilbury: 17 Superior Street
• Wallaceburg: 786 Dufferin Avenue
• Wheatley Customer Service Drop Box: 35 Talbot Road West

More information on hours of operation in the municipality can be found here.