|
Facility Closures / Restricted Public Access
|
In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound has implementing the following precautionary measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by implementing closures to public access for the protection of our staff, residents and our community by limiting exposure to others.
| Municipal Office - 52 Seguin Street - Closed to public access |
|
Until further notice the Town of Parry Sound Municipal Office will have no public access. Municipal services will continue to be provided.
Payment Options
Payment options for property taxes and water accounts are available through online banking, at financial institutions or cheques can be deposited into the drop box located at the front of the Town Office (old entrance at top of stairs).
How to reach Municipal Office staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone and emails. Should an in-person meeting be required with a staff member, meetings will be by appointment only and screening will be required. Please call the office at (705) 746-2101 to speak to staff.
Please see the 'Building and Planning Services' tab for information about making applications and inspections during the closure. |
| Provincial Offences Office - 52 Seguin Street - Closed to public access |
Until further notice the Provincial Offences Office will have no public access.
Payment Options
Payment of Provincial Offences fines can be made by phone (705) 746-2553, by mail or online at www.paytickets.ca.
Cheques can be deposited in the drop box located at the front of the Town Office (old entrance at top of stairs).
How to reach POA staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone by calling (705) 746-2553.
Please note: Provincial Offences will not be enforcing late payments and no drivers’ licences shall be suspended until September 11, 2020.
Provincial Offences Act court is closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, September 11, 2020.
| COVID-19: Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public |
COVID-19: Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public Re: Provincial Offences Act Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (May 19, 2020)
*This Notice supersedes previously announced notices.
1. Introduction
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Province of Ontario extended the Declaration of Emergency until June 2, 2020. In light of the uncertainty about the duration of the state of emergency in Ontario, the Ontario Court of Justice will continue to operate on a reduced schedule.
Until further notice, no Provincial Offences Act proceedings will be conducted until September 11, 2020, except for remote judicial pre-trials as described below in s. 4.3.
The Court is working closely with its justice partners, including the Ministry of the Attorney General and representatives of Provincial Offences courts, to determine if technology can be used to increase participants’ ability to access courthouse services using remote means, such as by the electronic filing of court material, remote scheduling processes, and remote hearings. The Court is also working with justice partners to plan for the eventual resumption of in-person attendances in a way that protects the health and safety of all participants.
Given the continued recommendations by public health authorities for everyone to stay home as much as possible and to maintain a safe distance from others, people are strongly discouraged from attending any courthouse.
Do not come into a courthouse if you have been advised by public health officials, your doctor, or the Ontario Ministry of Health website to self-isolate.
Please continue to check the Ontario Court of Justice website for updates to this Notice.
2. Application
This Notice applies to all Provincial Offences Act matters before the Ontario Court of Justice.
3. Limitation Periods Under the Provincial Offences Act
All limitation periods under the Provincial Offences Act have been suspended by an order under s. 7.1.2(2) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This order is available here: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200073
4. Scheduling Directives
4.1 Suspension of All Proceedings
Except as otherwise noted in this practice direction, all Provincial Offences Act (POA) proceedings scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, July 3, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a proceeding scheduled during this time, do not attend court. This applies to all Provincial Offences courts in Ontario.
Judicial pre-trials may proceed during this time by audio or video conference. If this applies to your case, you will be notified with the date and time and the audio or video conferencing details. Judicial pre-trials are addressed below in section 4.3.
A notice of the new court date will be sent to both parties by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please contact your local Provincial Offences court.
Contact information for all Provincial Offences courts is available here: https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/Court_Addresses/poa/
4.2 Suspension of All Appeals
All Provincial Offences Act appeals to a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, July 3, 2020 will be adjourned.
All POA appeals scheduled between Monday March 16 and Friday May 29 will be adjourned to a date approximately 10 weeks from the original date. To find out what date your matter is being adjourned to, see the list of adjournment dates. These dates are subject to change. Please check back on this website before your next court date to confirm the date.
