Jack Burger Sports Complex reopened
On Monday, July 6, 2020, the Jack Burger Sports Complex (JBSC) officially reopened to the public for use of the pools. Swim reservations are required for all patrons who wish to use the pool and there are a specific set of protocols and practices that are required of each visitor to the Complex. Please visit //porthope.ca/aquatics for details or call the JBSC at 905-885-2474.
In the coming weeks, staff will evaluate this approach and may introduce phase two of the facility reopening, which will include the reintroduction of select swimming lessons and programming. More information about this phase will be shared as it becomes available.
Day Camp
Day camp reservations opened on Monday, July 6, 2020, and the first week of camp will take place on July 13, 2020.
Camp registrations are available on a continual basis. Patrons may register children (ages 6 to 10) in day camp until the Thursday before the week of camp. Camp is available from Monday to Friday each week, and registrations are for week-long participation only (no daily registrations are permitted this year). Camp is available until September 4, 2020.
The day camp program has been modified this summer to meet the criteria set out by the government and health authorities during the pandemic. Details and registration information can be found at //porthope.ca/day-camps.
Mandatory mask requirements
On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit issued a requirement for mandatory mask use in commercial establishments, which will take effect on Monday, July 13, 2020.
The instructions have been issued through Ontario Regulation 263/20 under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The instructions mandate area commercial businesses to have a policy in place that requires people to wear a mask or face covering before entering their commercial establishment.
Note that a mask does not have to be a medical-grade mask. Non-medical masks and face coverings, including scarves, are accepted.
Under the Health Unit’s instructions, commercial establishments are premises that are openly accessible to members of the public and used for the purposes of offering goods or services for sale. An establishment would include a mall or other structure containing commercial premises, including: retail stores, convenience stores, restaurants, personal services settings, grocery stores and bakeries, gas stations, indoor farmers’ markets, areas of mechanics’ shops/garages/repair shops, which are open to the public.
Additional information about the requirement to wear a mask and information about how to properly wear a mask may be found on the HKPR Health Unit website.
Temporary beach closures
On Thursday, July 2, the Municipality announced the temporary closure of municipal beaches and beach access points. Going forward, beaches and beach access points will be closed Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. until Monday mornings at 10 a.m. These temporary closures will remain in effect until further notice.
The decision to temporarily close the beaches was made when it was observed that visitors to the municipal beaches increased exponentially on weekends, and physical distancing measures were not being maintained. Additionally, parking and traffic congestion in the lots near the beaches was also a determining factor in the decision to close the beaches on the weekends. Staff and Port Hope Police Services will continue monitor the beaches throughout the week and will strictly enforce the closures on the weekends.
Pay parking fees reinstated
At their last meeting, Council reinstated the pay parking requirements in pay parking zones, effective Wednesday, July 8, 2020, (note that Municipal Law Enforcement will apply a grace period for issuing parking tickets until Monday, July 13, 2020.)
Parking enforcement was paused when the pandemic began to affect the Municipality, in an effort to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and to ease regulations on those living in the downtown area after the Provincial Emergency Order forced the temporary closure of businesses.
As businesses are now reopening, parking fees will be collected at all metered parking locations, at the usual rate.
Questions about parking meter fees may be directed to the Municipal Law Enforcement office at bylawenforcement@porthope.ca.
Municipal staff returning to the workplace
Effective July 13, 2020, Municipal staff will begin to transition into phase two of the corporate Return to Work Plan, which includes a limited number of non-essential employees returning to work in each location/division.
Community members may observe more cars in municipal parking lots or staff working in municipal buildings. Note that not all staff are returning to offices and many employees are still working remotely from home.
A reminder that, at this time, municipal administration buildings remain closed to the public. Continuity of operations will remain the same, and customer service needs or questions for staff continue to take place via email and phone contact with all staff members.
Please refer to our dedicated COVID-19 webpage for additional details about business continuity and municipal contact information.
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
