Bowmanville, Residents: If you live in an area serviced by "Community Mail Boxes", here are some answers you may be searching for:

1)  If You've Sold Your Home, what do you do with the MailBox Keys?

Most people give them to their solicitor with their house keys on the day their home closes.

 2)  Do You Need to Get New MailBox Keys if you've been given the MailBox Keys by the previous Owners?

That's a personal decision. You should know that because mailbox keys can be duplicated, some people feel more comfortable getting new ones.

3)  You need more MailBox Key Copies, how do you get them?

You can have your MailBox Key duplicated by a Locksmith. You won't be able to use a standard key cutting service for this.

4)  How do I get a New Mail Box Key for  my New or  Existing Home?

*FIRST NOTE: You must own your home to complete this process, so your real estate transaction will have had to have successfully ‘Closed' before you can do the following*

A. Call Canada Post Phone at 1-866-607-6031. Select the option where you speak to a customer service representative directly. Also note that you should call in normal business hours.

B.  Let the Customer Service Rep know you need a mailbox key for your new home and give them the address.

C.  The Customer Service Rep will then contact Your Local Post Office Depot to let them know you need new a mailbox key.

D.  When the Key is ready (usually within 48 hours), your local post office depot will call you to come and pick-up the key.

E.  When you arrive to pick-up your key ensure you have TWO Pieces of ID, including Photo ID. You will be asked to sign a Disclaimer that you own the home and that you are who you say you are. You may or may not be asked to produce a copy of your Deed, so you should have it on you just in case. Once this is done, you'll be given your key.

5)  Will Your Lawyer Arrange for You to have New MailBox Keys during the Closing Process?

It's always a good idea to ask your Solicitor early in the closing process, what their procedure is for acquiring mailbox keys. If you have to arrange to get the key yourself after closing, feel free to use these pointers as a guideline.

*Note that all information on this page is provided as "tips" only. Since  procedures and circumstances can change, contacting the Post Office directly is always advisable* - Source: Canada Post*