Restrictions on Outdoor Recreational Amenities in Elgin County

Elgin County, Ontario – On April 16, 2021 the Province of Ontario announced further measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 amidst record numbers of new COVID-19 cases in Ontario. Residents must stay home except for essential reasons, which include outdoor exercise, getting groceries, work that cannot be done remotely, and accessing health-care services (including vaccinations). New measures involve the extension of the Stay at Home order for a total of six (6) weeks until May 20, 2021 and the closure of outdoor recreational amenities.

New restrictions prohibit the use of golf courses, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and skate parks. Parking lots and washrooms are closed at all Elgin County municipally-owned beaches and residents are discouraged from travelling outside of their own regions – this includes visiting cottages or seasonal residences.

“As cases increase at an alarming rate across the province and in our own region, we need to stay at home as much as possible,” said Warden Tom Marks. “While it is tempting to want to wait out this pandemic at the beach or at the cottage, it is important to limit the spread of COVID-19 by limiting inter-regional travel.”  

Park trails and playgrounds are open in Elgin County; however, those visiting playgrounds are strongly encouraged to maintain a two (2) metre distance from anyone outside their household and wear a mask when utilizing equipment. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of walking and cycling trails as long as they are doing so with members of their own households.

“As the weather warms up it is natural that we all want to spend more time outside, especially after so much time spent at home over the past several months,” said Warden Tom Marks. “Spending time in nature and playing outdoors is crucial to our mental health and well-being and I encourage residents to do so in ways that are safe and adhere to provincial restrictions.” 

For more information about public health protocols, provincial restrictions, vaccinations, and local COVID-19 numbers visit https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/index.aspx

For more information, please contact:

 

Warden Tom Marks

tmarks@elgin.ca

www.elgincounty.ca

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Graphic to indicate holiday closures at Elgin County Facilities. The Elgin County Administration Building, Provincial Offences Administration Building, and Elgin County Heritage Centre will be closed on Friday, December 23rd at noon. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.