COVID-19 Municipal Update: Stay Home Ontario
The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 to ensure we work to keep our community members safe. The following update provided on January 29th, 2021 is in addition to the updates provided in previous weeks below.
The Town of Penetanguishene has CLOSED all Municipal Offices effective January 14, 2021. Services remain available online or by phone. Residents are encouraged to use online options for service where applicable.
Snowmobile Safety - No Ice is Safe Ice: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased sales of snowmobile trail permits as well as snowmobiles in our area. Each year we work with our Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment and OFSC-Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, to promote snowmobile safety. This year, along with the usual safety tips, snowmobilers are reminded that COVID-19 regulations apply, regardless of if you are on the trails, ice, or in a public meeting area.
Lions Club Outdoor Rink: In early January, The Penetanguishene Lions Club began to prepare the outdoor rink surface located next to Knight Haven Bowling Lanes, 17 Poyntz St, Penetanguishene. Unfortunately, with the extension of the stay-at-home order and warmer weather the Lions Club have made the difficult decision to halt operations and not open the rink this year.
Provincial Government Updates:
Ontario Extends Off-Peak Electricity Rates to Provide Relief for Families, Small Businesses and Farms: The Ontario government is extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms to support those spending more time at home in response to the provincial Stay-at-Home Order.
Ontario Supports Economic Development within Francophone Community: The Ontario government announced today it is investing $250,000 to support the promotion of products and services offered by Ontario's Francophone business community.
SMDHU Outdoor Trail/Park Reminder: The provincial stay-at-home order allows for use of recreation trails and parks for exercise purposes. If you choose to utilize the trails and parks in our area, please ensure that you follow group gathering limits (5 people) and practice social distancing. All residents should conduct a self-assessment before going to a trail or park and refrain from going if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Contacting the Town of Penetanguishene: Residents are reminded that although the municipal offices are closed, staff will continue to work with residents to complete tasks over the phone, through dropbox services, and by email and regular mail. Staff can be contacted by phone or email during regular working hours, Town Hall Staff: 8:30 am 4:30 pm Public Works Administrative Staff 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please note all offices are closed from 12:00pm-1:00pm for staff lunches. Our website outlines each department and provides contact information for the appropriate staff member you may need.
Municipal Impacts by Department: A departmental chart that outlines the contact information and changes to each department is available here.
OPP Reporting Tool: We remind residents that OPP asks 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.
The Town of Penetanguishene's Emergency Management Team will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.
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.