In light of the social and business related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has made the difficult decision to close all properties and trails to all visitors, including membership pass holders as well as day-use visitors, until further notice.
“We have observed that with the warmer weather, increases in visitation have begun. While many visitors have respected social distancing measures, we have begun receiving reported concerns of large groups of people, illegal parking and people entering areas that are marked as closed. Further, in light of the COVID-19 situation, we have not yet ramped up our staffing services to address these visitation increases”, states Tim Lanthier, Chief Administrative Officer for the GSCA.
No pedestrian or vehicular traffic will be permitted within Grey Sauble Conservation properties during this period of time, and those who enter will be trespassing. Municipal partners, local police and the OPP are being made aware of these closures. Those who choose to ignore the closures may be subject to fines.
Some Grey Sauble Conservation properties also include dam infrastructure that is vital to the safety of watershed residents and forestry operations that are vital to our business. GSCA staff need to enter onto these properties, and it is essential that they are able to continue to do so without impediment or risk to their health and safety.
“We are urging everyone to respect these closures,” says Lanthier. “Anyone who chooses to ignore the closures are putting their own safety, and potentially the safety of others at risk.”
The GSCA will continue to monitor this situation, including provincial and local public health recommendations and will reassess as needed.
For updates on GSCA programs and services affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.greysauble.on.ca.
source: media release, GSCA
