SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

With warmer weather and the Victoria Day weekend on the horizon, the municipality is reminding the public that Wellington Beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park, North Beach Provincial Park and Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park are all closed until at least May 31, 2020.

These closures are due to the COVID-19 pandemic State of Emergency recently extended by the government of Ontario.

The provincial government has extended all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 19.

Apart from provincial beaches/parks, use of playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, benches, skateboard parks and picnic areas are all prohibited.

Walking along the waterfront at the Wellington Beach is permitted but congregating on the beach is not allowed. Congregating could result in a fine being issued.

The fine for failing to comply with the provincial order is $750. Failing to give the bylaw enforcement officer your name is punishable by a further $1,000 fine and is considered an obstruction.

Municipal by-law enforcement is working to ensure the public complies with the provincial-wide emergency order closing all outdoor recreational amenities. To discourage gatherings at Wellington Beach, the parking lot at the beach will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Barricades will be in place on Beach Street to prevent vehicles from coming into the parking area. Bulk water haulers will be allowed through to access the bulk water station.

As for Sandbanks, North Beach and Lake on the Mountain, their closures include: car camping, back country camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities, access points, and all public buildings.

County bylaw enforcement officers will also be monitoring all recreational facilities to ensure compliance with the order. They will be enforcing the order limiting public gatherings to fewer than five people.

While parks will be closed until at least June 1, the County of Prince Edward announced it was opening municipal boat launches on Friday.

County by-law enforcement will be monitoring the boat launches to ensure compliance with the provincial regulation prohibiting social gatherings of more than five people.

The public is advised to:

Stay in their vehicles when waiting to launch
Avoid congregating
Maintain physical distancing of 2 m/6 ft at all times Municipal staff will install the docks at the boat launches in the coming weeks.

The municipality continues to monitor conditions, given the COVID-19 outbreak and high water levels on Lake Ontario, and will make adjustments in the future if necessary.

Due to the boat launch at beach street in wellington being blocked, boaters looking to get on the water can use the other boat launch at 151 Wellington Main Street.

For up to date information on the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the County website:www.thecounty.ca/county-residents/covid-19.

For more information about provincial park closures, please visit: https://www.ontarioparks.com/covid19

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