COVID-19 Update 9

For Immediate Release

Friday, April 10, 2020 – Port Hope, ON

Municipal Council and staff remind residents to stay home this holiday weekend and practice safe physical distancing during essential visits to public spaces.

“It is understandably disappointing to have to stay home this weekend, as it is an important holiday for many of our community members,” notes Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “But we must not relax our efforts. I urge all community members to stay home and connect with family and friends electronically. I wish everyone a happy and healthy weekend and want to thank all our residents for their diligence during this difficult time.”

Residents are reminded that essential reasons to leave the house include accessing health care services and medication, grocery shopping, walking pets when required and supporting vulnerable community members. The Provincial government strongly recommends that people over 70 years old and those who have compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical conditions self-isolate and get help with essential errands.

New Closures

In the interest of public safety, and in keeping with the Provincial Order to close recreational amenities, the Municipality is advising that only passive usage of parks, trails and walkways is permitted. This means that fishing on the boardwalk, docks, and pier south of the CN railway tracks is not permitted and signage is being placed there to discourage group gatherings, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the Municipal Boat Launch is now closed to the public. The Launch will only be used by Emergency Service personnel, if required.

Additionally, per Council resolution on April 7, 2020, camping will not be permitted at the Cavan Street Park and Optimist Park as it normally is during the opening season of trout fishing at the end of April.

Closures reminders

The following locations remain closed within the Municipality, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 104/20. Residents who disregard these closures may be fined, under Parks By-law 54/2017 and/or the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

• all Municipal facilities
• West Beach, East Beach and Caldwell Street Beach access
• the Fish Ladder and Fish Cleaning Station
• recreation and sports fields, including all soccer pitches, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds
• playground equipment and structures (including school playgrounds), the skate park, dog park and tennis courts
• park shelters, including Rotary Park Gazebo, the Bandshell in Memorial Park, and the comfort station at Baulch Road Park
• picnic areas, including those at Wladyka Park, Memorial Park, and Optimist Park
• park recreation equipment and amenities, including the activities at the Riverside Interactive Park and all park benches
• public garden spaces, including the rock garden at Peace Park

Event cancellation reminder

Residents are reminded that the Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny River Race is cancelled this weekend. We look forward to next year’s event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Race.

Weekend transit closures

Transit will not operate during the observed Easter holidays: Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13, 2020. All buses will operate as usual on Saturday, April 11, 2020.

“I’d also like to thank our staff, who have done an outstanding job of adapting and responding quickly to the needs of the community over the last few weeks,” continues Mayor Sanderson. “Their dedication to this community is unparalleled as they continue to provide essential services to our Municipality.”

For additional information, please check these credible resources:

• Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
• The Ontario Ministry of Health
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• 211

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact us.