The Court will publish an update shortly regarding POA appeals that are currently scheduled to occur on or after June 1, 2020.
If you need to update your address with the court, please contact the courthouse where the appeal is scheduled to be heard. A listing of all court addresses is available here: https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/Court_Addresses/
4.3 Judicial Pre-Trials
Judicial pre-trials will be held by audio or video conference. Cases subject to judicial pre-trials will be determined by local protocol. Parties will be notified of the date and time of the judicial pre-trial and the information for attending the audio or video conference.
4.4 Young Persons
Provincial Offences Act matters where the defendant is a young person (individual under 16 years of age) are scheduled to appear and be heard in a provincially-administered Ontario Court of Justice. As a result, these matters will be adjourned consistent with adjournments in criminal court.
These matters scheduled between Monday March 16 and Friday May 29 will be rescheduled to a date approximately 10 weeks from the original date. To find out what date your matter is being adjourned to, see the list of adjournment dates. These dates are subject to change. Please check back on this website before your next court date to confirm the date.
The Court will publish an update shortly regarding court appearances that are currently scheduled to occur on or after June 1, 2020.
If you need to update your address with the court, please contact the courthouse where the matter is scheduled to be heard. A listing of all provincially-administered court addresses is available here: https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/Court_Addresses/
5. Electronic Signatures
5.1 Electronic Signatures
The Ontario Court of Justice will accept electronically signed documents where a signature is required. An electronic signature consists of electronic information that identifies the signatory and the date and place of signing. For example, you may type your name as your signature.
|
All provincial offences trials are being rescheduled. If you are a defendant, a notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court.
|
| Fire Hall - 4 Church Street- Closed to public access |
Until further notice the Fire Hall will have no public access. Municipal services and fire protection will continue to be provided.
How to reach Fire Hall & Bylaw staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone and emails. Should an in-person meeting be required with a staff member, meetings will be by appointment only and screening will be required.
Fire hall staff can be reached at (705) 746-2262. Bylaw staff can be reached at (705) 746-2413.
|
Parks - Outdoor Recreational Amenities - Restrictions in Place
|
|
What park amenities are open?
Individuals using these amenities, except for member of the same household or permitted social circle, are required to maintain physical distance of at least two metres or six feet.
What park amenities remain closed?
- Playgrounds, play structures and equipment
- Fitness trail equipment
- Park washrooms (*Waubuno Beach washrooms & change-rooms are open)
Can we play sports in parks?
Individuals are not permitted to play team sports, such as soccer or baseball, even on fields intended for this purpose unless they are members of the same household.
Can we host gatherings or events in parks?
No, individuals are not permitted to have gatherings or events with more than ten (10) people. Individuals using parks are required to physically distance unless they are member of the same household or permitted social circle.
How do we stay safe while using outdoor recreational amenities?
Everyone using these outdoor recreational amenities is required to physically distance from anyone who is not in their household or permitted social circle. This means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people.
If you arrive at a park, for example that is crowded, you should wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time.
Individuals should use hand sanitizer to clean your hands while out, wash your hands as soon as you get home and stay home if ill.
|
| Fitness Trail & Rugged Trail - Restrictions in Place |
| The Fitness Trail and Rugged Trails remain open to through traffic only. Individuals utilizing the trail must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) apart, must travel through and not congregate on the trail and no groups greater than ten people shall use the trail together. |
| Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame - 2 Bay Street - Closed to public access |
|
The Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame is currently closed to public access until July 2nd 2020. The West Parry Sound Area Visitor Information Centre, housed within the facility, and Bobby Orr Hall of Fame and Gift Shop will open on July 2nd, 2020 for public access providing that this plan aligns with the Provincial & Federal Government’s restrictions.
The Charles W. Stockey Centre’s performance hall will remain closed to third-party rentals until and inclusive of September 7th, 2020. Our Box Office is available online at stockeycentre.com and over the phone at (705) 746-4466 x 205 for ticket sales and inquiries.
