This afternoon, the Province of Ontario announced additional restrictions to the State of Emergency/Stay-at-Home order put into place on April 7. The additional restrictions come into effect Saturday, April 17 at 12:01 a.m. and are accompanied by a two-week extension to the initial 28-day stay-at-home order. This moves the date from May 5 to May 19.
City Hall remains closed to the public and any employee with the ability to work from home is required to do so.
Culture/Recreation/Parks
Parks staff will be limited over the entire stay-at-home period and continue to have no interaction with the public.
Parks and trails remain open for passive use; however, all public washrooms and recreational amenities are closed. Park and trail users must maintain physical distancing and ensure that physical activity is contained to members of their household.
Sports fields such as soccer fields and baseball diamonds are NOW closed.
Boat Launches and recreational amenities such as playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts are NOW closed.
Building/Planning/Clerks/Finance Services
Building and Planning Services continue to be maintained throughout the closure. Applications will be accepted electronically or via the drop-box at the east entrance of City Hall.
Online services remain available for tax and utility payments.
Marriage Licenses, Civil Ceremonies, and Commissioning will not be available during the closure.
Owen Sound City Council and Committee meetings will be held virtually during the period.
§ Council and committee meetings can now be viewed live on the City’s website.
§ In addition to viewing Council meetings on the City’s website, meetings can also be viewed Rogers Cable TV, Rogers TV Website
Long-term parking passes for Municipal lots and individual Bag Tags for curbside waste collection remain available at the Transit Terminal.
Public Works
The Public Works facility at 1900 20th Street East is closed to the public.
Water, Wastewater, and Waste Management, and will continue as normal.
Transit Services are unaffected by the announcement. The 10-passenger limit remains. Riders must always wear a face covering (mask) while riding.
Emergency Services
· Owen Sound Police Services and Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services provided to residents are not impacted.
· The police station will remain open for emergencies and where persons are required to report to the station pursuant to a court order. For all other reasons, please call ahead before visiting. Residents of Owen Sound requiring criminal record checks are encouraged to use the portal on the police services website.
· To increase public compliance, amendments have been made that will provide police and by-law officers enhanced authority to support the enforcement of Ontario's Stay-at-Home order.
The City of Owen Sound will continue to monitor and assess the situation closely and work diligently with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit to respond appropriately.
source: media release, City of Owen Sound
