Covid-19: Closures, cancellations and municipal info
An abundance of caution has led to a series of postponements or closures
As a means of slowing the spread of COVID-19, many governments, organizations, groups, businesses, and individuals have postponed or cancelled many services, events, and facilities.
Municipal
Adjala Tosorontio
- State of Emergency declared
- All town facilities have been CLOSED to the public
- All municipal parks remain closed to the public
- Non-essential services have been reduced so the town can focus on the delivery of essential and critical services to support the community
Barrie
- State of Emergency declared
- Landfill and Environmental Centre (272 Ferndale Dr. N) Open 9am to 3pm, Tue-Sat for essential and emergency loads only
- Tiffin Boat Launch reopening May 16
- Off-leash dog parks reopening May 19
- Barrie Marina reopening May 22
- Tennis courts reopening week of May 25
- City Hall CLOSED
- Barrie Transit – FREE until May 31; hourly service in effect
- All City-run recreation facilities, community centres, arenas, and theatres CLOSED
- Libraries CLOSED
- Playgrounds CLOSED
- Skateboard parks CLOSED
- Basketball courts CLOSED
- Picnic areas/pavilions CLOSED
- Waterfront fitness equipment CLOSED
- Provincial Offences Act Offices (45 Cedar Pointe Drive) CLOSED
- Operations Centre (165 Ferndale Dr. N.) CLOSED
- Late fees waived on property tax and water bills; residents and businesses can apply to have their next billing waived
- Reduced enforcement of parking and noise by-laws until further notice
Bracebridge
- Municipal Office CLOSED to the public
- Arena and Sportsplex are CLOSED; all programs and services offered to the public are CANCELLED until further notice
- Library is CLOSED
Bradford West Gwillimbury
- State of Emergency declared
- Municipal office CLOSED
- Playgrounds CLOSED
- Leisure Centre, Library and Cultural Centre, Bob Fallis Sports Centre, Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre CLOSED until April 6
- Grace period for water/wastewater utility bill payments
- BWG Transit free; on-demand service only until further notice
- Overnight on-street parking ban will not be enforced
Clearview
- Administrative Centre CLOSED
- late fees and penalties will not be applied to late property tax payments; those on a pre-authorized payment plan or who have sent in a post-dated cheque and would like it held should contact the Administration Centre at (705) 428-6230
- penalty on overdue Water and Sewer accounts waived beginning with March 2020 billing cycle and lasting until the COVID – 19 Response is over
- Clearview Public Transit Route 1, the Stayner Route, will operate on Sunday hours of 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 7 days a week and Route 2, the Creemore Route, will be discontinued until further notice
- To maintain social distancing Clearview Transit will offer free ridership on Route 1 effective immediately until further notice.
- Libraries, arenas, youth centres, Small Halls CLOSED
- Parks, including baseball, soccer and skate parks CLOSED
- Council meetings, public meetings CANCELLED
Collingwood
- Town Hall CLOSED
- waiving municipal tax penalty and interest charges for March, April, and May
- waiving water and wastewater penalty and interest charges for 90 days; charges will continue to be calculated each month and customers will still receive a bill, however, there will be no penalty for non-payment for 90 days
- Dog parks are CLOSED until further notice
- Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, Central Park Arena, Collingwood Museum, Centennial Aquatic Centre, & the Simcoe Street Theatre CLOSED
- Library CLOSED until further notice
- Collingwood Playgrounds and the Skatepark CLOSED
- Rec programming POSTPONED
- Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market will NOT open on Saturday May 16, as originally planned
Essa
- State of Emergency declared
- Administration Centre CLOSED; staff are onsite to take calls and return e-mails
- Waived penalties and interest charges for unpaid 2020 Taxes and water/sewer charges from April 1 to June 30
- Tax and water payments to be made online or use dropbox at the lower level entrance to the Administrative Centre
- Angus Recreation Centre CLOSED
- Thornton Arena CLOSED
- All parks and outdoor fitness equipment CLOSED
- All walking trails CLOSED
- All dog parks CLOSED
- Essa Public Libraries (Angus and Thornton Branches) CLOSED
- Full Burn Ban in effect
- No Burn Permits are available for purchase at this time
- Residents who already purchased Burn Permits for 2020 are not permitted to burn until the Burn Ban has been lifted
- No open-air fires are permitted at this time
Gravenhurst
- all town facilities are CLOSED
- Penalties waived for non-payment of 2020 interim taxes that are due by March 31, 2020, until May 31
- Fees related to payment penalties under 2020 User Fees and Charges By-law waived for the balance of the year
- As of April 1, daytime burning is prohibited until October 31. In Ward 1, all open-air burning is prohibited at all times. Areas outside of Ward 1 are permitted contained and supervised fires two hours before sunset through to two hours after sunrise, however, are not permitted to burn during the day
- Gravenhurst YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka at the Centennial Centre CLOSED
- Library CLOSED
- Gravenhurst Centennial Centre-Graeme Arena, Gravenhurst Opera House, Gravenhurst Seniors Centre CLOSED
- March Council and Committee meetings CANCELLED
Huntsville
- Town Hall CLOSED until further notice
- Active Living Centre and Canada Summit Centre CLOSED
- Library CLOSED
- Public Works Yard CLOSED
Innisfil
- State of Emergency declared
- Town Hall CLOSED
- All town-offered recreation programs CANCELLED – for information about refunds contact Active Innisfil at 705-436-3710 or activeinnisfil@innisfil.ca
- Innisfil Recreational Complex and YMCA CLOSED
- Innisfil IdeaLAB & Library all events and programming CANCELLED residents can access e-books, e-audio and downloads at www.innisfilidealab.ca
Midland
- Municipal Office closed to the public – use dropbox at Third Street entrance for payments for tax bills, water/wastewater bills and parking tickets, or via electronic fund transfer through their bank
- The April 20, 2020 interim tax instalment will be deferred to June 29, 2020
- Interest be waived on all utility accounts until June 30, 2020 after which interest will be applied
- Mid-Pen Transit FREE until further notice; Saturday schedule Monday to Friday
- Town dock, marina and boat launch at Pete Pettersen Park will remain closed until further notice.