Stockey Contact: Nicole Mullen - (705) 746-4466 x 202 or by email
BOHF Contact: Caitlin Dyer - (705) 746-4466 x 208 or by email
|
| Bobby Orr Community Centre - 7 Mary Street - Closed to public access |
Until further notice, the Bobby Orr Community Centre will be closed to the public. Programming has been cancelled or postponed until and including September 7, 2020.
Contact: April McNamara - (705) 746-2701 x 1 or by email |
| Parry Sound Public Library - 29 Mary Street - Closed to public access |
The Parry Sound Public Library was closed to public access until further notice. The Library is offering curbside pick-up, visit www.parrysoundlibrary.com for more information.
|
| The Museum on Tower Hill - 17 George Street - Closed |
www.museumontowerhill.com - Effective March 17, 2020 the museum was closed to public visits until further notice.
The museum is posting interactive online activities on their website so you can 'visit' the museum from home. |
| Other Municipal Buildings - Closed to public access |
| The remaining municipal buildings remain closed to public access, as per regular protocols. |
|
|
Facilities Open to the Public
|
| The following municipal facilities remain open to the public. If you have travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days, are feeling unwell, or anyone you have close contact with is feeling unwell, please refrain from visiting municipal facilities.
|
Waste Transfer Station - Macfarlane Street
|
The transfer station remains open to the public.
Effective Wednesday June 10th the Transfer Station will be accepting household hazardous waste material. Please follow the directions given by the attendant as procedures for disposal have changed. The only material NOT ACCEPTED at the Transfer Station continues to be corrugated cardboard.
Please have patience with the new gate system in place which allows for better physical distancing for the protection of residents and staff. |
| Curbside Waste Collection |
| Curbside Waste Collection continues as normal. Pick-up dates and bag limits remain the same. It is suggested to reduce the amount of air-borne garbage that you ensure bags are tied securely. Please ensure recycling bins are not overflowing to limit air borne recyclables to protect the health & safety of the collector. |
|
Waubuno Beach & Centennial Beach
|
|
Waubuno Beach and Centennial (Old Town) Beach are now re-open to the public.
For information on what amenities are open and what remains closed please see the beaches page.
Anyone using there outdoor recreational amenities are required to continue physical distancing from anyone who is not in their household or permitted social circle.
|
|
Public Boat Launches - Mill Lake, Waubuno Beach, Champaign Street, Salt Dock Road
|
|
The four public boat launches are now open.
- Champaign Street boat launch, public and commercial launches
- Waubuno Beach boat launch
- Mill Lake boat launch
- Salt Dock boat launch
If you need to go out on the water remember you must continue to physically distance.
1. Limit the people aboard to those family members you share your home with, period—no guests.
2. No rafting with other boats or congregating at beaches.
3. Maintain a safe distance while loading or fueling the boat.
4. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly and after touching surfaces such as a fuel pump.
5. Pack what you need and do not plan to stop.
Do your part to avoid injury and prevent the need for emergency service response.
If there is a need to go out on the water, take extra precautions including:
1. Be weather aware, check before you leave and watch for changes while on the water.
2. Check operation of navigation lights.
3. Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
4. Carry a VHF Radio, GPS, and Marine Charts.
5. Life jackets should be worn, the water is still cold.
6. Monitor fuel consumption and remaining range - Use the “Three-Thirds Rule” (one-third outbound,
one-third inbound, one-third reserve).
7. Monitor VHF radio Channel 16 for emergency traffic - Be prepared to lend assistance if you are the nearest vessel.
8. Know the waters you are navigating - Refer to local charts and stay within marked channels.
|
|
Public Washrooms - Reduced hours
|
| The public washrooms at the corner of Seguin Street and Gibson Street remain open, however to ensure cleanliness of the facility the hours of operation have been reduced to 9am - 4pm daily.
|
| Hillcrest Cemetery & Sylvan Acres Cemetery |
|
The cemeteries remain open to the public. For those accessing the cemeteries, you must practice social/physical distancing. No groups greater than ten people.
