Media Release

Update # 17 - West Lincoln Prepares to Respond to Phase One of Province’s Opening Up for Business Plan

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2020

As West Lincoln cautiously eyes the road forward to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, some restrictions are being lifted allowing residents greater use, and access to, some outdoor spaces in line with yesterday’s announcement from the Province of Ontario.

On May 14, the Province announced the opening of certain outdoor amenities such as golf courses and marinas which may open on Saturday, May 16, pending they can abide by strict social distancing rules imposed by the Province.

Regional and municipal governments continue ongoing work to map Niagara’s path forward as the Province prepares to enter its first phase of recovery on Tuesday, May 19 including lifting the closures of several non-essential business categories like retail operations (with entrances onto the street) and all construction projects.

In addition to easing certain restrictions some previously closed amenities are opening for use as of Tuesday May 19th as well. For West Lincoln these amenities include:

  • Tennis courts
  • Boat launches

Although the Province has lifted certain amenities to be open, we ask for the public to remain patient as staff prepare these facilities for operation over the coming days.

Specifically, residents will be able to use parks and outdoor sports fields for more than walk-through uses but everyone should be reminded that use of their facilities will include some limitations. Residents are reminded that they must continue to abide by restrictions limiting groups to no more than five people and maintaining a two-metre physical separation.

Passive activities in parks and outdoor sports fields will now be allowed, this includes:

  • Bringing a chair or blanket to relax in parks
  • Kicking a ball, playing catch, flying a kite and other such activities with members of your own households
  • Individual activities such as yoga or exercising, provided they are not in a group or class

Anyone taking advantage of these spaces should be sure to follow the best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 as outlined by Niagara Region Public Health. These include frequent washing / sanitization of hands, physical separation, avoiding touching of shared surfaces and staying home if displaying symptoms or having been in contact with cases of the virus.

Organized sports are still restricted on municipal fields, given their necessity for gathering of groups. At this time park and outdoor amenities such as playground equipment, benches, and washrooms remain closed to limit the spread of COVID-19 on shared surfaces.

Bylaw enforcement will continue to enforce gatherings larger than five people, dogs off-leash, and anyone using closed park amenities.

Mayor Dave Bylsma stated,

“We're pleased to be able to offer our township's interpretation of the province's phasing in of their recovery plan. With the nicer weather coming it'll be a welcome relief. I'm so glad that our diligence and cooperation are paying off”.

Media Contact

Dave Bylsma
Mayor
Township of West Lincoln
905.957.3346