Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Impacts on Municipal Services

15 May 2020

The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 in order to ensure we work to keep our community members safe.  To make sure our community can stay involved and up to date we will continue to provide weekly updates through our website email subscription service.

Current updates are as follows:

Closures Remain for Wharf and Launch Ramp:

  • The Town’s Emergency Control Group and Senior Management Team reviewed the operational impacts of both the Wharf and Launch Ramp and determined that the Town of Penetanguishene will not be ready to safety operate in time for the Victoria Day Long Weekend. Read the full news release here.

Ecology Garden:

  • The Ecology Garden located 144 Fox Street is open as of Friday May 15th.  If you wish to rent one of the 8 plots that are currently available, please contact Town Hall (705) 549-7453. A seasonal rental is $25+HST. If you have already rented a plot for the year 2020, please refer to the attached COVID-19 Protocol and Symptom Check List before visiting.

Transit Impacts

  • Until further notice, Mid-Pen Transit Service will remain free for riders, and continue to operate Monday to Friday, using the “Saturday” schedule. In addition, the temporary suspension of transit service on Saturdays, originally to last until May 16, will now continue until further notice. Riders are asked to board and deboard using the rear doors when it is an option, to maintain physical distance from transit operators. Riders with disabilities may still use the front door if needed. For more details on the schedule, please visit: www.midland.ca/Pages/transit.aspx

Garage Sales:

  • Please refrain from organizing garage sales to ensure you are keeping with social and physical distancing practices.

Fire Information:

  • The provincial fire ban is for Ontario MNRF fire zones and does not apply to Penetanguishene residents at this time. Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4:00 pm to midnight. Please refer to the “Open Air Burning Permit Terms and Conditions” attachment for guidelines and more information.

Building Permits:

  • The Province is permitting construction projects to recommence as Tuesday, May 19th.  Staff will be contacting anyone who applied for permits since the Emergency Orders were in place when your permit is ready. If you have any questions with respect to submitting a new building permit application, please contact Town Hall (705) 549-7453. Applications can also be dropped off at Townhall and will be received for processing. 

Red Cross Meals on Wheels:

  • Even though the Red Cross Transportation is on hold, they are still able to provide Hot and Frozen Meals on Wheels to the Seniors in our community.  Red Cross is also doing Telephone Assurance calls to anyone who is feeling isolated or alone. To place an order or find out more information, please call the office at 705-721-3313 ext 5267. An attachments with more information from Red Cross is attached.

OPP Reporting Tool:

  • OPP ask that you report allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act by phoning 1-888-310-1122 or utilizing the online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting. If you have questions about what businesses can be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Municipal Parks and Trails:

  • Our municipal parks and trails remain open, however all park amenities such as play structures, courts and the dog park are closed.  The Town does recognize that the Provincial government has lifted restrictions for tennis courts, however at this time the Town does not have the ability to open these areas. When out in the parks remember to always practice physical distancing by leaving at least 2 meters (6 feet) of space between you and anyone you may pass. 

For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.

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