Outdoor Funeral services are permitted up to 50 people with a Funeral Director in attendance. Those attending must follow proper health and safety advice, including practising physical distancing from people who are not from the same household or their established 10-person social circle.
Cremation interments that are performed without a Funeral Director in attendance are under the care and guidance of the cemetery and the cemetery staff in attendance at the interment. Please contact the municipal office to discuss the potential number of attendees with the cemetery administrator to ensure those numbers can be accommodated. All physical distancing protocols must be observed.
|
| Fitness Trail & Rugged Trail - Restrictions in Place |
|
The Fitness Trail and Rugged Trails remain open to through traffic only. Individuals utilizing the trail must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) apart, must travel through and not congregate on the trail and no groups greater than ten people shall use the trail together.
|
|
Parks - Outdoor Recreational Amenities - Restrictions in Place
|
|
What park amenities are open?
Individuals using these amenities, except for member of the same household or permitted social circle, are required to maintain physical distance of at least two metres or six feet.
What park amenities remain closed?
- Playgrounds, play structures and equipment
- Fitness trail equipment
- Park washrooms (*Waubuno Beach washrooms & change-rooms are open)
Can we play sports in parks?
Individuals are not permitted to play team sports, such as soccer or baseball, even on fields intended for this purpose unless they are members of the same household.
Can we host gatherings or events in parks?
No, individuals are not permitted to have gatherings or events with more than ten (10) people. Individuals using parks are required to physically distance unless they are member of the same household or permitted social circle.
How do we stay safe while using outdoor recreational amenities?
Everyone using these outdoor recreational amenities is required to physically distance from anyone who is not in their household or permitted social circle. This means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people.
If you arrive at a park, for example that is crowded, you should wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time.
Individuals should use hand sanitizer to clean your hands while out, wash your hands as soon as you get home and stay home if ill.
|
|
| Meeting and Event Cancellations |
| Provincial Offences Act Court |
| Provincial Offences Act court is closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, September 11, 2020. |
| Bobby Orr Community Centre |
| All programming is suspended until September 7, 2020. |
|
Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
|
| All programming has been cancelled or postponed until September 7, 2020. Visit www.stockeycentre.com for details. |
| Canada Day |
| On April 21 Council discussed and made the difficult decision to cancel the July 1, 2020 Canada Day Celebrations. Passing a resolution for staff to cancel the public gathering and to instead provide the public with ways to celebrate from home. |
|
Recreation and Culture Centre Public Meetings
|
Recreation and Culture Centre public meetings resumed on Wednesday May 13, 2020. Meetings are posted on the Council Calendar and available for streaming on our Youtube Channel.
|
| Council Meetings |
|
Council Meetings are being held electronically via Zoom Videoconferencing for the safety of our community, Council and staff.
Agenda's and minutes are available through the Council Calendar. Meetings are available for viewing through live streaming or through our Youtube channel following the meeting.
For further information about participation in electronic meetings contact the Clerk, Rebecca Johnson.
|
|
| Messages from Mayor Jamie McGarvey |
|
March 25, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding COVID-19
April 1, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding Transfer Station Temporary Service Changes
April 2, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding supporting your local businesses as they adjust to COVID-19
April 10, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding waiting to visit the cottage
April 13, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding Tax, Water and Sewer billing interest relief
April 15, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey regarding continuing physical distancing
April 17, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Thank you to our essential workers and volunteers
April 21, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Keep doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19
May 15, 2020 - A message from Mayor Jamie McGarvey - Boat Launches and Transfer Station update
|
| Penalty and Interest Relief – Municipal Taxes, Water and Sewer Billing |
|
In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Town of Parry Sound is implementing temporary relief for penalty and interest for taxes and water and sewer billing.
