Beaches and Swimming

COVID-19 Update

(July 16, 2021) - In accordance with the Province of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen announced on May 20,  certain activities and amenities are permitted to reopen to the public.  As of July 16, 2021, the Province of Ontario has entered Stage 3 of the reopening plan.  For complete restrictions see the Provincial webpage.

The following restrictions are in effect during Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020: 

What's open in the parks:

• Baseball diamonds
• Soccer fields
• Tennis courts and table tennis
• Basketball courts
• Skate park
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Picnic sites and picnic tables
• Parks are open for the purposes of walking through or using open amenities.
• Playgrounds, play structures and equipment. Users must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others (other than a person who is a member of the same household, a member of one other household who lives alone, or a caregiver for any member of either household).
• Off-leash dog park
• Benches
• Washrooms are open with limited capacity

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. This means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people. If you arrive at a park that is crowded, you should wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time.

Users of the Town of Parry Sound’s parks system are reminded that these areas are available for use at your own risk and are not regularly sanitized. An inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases including COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

Can we play sports in parks?

Outdoor sports are permitted during Stage 3 under the direction of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.

Can I host a fitness class in parks?

Outdoor fitness classes are permitted with restrictions in outdoor spaces. If you are planning on hosting an outdoor fitness class in a public park, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

Can we host gatherings or events in parks?

Organized gatherings of up to 100 persons outdoors are permitted at this time under the direction of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.

If you are interested in hosting an organized event in a park, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

How are these rules enforced?

Please note that these rules are enforced under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.  Under O. Reg. 8/21: Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures, any provincial offences officer (including police and by-law enforcement) have the authority to issue warnings, fines, and/or prosecution upon persons found in violation of these rules.

For questions regarding the parks and their use, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

Reopening Safety Plan 2021

The safety of our staff and patrons are the Town of Parry Sound's first priority in offering a waterfront facility to the public.  In accordance with provincial restrictions and recommendations from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, the Town of Parry Sound has implemented a plan to safely reopen Waubuno Beach in 2021.  To view a copy of the safety plan, click the link below:

Waubuno Beach Reopening Safety Plan 2021

Water Quality Testing

About Water Quality Testing

Water quality is monitored and tested weekly during the bathing season (July 1 - August 31) at Waubuno Beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.  Water quality measurements will be posted here as they become available.

E. Coli measurements are recorded in CFU/100mL (Colony Forming Units per 100mL of water), and reported as a Geometric Mean Concentration.  Water samples are taken at multiple points in the water stretching across the swimming area at Waubuno Beach, so the measurement is reported as an average of all samples taken.

The Government of Canada Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality state that the acceptable geometric mean concentration for fresh recreational waters is less than or equal to 200 CFU/100mL.

Location

If you prefer to bicycle or walk, you can also access Waubuno Beach from the Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail.