City of Brantford guidance for residents in the event of a potential Canada Post disruption

BRANTFORD, ON – In an effort to ensure continued levels of service for our residents, please note the following guidance during a possible Canada Post service disruption period.

Accounts Payable

It is strongly recommended that vendors of the City of Brantford register for electronic funds transfer (EFT) if they have not already done so. The EFT online direct deposit form can be accessed on the City’s website at brantford.ca/DirectDeposit. Invoices can be dropped off at the City Hall customer service counter at 58 Dalhousie Street in Brantford.

Accounts Receivable

Payments to the City’s Accounts Receivable department can be made by drop box at the entrance of City Hall any time or in person at the customer service counter at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Family and Income Stability (Ontario Works)

Direct bank deposits and reloadable payment cards would not be impacted for residents who are receiving Ontario Works financial assistance. To avoid any payment delays or change in service because of a potential postal disruption, Family and Income Stability clients are encouraged to register for Direct Bank Deposit by contacting their FIS Service Coordinator at 519-759-3330.

Clients expecting a cheque payment should contact their FIS Service Coordinator at 519-759-3330 to confirm that a cheque has been processed before attending 225 Colborne Street or to advise if someone else will be picking up the cheque.

Cheques will be held for pick up at the Family and Income Stability office at 225 Colborne St., Brantford between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Valid photo ID will be required to pick up cheques.

Landlord and vendor cheques will NOT be mailed during the duration of a strike. Arrangements can be made to pick up the cheque at 225 Colborne by calling 519-759-3330. Landlords or vendors expecting payments from Ontario Works are encouraged to sign up for third party Direct Bank Deposits by accessing the secure online form

Access to drug and dental providers would not be affected. Clients can use their Ontario health cards to access doctors and obtain prescriptions.

Should a disruption in mail service occur, Direct Bank Deposit Stubs and Statements of Assistance will be held at 225 Colborne for clients who are not signed up for MyBenefits until an announcement that a Canada Post labour disruption is over. Clients who require this document should contact their FIS Service Coordinator to make arrangements to pick-up.

Clients are strongly encouraged to sign up for paperless communication through MyBenefits at https://mybenefits.mcss.gov.on.ca/auth/login.

Should a disruption in mail service occur, clients are advised not to put any documents in the mail until an announcement is made that the Canada Post labour disruption is over.

Clients can submit any requested paperwork through My Benefits. Alternatively, documents can be dropped off in person at 225 Colborne Street during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of statutory holidays. When the office is closed, there is a drop box outside the main doors for documents.

For further information, please contact the Family and Income Stability office at 519-759-3330.

Housing Services

Tenants in city-owned units are still responsible to pay their rent by the first of the month, complete Annual Income Declaration packages, and report changes to their household or income in the event of a Canada Post service disruption.

Tenants are encouraged to arrange for their monthly rental payment to be made through Preauthorized Payment. Rent payments can also be made by debit or cheque to the appropriate Property Manager.

Paperwork can be dropped off at the City Hall customer service counter at 58 Dalhousie Street in Brantford during regular business 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. When the office is closed, there is a drop box at the side entrance of City Hall. Tenants should not place cash in this drop box at any time.

Tax Payments and Brantford Utilities (Water/Wastewater) Bills

In the event of a Canada Post service disruption, please visit the Utility section of the City website at myutility.brantford.ca, to view and pay your utility bill through online banking.

Tax and Brantford Utilities (Water/Wastewater) payments can be made at a local financial institution either in person, by telephone or online banking. Payments can also be made in person at Brantford City Hall, at 58 Dalhousie Street, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When the office is closed, there is a drop box at the side entrance of City Hall for cheques only, not cash.

Please note that residents are still responsible for paying taxes and utility bills in the event of a Canada Post service disruption.

The City will monitor updates regarding any potential service disruptions closely, and share additional and ongoing communications to provide clients with guidance throughout.

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