On Thursday, May 14, 2020, the Provincial Government announced the launch of stage one of its reopening framework, including the gradual reduction of lockdown restrictions and reopening of select municipal amenities.
Municipal amenities reopening
Per the Government’s announcement, the municipal boat launch will reopen on Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the following additional amenities will begin to reopen, once prepared for use by municipal staff:
The Baulch Road dog park
Recreation fields, including soccer pitches and baseball diamonds (for non-team sports)
Picnic areas
Municipal staff is seeking clarification from the Province on the reopening of the municipal tennis courts and the municipal skate park. An update on the reopening of amenities will be provided in the coming days.
The resumption of these services allows for additional summer student employment. A limited number of municipal summer students will resume work, on off-peak hours to ensure that physical distancing measures are observed accordingly.
Non-essential construction projects
The Provincial announcement also included the removal of the essential conditions on construction projects, beginning on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Work on the following capital construction projects will resume in the Municipality:
Kinsmen Gazebo
Splash Pad
Cenotaph Revitalization Project
Building permits and inspections
As all construction projects may now resume, the Municipality’s Building Division is prepared to recommence issuing building permits and conduct building inspections. Individuals interested in obtaining a building permit can contact 905-885-2431 ext. 2500 or email Joanne Robichaud at jrobichaud@porthope.ca.
Per the Provincial directives, all individuals returning to workplaces and job sites must abide by the sector specific health and safety guidance documents for reopening of business.
Port Hope Public Library
While the Port Hope Public Library appreciates that library services are valued by the community, the public library is delaying an immediate launch of curbside service until processes and measures have been developed fully, to ensure the health and safety of staff and the community during these uncertain times.
The community is reminded that digital resources, programming opportunities and ongoing information updates can be found at porthopepubliclibrary.ca. Staff are responding to voicemails and emails from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call the Mary J. Benson Branch at 905-885-4712 or email library@porthope.ca
Retail outlets with street entrances
Retail stores with street entrances may open on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, if they are prepared to do so. This includes retail services that are not in shopping malls and have separate street-front entrances with measures in place that can enable physical distancing, such as limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time and booking appointments beforehand or on the spot.
The Municipality does not regulate private retail outlets. Business owners and operators with questions about reopening their retail stores can use the Provincial Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
Business owners and operators are reminded to review the public notice regarding water system flushing and safely reopening their businesses. Questions or concerns about water and wastewater can be forwarded to publicworks@porthope.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