- Public, Board and Committee meetings cancelled until further notice
- North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre closed until further notice
- Library and Askennonia Seniors Centre closed until further notice
- COVID-19 assessment centre established adjacent to Chigamik Community Health Centre at 845 Unit 3 King St, Midland in the Cedar Room
- Spring Treasure Days CANCELLED
New Tecumseth
- Administration Centre CLOSED
- Libraries, Museum, Banting Homestead CLOSED
- Recreation Centres CLOSED
- Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre CLOSED
- Playground equipment CLOSED
- Overnight parking restrictions LIFTED
- Beeton Off-Leash Dog Park to open as of Tuesday, May 19th.
- Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham tennis courts to open as of Tuesday, May 19th
Orillia
- State of Emergency declared
- Couchiching Beach boat launch and the Collins Drive boat launch reopening as of May 16
- Parks and trails open to the public for walk-through purposes
- Emergency Measures By-law in effect; individuals not adhering to the emergency measures contained in the by-law can be fined up to $100,000 for each offence
- City Centre CLOSED
- Waived tax penalty through to June 30 for both residential and businesses.
- Waived water and sewer penalty through to June 30 for both residential and businesses.
- Waived parking fees through to April 30
- Public Transit FREE; please enter by rear doors unless you need assistance
- All Rec Centres and Arenas CLOSED
- All city recreation programming SUSPENDED until further notice
- Orillia Public Library CLOSED
- Orillia Opera House, Orillia Waterfront Centre, Regan House, Stephen Leacock Museum and Swanmore Hall CLOSED
- The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce’s 40th Perch Festival has been postponed until 2021
Oro-Medonte
- State of Emergency declared
- payment of 2020 municipal taxes delayed until May 29, without added interest
- first-quarter communal water and wastewater bill payments are extended until June 30, without added interest
- Open-air fire ban in place
- Administration Centre CLOSED
- Council and Committee meetings CANCELLED
- Recreation facilities CLOSED
- Community Halls CLOSED
Penetanguishene
- Municipal Office CLOSED
- has waived current property tax penalties and interest on May 1, June 1 & July 1 for the current 2nd interim installment only that is due April 30 – NOTE: upon request by account holders, the Town will hold or cancel post-dated cheques or withdraw residents from the Pre-authorized Payment Program
- has waived water and wastewater penalties on current bills only that fall due between March 26 and July 31 – NOTE: upon request by account holders, the Town will hold or cancel post-dated cheques or withdraw residents from the Pre-authorized Payment Program
- Mid-Pen Transit FREE until further notice
- Memorial Community Centre and Arena, Library, Centennial Museum CLOSED
- Spring Treasure Days CANCELLED
Ramara
- Administration Centre CLOSED
- Ramara Centre, Ramara Library-Brechin Location, Udney Community Centre, Longford Community Centre CLOSED
Severn
- Administration Office CLOSED
- Campfires allowed as of May 15, no other outdoor burning allowed; portable gas stoves may still be used but must be handled with extreme care
- Public boat launches and docks reopen as of May 16
- waiving late fees and interest for all property taxes, water, and wastewater until June 30
- Recreation and culture facilities CLOSED
- Recreation and library programs CANCELLED
Springwater
- Administration Centre CLOSED
- Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment are off-limits
- Elmvale Arena, Springwater Library, and all community halls CLOSED
Tay
- Municipal office CLOSED
- Library CLOSED
- Recreation facilities CLOSED
- Spring Treasure Days CANCELLED
Tiny
- Municipal office CLOSED
- Library CLOSED
- Recreation facilities CLOSED
- Playgrounds CLOSED
- Spring recreational programs CANCELLED; refunds will be issued
- CBO Dog Park CLOSED
Service | Allowed | Not Allowed |
Tree Services | Removal of hazard trees, limbs and decayed trees | Pruning Spraying of Gypsy Moth |
Lawn Care | Leaf removal Trimming and mowing lawns Spraying Provincially-designated noxious weeds (i.e. poison ivy, giant hogweed, etc.) | Fertilizing Spraying weeds Aeration Overseeding Planting and gardening |
Pool Maintenance | Applying larvicide | Opening Cleaning Maintenance |
Wasaga Beach
- Municipal office CLOSED
- public transit is free until May 31
- penalties and interest will not be applied on the March 15 and May 15 property tax billings for the period April 1 to September 30
- penalties and interest will not be applied on water and wastewater utility bills, for the period of April 1 to September 30
- RecPlex, library, arena, youth centre/senior active living centre CLOSED