Effective Tuesday April 7, 2020 the Council of the Town of Parry Sound passed an amending bylaw to allow relief for those impacted by COVID-19. The bylaw implements that:
- Penalty and interest on the 2020 interim tax bill will be waived for three months ending June 30th, 2020
- Penalty and interest on water and sewer bills will be waived for three months ending June 30th, 2020
- Transfers to taxes and the disconnection of water and sewer services on past-due accounts be placed on hold between April 1st and June 30th, 2020
- Non-sufficient funds (NSF) charges be waived for both property taxes and water and sewer accounts between April 1st and June 30th, 2020
Be advised, for those utilizing the relief program, reminder notices will continue to be sent at regular scheduled times and according to regular procedures.
This is a temporary measure for those who have lost income and are unable to make payments. If you are able to continue to make payments, we encourage you to do so to ensure you do not incur additional charges at the end of the relief period.
Payment options for property taxes and water accounts during the temporary closure to the public are available through online banking, at financial institutions or cheques can be deposited into the drop box located at the front of the Town Office (old entrance).
|
| Building & Planning Services |
| Building Services |
|
Application Submission:
During this time, we ask that all submissions be submitted by email, or hard copies by mail or by dropping an envelope in the drop box at 52 Seguin Street. If the application has large paper plans which won’t fit in a normal mail slot, please email to arrange a drop off appointment.
Fees are required to be paid by cheque (no cash payments).
Code Related Inquiries:
Building code and fee related inquires can be made by email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 221 or ext 234
Inspection requests:
Permit holders can request an inspection by email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 221 or ext 234.
A questionnaire will be required ahead of booking inspections.
An inspector may refuse to make an inspection, for their own health and safety, if persons on the job site are not practicing social distancing (physical distance between people must not be less than 2 metres ) or a person on the job site appears to be ill (coughing, etc.).
If you have any building related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at:
Phone: 705-746-2101
John - Ext 221
Will - Ext 234
Jessie- Ext 225
|
| Planning Services |
Pre-Consultations
Pre-consultations will be done by phone and/or email. Please contact Taylor - (705) 746-2101 ext 223
Application Submission:
During this time, we ask that all submissions be submitted electronically by email, hard copy by mail or by dropping them in the drop box at 52 Seguin Street. If the application has large paper plans, please email ahead to arrange for a drop off time.
Application fees are required to be by cheque (no cash payments).
Applications are still being reviewed and what work possible is being completed.
Zoning Inquires:
During this time, we ask at all inquiries be restricted to email or phone 705-746-2101 ext 223.
Committee Meetings:
All Committee meetings, including the Committee of Adjustment meetings are cancelled until further notice.
Site Inspections:
Staff will conduct site inspections in a safe manner while respecting social distancing.
If you have any planning related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at:
Phone: 705-746-2101
Taylor - Ext 223
Jessie - Ext 225
|
|
| Fire Restrictions During COVID-19 |
At 12:01 a.m. on May 16, 2020, Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario's fire region.
Please check with your municipality for burning restrictions.
Visit the fire department web page for the current Town of Parry Sound Fire Danger Rating.
Some fire danger ratings permit recreational fires, however burning must be in compliance with the open air burning bylaw or have a valid incinerator or outdoor fireplace permit.
Residential Fireworks are permitted on the May long weekend, and July 1st long weekend only.
For information about what is allowed and permits in the Town of Parry Sound visit:
https://www.parrysound.ca/…/fire-depar…/open-air-burning.asp
|
|
| Donations Needed |
|
Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks
|
The need for assistance from the local food banks is currently higher than normal. If you are able to donate, food and financial donations are needed.
Harvest Share - 93 James Street, Parry Sound - (705) 774-9111
Food donations can be made at the side door. Financial donations, please reach out to Harvest Share directly as no walk-ins are currently being accepted.
Salvation Army Food Bank - 61 Gibson Street, Parry Sound - (705) 746-5391
Donation bins are also available at some local grocery stores.
|
|
The WPSHC has an immediate need for Scrubs, Lab Coats and N95 Respirators.
|
|
West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) is asking community members to donate any ‘scrubs’ or lab coats they might have at home.
