May 21, 2021

For Immediate Release

The Province Allows Opening of Recreational Amenities in Elgin

Elgin County, Ontario – On May 20, 2021 the Province of Ontario revealed its Roadmap to Reopen – a three step plan for cautiously and gradually reopening Ontario and easing public health measures. This plan includes an opening of select outdoor recreational amenities. In accordance with provincial regulations, recreational amenities in Elgin County will reopen to the public on Saturday May 22, 2021.   

Provincial regulations now allow for Elgin County marinas, golf courses, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and skate parks to reopen to the public. Parking lots and washrooms at all Elgin County municipally-owned beaches will reopen at this time as well.  Public health measures of social distancing with anyone outside of your immediate household, wearing face coverings, and limiting all outdoor gatherings to five (5) people or less remain in effect.

The reopening of these amenities provides local residents with the opportunity to exercise and enjoy the nice weather over the long weekend; however, it is important to remember that a Stay at Home order remains in effect until June 2, 2021. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the recreational amenities available to them in their own communities. Travelling between regions is still prohibited this weekend, and travelling to visit cottages or seasonal residences for non-essential purposes is not yet permitted.

“We are all excited to see a plan for safely reopening our province and an easing of some provincial restrictions,” said Warden Tom Marks. “I urge everyone to be responsible this weekend. It will be great to have the opportunity to engage in certain outdoor recreational activities again, after a significant period of closure; however, we still need to do so in a way that is safe and doesn’t contribute to increased cases of COVID-19. Provincial cases are still much higher than we would like and we don’t want to see long weekend fun set our progress back. Enjoy yourselves, but be responsible.”  

For more information about public health protocols, provincial restrictions, vaccinations, and local COVID-19 numbers visit https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/index.aspx

For more information, please contact:

Warden Tom Marks

tmarks@elgin.ca