Ontario Announces Stage 3 Re-opening for Collingwood & Area

July 17, 2020
Category: 
Business Buzz, Bylaw Enforcement, Corporate Service
Downtown

The Ontario government has announced that starting on Friday, July 17 nearly all businesses and public spaces will re-open in Stage 3 of the Province's re-opening framework with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place.

Public Gatherings
As part of Stage 3 reopening, Ontario has increased gathering limits:

  • Indoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people;
  • Outdoor gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 100 people;

Gathering limits are subject to a two metre physical distancing requirement. Social circles remain at a maximum of 10 people province-wide, regardless of stage.

Learn more about Social Gatherings and Social Circles

Enforcement
Collingwood By-Law Enforcement Officers and the OPP will be actively enforcing traffic, parking (where applicable), and physical distancing around Town, including at Sunset Point Park and Millennium Park.

The Town will be strictly enforcing the Provincial Emergency Orders under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act (EMPA). Fines of up to $750.00 per individual will be issued for any social circle gathering that exceeds 10 people.  

It is important that we all do our part to maintain the COVID-19-related Personal Responsibility Code that is in-line with Provincial and Health Unit guidelines.

Businesses
The Province has designated specific high-risk places and activities as not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19. Businesses and activities to remain closed include:

  • Amusement parks and water parks;
  • Buffet-style food services;
  • Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements;
  • Overnight stays at camps for children;
  • Private karaoke rooms;
  • Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports;
  • Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars;
  • Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.

As the province safely and gradually enters Stage 3, child care centres and home child care providers across Ontario will be able to continue to operate with strict safety and operational requirements in place. Beginning on July 27, 2020, child care centres will be permitted to operate with cohorts of 15 children, which is an increase from the current cohort cap of 10. This change will allow parents to return to work, and bring the child care sector to approximately 90 per cent of its operating capacity before the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information on Stage 3 restrictions and Ontario public health guidance: www.ontario.ca/reopen.

As they prepare to reopen, employers are strongly advised to review and implement appropriate measures to help protect their communities. The Province has released guidance resources to help employers in multiple sectors ― including fitness, restaurant and food services, and the performing arts ― keep spaces safe for workers and customers: www.ontario.ca/COVIDsafety

Discover Collingwood’s Business Recovery Resources: www.collingwood.ca/recovery

Face Coverings Required in Collingwood
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit requires the wearing of face coverings in all public indoor spaces (like grocery stores, community centres, shopping malls, hair salons, and places of worship, etc) and on public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka.

A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.

Learn more about Face Coverings

Town Facilities
While the Town of Collingwood is excited to see the continuation of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted by the Province, the municipality is working to re-open facilities in a measured and responsible way. The process to re-open, that the Town is currently engaged in, prioritizes public safety and the safety of our staff members. The process also acknowledges that each facility operation is unique, both to Collingwood, and the role it plays within our community. As each facility is brought back online for public service, the community will be made aware through media and online announcements. Please note that it should be expected that the full suite of Town services will still be limited in Phase 3 as we continue to adapt to the physical, operational, and resource capacity challenges imposed by the pandemic.

While Town Hall, in-person Customer Service Desks, and certain Recreation Facilities work towards re-opening, Town Staff & Council Members continue to happily assist you with customer services online and over the phone.

Learn more about Services & Facilities Impacts
Learn more about Updates on Collingwood’s Indoor & Outdoor Recreation Facilities