Under normal circumstances, the health centre would have capacity to supply all appropriate staff with hospital-issued scrubs, but there are currently not enough to go around, and these items are on back-order.
All donated scrubs will be laundered and made available to clinical staff, separate from the health centre’s ‘usual’ supply to decrease the chance of people taking the virus out of the health centre.
The WPSHC is also in need of N95 respirators, if you have extras (expired is ok) donations would be appreciated.
Anyone with scrubs, lab coats or N95 respirators to donate can drop them off the following locations:
Parry Sound – Fire Hall, 4 Church Street Parry Sound, please leave in a sealed bag outside the front doors
Carling – Carling Rink, 2 West Carling Bay Road, Nobel, please leave in bin
McDougall – Fire Station 1, 10 Municipal Drive Nobel, please leave in blue bin at front door
McKellar – Fire Station 1, 1 Sharon Park Dr. McKellar, please leave in a sealed bag under the covered entrance.
Seguin – Humphrey Fire Station, 115 Highway 141
Whitestone – Fire Hall, 21 Church Street Dunchurch, please ring doorbell and leave in sealed bag outside the side door.
Nursing Stations – Please phone ahead and arrange for drop off, the nursing stations are not accepting any walkins due to COVID-19.
Pointe Au Baril – (705) 366-2376
Argyle – (705) 757-1717
Britt – (705) 383-2375
Moose Deer Point – (705) 375-9900
Rosseau – (705) 732-1095
Whitestone – Drop off at the fire hall |
|
Rotary Club
|
The Parry Sound Rotary Club is running a grocery delivery and pick-up service in partnership with Sobeys. This program aims to support vulnerable citizens, those in self-isolation or people otherwise unable to complete their own shopping due to COVID-19. Many community members accessing this program are able to pay for their groceries and the delivery fee. However for those in need of assistance due to COVID-19, the Rotary Club is looking for food and financial donations to support their grocery requests.
Food donations can also be made at Sobeys or donations can be made through the clubs website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/217
For information on how to access the grocery program see the 'Shopping & Food Delivery Services' drop down below. |
|
The WPSHC needs volunteers to sew masks - Need Fulfilled
|
|
Thank you to all those who signed up to sew masks. The need for assistance is currently fulfilled.
|
|
| Shopping & Food Delivery Services and Food Assistance Programs |
Shop Local - Retail Stores
Keep in mind, many local businesses rely on shoppers and are heavily impacted by the closures. Many have switched to offer pick-ups or deliveries, contact your local merchants before shopping non-local online retailers.
Most grocery stores and pharmacies have reduced their retail hours, and many are offering seniors only hours. Visit their websites for up to date information.
Parry Sound Tourism has developed a list of businesses offering pick-up or deliveries during COVID-19.
Grocery/Supply Deliveries
The Rotary Club and Sobeys are working together to ensure that residents in the Parry Sound area can get groceries and supplies.
This service is intended for seniors, those with health issues and people who are self-isolating / quarantined and unable to shop.
Visit www.parrysound.ca/help or call (705) 996-0716 to request assistance.
Watch a video about the program on our YouTube Channel.
If you would like to assist with shopping and deliveries, the www.parrysound.ca/help website also has a place for you to sign up to volunteer or to donate.
Restaurants/Takeout
Many local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options - contact the restaurants directly to order.
Food Banks
Harvest Share and the Salvation Army Food Banks remain open.
Harvest Share's office is closed, food is being distributed by delivery only for those in need - 1-833-Food4HS OR 1-833-366-3447
Student Nutrition Ontario - Nipissing, Muskoka, Parry Sound
Student Nutrition Ontario is offering assistance to children, youth and their families to ensure the needs of our community are met during this difficult and uncertain times as schools are closed, and children and youth are still hungry.
