UPDATE #20-24 COVID-19 - Recreation Facilities, Playgrounds and Museum Closures
For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Thursday, July 16, 2020
3:00 pm
Release #20-24
Subject: COVID 19 Update - Recreation Facilities, Playgrounds and Museum Closures
The Township of Algonquin Highlands remains under a declared State of Emergency.
The Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group continues to meet to continue its assessment of the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 pandemic situation and its potential effects on Algonquin Highlands.
Updates include information on Township Recreation Facilities, Playgrounds and Museum Closures.
NEW INFORMATION
1. Recreation Facilities
The Province of Ontario has announced that some regions can enter stage 3 of the Covid-19 Framework for Re-opening our Province beginning July 17, 2020. The complete provincial framework can be found here: https://files.ontario.ca/mof-framework-reopening-province-stage-3-en-2020-07-13.pdf
The Township of Algonquin Highlands is reviewing the framework relative to the restrictions and guidelines that are required to accompany the re-opening of recreational related facilities. Staff are working in conjunction with the local health unit with input from the Municipal Emergency Operations Control Group to finalize and approve a re-opening plan which will address the regulations.
Once finalized this plan will detail a multi-phased approach to re-opening recreational facilities that will prioritize staff and visitor safety while allowing some public access to those facilities to begin. All currently existing restrictions will remain in place until this plan has been approved and implemented.
This will affect the following areas/facilities:
- Dorset Recreation Centre
- Stanhope Firefighters Community Hall
- Oxtongue Lake Community Centre
- Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
2. Playgrounds
Playgrounds within the Township of Algonquin Highlands will open for public use beginning July 17, 2020. Playgrounds will not be regularly disinfected; the public are encouraged to practice appropriate hygiene.
Users must maintain social distancing and are encouraged to wear a mask when social distancing is a challenge.
3. Museums
The Stanhope and Dorset Museums are currently under construction and will remain closed for the season.
REMINDERS:
1. FAQs: Find out how Township operations have been impacted by COVID-19 on our Frequently Asked Questions page https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/covid-19.php.
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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