UPDATE #20-21 COVID-19 Beaches, Campsite Capacity, Community Centres and Business Patio Extensions/Creation
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Thursday, June 11, 2020
6:00 pm
Release #20-21
Subject: COVID 19 Update - Beaches, Campsite Capacity, Community Centres and Business Patio Extensions/Creation
The Township of Algonquin Highlands remains under a declared State of Emergency.
The Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group met earlier today to continue its assessment of the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation and its potential effects on Algonquin Highlands.
Updates from today’s meeting include information on public beaches, campsite capacity, recreation centre updates and business patio regulations.
NEW INFORMATION
- Public Beaches – Public Beaches in the Township of Algonquin Highlands will be open to the public on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to and provincial group size restrictions are limited to a maximum of 10 people, unless they are from the same household.
Please Note: Playground facilities located at beaches will remain closed.
- Haliburton Highlands Water Trails Backcounty Campsite Capacity - In accordance with recently increased provincial group size regulations, site capacity has been increased to a maximum of 10 people per site, where site capacity allows for up to 10 people, unless they are from the same household. Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to.
Backcountry campsites associated with the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails will open on June 16, 2020. Reservations will be accepted online or through the call centre only.
The trails office located at the St. Nora Lake access point at 20130 Highway 35 will remain closed to the public, no in-person transactions or interactions with staff are possible, and no equipment rentals will be available until further notice.
To make a campsite reservation:
By internet: https://hhwt.goingtocamp.com/
By phone: 1-866-364-4498
- Community Centres – Phase 2 of the provincial re-opening plans released on June 8 includes provisions for certain activities to resume in community centres.
Indoor recreation activities, gymnasiums and fitness rooms continue to be restricted. The Township is reviewing its operations relative to the required restrictions with input from public health authorities.
At this time the Dorset Recreation Centre will begin offering computer access by appointment only beginning Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Appointments must be made in advance by phoning 705-766-9968, users will be required to follow all public health recommended guidelines and will be required to wear a mask.
Commercial kitchen rental use for essential service food providers at the Dorset Recreation Centre will also be available, rental requests will be reviewed individually on a case by case basis and subject to approval by local public health authorities.
All other indoor functions of the Dorset Recreation Centre will remain closed at this time as we assess further possible offerings.
The Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall and the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre will also remain closed until further notice.
- Business Patio Expansion/Creation: If you are an Algonquin Highlands business interested in creating, or expanding, an outdoor patio area for the purposes of serving food and/or alcohol the following is a list of criteria which shall be required in order to request approval:
- Submission of a detailed site plan
- Compliance with the Township’s Zoning By-law
- Compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code.
- Approvals from any other jurisdictions, as required, i.e. Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Transportation.
- A site visit by the Township’s Building and Fire Department.
If the above criteria is met, the Chief Building Official will issue you an approval letter to proceed with your patio.
Please contact the Township of Algonquin Highlands Building Department at [email protected] or 705-489-2379.
REMINDERS:
1. FAQs: Find out how Township operations have been impacted by COVID-19 on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
2. Other Questions: If you cannot find the answer to your question on the Frequently Asked Questions page you may email your question to [email protected] or call 705-489-2379 ext. 369 and leave a message with your questions. Your email or phone call will be returned during normal business hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. If your phone call or email is an emergency, please call 911.
We thank the public for their understanding as we work toward keeping our community safe and healthy in this uncertain time.
Contact Information:
Jonathan Wilker
Fire Chief/CEMC
Township of Algonquin Highlands
(705) 489-2379 ext. 369
Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J2
[email protected]
Dawn Newhook
Clerk/Emergency Information Officer
Township of Algonquin Highlands
(705 489-2379 ext, 369
[email protected]
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