Families who wish to receive support are asked to register by emailing, names, address, phone number(s), number of children and the school the children regularly attend to studentnutrition@communitylivingnorthbay.org or by phone at 705-476-3288 ext. 1611 |
| At Home Family Activities and Resources |
|
The Town of Parry Sound Recreation Staff have also complied a list of at home activities, check it out.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere staff have created a running list of activity ideas and online resources designed for kids and families to complete at home. These are fun, engaging, and educational for everyone.
Check it out at www.gbbr.ca/at-home-family-activities-resources/ |
|
|
It’s not business as usual in Ontario and the West Parry Sound area is no exception as we are also impacted by COVID-19, below is information about current local service interruptions, limitations and restrictions that are in place for permanent and seasonal residents. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 and Provincial restrictions visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.
Shopping - Plan Ahead
|
Everyone is encouraged to limit shopping trips to once per week and have one-person shop for the household. Plan ahead and make a list of what you need to limit your number of trips into the store(s) to reduce wait times and lineups.
Please be patient, positive and friendly to those working in our stores, the combination of COVID-19 procedural changes, staffing shortages, and an influx of summer season shoppers will cause delays, these staff members are doing their best to serve you in a timely and safe manner. |
| Grocery Stores |
Local grocery stores are well stocked with supplies, however due to measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect their customers and staff, our grocery stores have special procedures in place to limit the number of people in the stores at one time to ensure physical distancing is possible.
This means delays entering the stores, you could be required to line up and wait your turn to enter. Physical distancing measures are also in place throughout the stores including one-way isles and changes to check out procedures. |
| Retail Stores, Hardware Stores & Garden Centres |
| Retail Stores, Hardware stores and Garden Centres have been permitted to re-open to in-store shopping. Many local stores have re-opened however they have procedural changes and restrictions in place to ensure physical distancing is practised, these include limiting the number of people in the stores. |
| Local Restaurants Offering Take-out or Delivery |
|
Click here for a list of food providers in the West Parry Sound Area offering take-out and/or delivery options.
Outdoor restaurant patio's are now permitted to open in Ontario and many local restaurants are now offering outdoor seating.
|
| A message from the West Parry Sound Health Centre |
|
At West Parry Sound Health Centre we are always prepared to meet the health care needs of everyone who relies on our care and service. In addition to the usual limitations associated with COVID-19 preparedness and response, please know that as we prepare to enter this long-weekend and the summer season that follows, we are functioning under significant restrictions. Many of these restrictions are required by provincial authorities; other limitations are the result of scarcity of resources: people, supplies (including personal protective equipment,) treatment equipment, and space.
The health centre continues to provide care while working in a very fragile state. We see this continuing throughout the summer.
We are extremely thankful for the ongoing generosity of our seasonal property owners. Proportionally, and by value, they are the biggest donors supporting health care services in West Parry Sound. We ask that they come prepared and committed to ‘tread lightly’ on all of the public infrastructure services that we collectively rely on.
We offer the following advice:
BYOS (bring your own stuff)
• Please prepare for a slow and safe merge into community life. Bring a supply of groceries, prescriptions, beverages, and other items that will be used and consumed.
Practice and promote precautions
• Arrive in our community with a strong commitment to physical distancing.
• Maintain a keen awareness that this will not be summer-as-usual in all of the places where we love to gather: festivals, markets, public watersides, and family celebrations.
• Bring with you, non-medical grade masks for necessary outings and always wear your mask properly covering your nose and mouth.
• Avoid gatherings that involve people not included in your daily seasonal household.
Eliminate all avoidable risk
• Please, please, please - avoid risk and the potential need for emergency health care.
• This is not the summer for risky DIY, like cutting down the very large pine tree that’s been hanging over the screen porch. This is not the summer for a careless barefoot encounter with a rattlesnake.
• Hire a local professional and support (not visit) your local hospital.
|
| Landfills, Transfer Stations and Donations of Household Items |
The Salvation Army Thrift Store is accepting donations on a limited basis - check their facebook page for updates on how and when donations are being accepted.
Some Transfer Stations and Landfills have additional restrictions in place limiting what items can be disposed of, please review your municipality's website for service changes prior to making a trip to your dump/landfill. |
| Burning Restrictions |
|
At 12:01 a.m. on May 16, 2020, Ontario lifted the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario's fire region.
Please check with your municipality for burning restrictions.
Visit the fire department web page for the current Town of Parry Sound Fire Danger Rating.
Some fire danger ratings permit recreational fires, however burning must be in compliance with the open air burning bylaw or have a valid incinerator or outdoor fireplace permit.
Residential Fireworks are permitted on the May long weekend, and July 1st long weekend only.
For information about what is allowed and permits in the Town of Parry Sound visit:
https://www.parrysound.ca/…/fire-depar…/open-air-burning.asp
|
| Fireworks |
The Town of Parry Sound permits residential fireworks on the May long weekend, and July 1st long weekend only.
If your property is in an outlying municipality please check their regulations directly. |
| Crown Land Camping Restrictions |
|
Starting June 1, 2020 Ontario is reopening recreational camping on Crown land managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
No more than ten people are allowed to camp together in a group, unless they live in the same household.
|
| Marinas |
| On May 4, 2020 Marinas were added to the essential services list. Please contact your marina directly prior to your arrival for additional information on services available. |
| Boat Launches |
|
The four public boat launches in the Town of Parry Sound are now open.
- Champaign Street boat launch, public and commercial launches
- Waubuno Beach boat launch
- Mill Lake boat launch
- Salt Dock boat launch
If you need to go out on the water remember you must continue to physically distance.
1. Limit the people aboard to those family members you share your home with, period—no guests.
2. No rafting with other boats or congregating at beaches.
3. Maintain a safe distance while loading or fueling the boat.
4. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly and after touching surfaces such as a fuel pump.
5. Pack what you need and do not plan to stop.
Outlying municipalities:
Effective May 12th Carling Township launches will be open to permit holders only.
McDougall Township launches are open, George Hunt has restrictions in place and is for use by McDougall Residents only.
Township of The Archipelago will reopen their launches the week of May 11th.
Effective May 11th Seguin Township launches are open for residents and property owners to access their waterfront properties.
Effective May 12th the Township of McKellar has opened their boat launches.
Municipality of Whitestone launches remain open to residents only.
|
No groups greater than ten
|
Public events and social gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited by the Province of Ontario.
Get togethers with friends and family members outside of your household resulting in a group greater than ten people is strictly prohibited.
Effective June 12, 2020 at 12:01am the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to ten people across the province. |
| Yard / Garage Sales |
| The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit does not support holding physical garage sales in our district due to provincial emergency orders specifically referencing gatherings of more than 10 people. By their very nature, garage sales cannot facilitate personal safety for community members given these parameters. |
| Physical Distancing on the Water |
| Physical distancing rules still apply, even on the water. If you need to go out on the water, please take precautions to ensure you are being safe and continuing to distance from others, this means no beaching your boat next to someone else and no rafting up while on the water. |
| Travel between communities |
Travelling outside of your community for any reason puts yourself and others at risk of contracting COVID-19. Although it may seem harmless to go out of the area to do your grocery shopping or visit a family member, you risk spreading the virus to another community or bringing it back to your own.
Car accidents, breakdowns and unplanned bathroom breaks could also risk furthering the spread of the virus.
Travel within Ontario is regulated by the Province. Municipalities, including the Town of Parry Sound do not regulate or control travel by residents seasonal and permanent or tourists visiting our area.
The Province and our Health Unit are encouraging people to stay home as much as possible and the Town of Parry Sound supports this position in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
|
Remember, even asymptomatic people can be carriers of COVID-19, unnecessary trips into the community, or needing to call on emergency services could cause you to unknowingly contract or spread the virus. Please do your part, stay safe by avoiding unnecessary risk and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. |