- Wasaga’s Finest Citizens Awards be postponed to October 24, 2020
- Corvette Club’s Spring Fling be postponed to August 15, 2020
- Bike Fest event be postponed to September 4 & 5, 2020
- Bard’s Bus Tour – Henry V postponed to the 2021 event season at a date to be determined
- A La Playa be postponed to July 3, 2021
Education
- Public and Catholic schools in Ontario closed until at least May 4
- Provincial Preschool/Child Care programs are cancelled until further notice
- Georgian College has cancelled all events until further notice; all classes cancelled and moved online
- Lakehead University has moved its classes online; Spring Convocation ceremonies originally planned to take place in May/June 2020 have been postponed
- University of Toronto has cancelled its classes
- York University has cancelled its classes
Social Services/Police Services
- 54+ Centre: closed until further notice
- Barrie Literacy Council: closed
- Barrie Police: Downtown office at 24 Maple Ave. closed to the public until further notice, remains operational for officers
- Creating Connection’s Community Centre Place at 12 Chase McEachern Way in Barrie is suspending all activities, events, programs until further notice
- David Busby Street Centre operations temporarily moved into a local motel, as well as providing tents, tarps and sleeping gear for those who are living rough; food taken to their locations through outreach
- Family Connexions in Barrie, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Huntsville, Midland and Orillia will be open by appointment only to provide essential services to the community
- Gilbert Centre: all group meetings cancelled
- Nottawasaga OPP has suspended criminal record checks and vulnerable sector checks for volunteer positions until further notice
- OPP asking that the public not attend any police facilities unless you have a scheduled appointment, or have called ahead to enquire about services
- Ontario Superior Court of Justice: The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has suspended all operations; only urgent public health and safety matters and urgent civil, family and criminal matters will be heard
- Seniors Homes non-essential visits suspended at most facilities, all events cancelled; visitors screened at the door
- YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has closed all YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres in Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound effective immediately, until Monday, April 6
Business and Tourism
LOCAL
- Barrie Colts season/playoffs cancelled; season ticket members who purchased 2020 playoff packages have the option of applying the amount of the package to their season tickets for next season or can request a full refund once the Barrie Colts office re-opens; fans who purchased tickets for the playoffs will have the option of a full refund or applying the amount to season tickets for next season should they wish to become season ticket members
- Barrie Pride has rescheduled all events and in-person activities
- Barrie Chamber of Commerce click here for the Chamber’s COVID-19 resource page
- Blue Mountain Resort has suspended operations until further notice; all lift operations, base lodges, attractions and rental services are closed
- Casino Rama and Gateway Casino-Innisfil are closed until further notice
- Cineplex theatres closed until further notice
- Collingwood Pride weekend scheduled for July 17, 18 & 19 is postponed to July 2021
- Deerhurst Resort is closed until April 25
- Gilda’s Club has closed its doors, all scheduled activities have been cancelled
- Horseshoe Resort is closed until further notice.
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority all conservation areas have been closed
- MacLaren Art Centre closed until further notice
- Martyrs’ Shrine
- Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has closed the John Hix Administrative Office and Jose Environmental Learning Centre
- Orillia Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction April 18 has been postponed
- Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour are closed until further notice
- Sandbox Centre closed until further notice
- Simcoe County Museum closed until further notice
- The 400 Market is closed until further notice
- Tiffin Centre for Conservation has cancelled the following programs: Maple Syrup Family Days, Lights off Adventure On (Earth Hour event), Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
Provincial
- Art Gallery of Ontario closed until further notice
- CN Tower closed until further notice
- Ontario Lottery and Gaming Casinos closed until further notice
- Royal Ontario Museum closed until further notice
- Toronto Zoo is closed but Zoo staff will still be on-site to ensure the health of its 5,000 animals.
National
- Canada Post Many post office locations opening one hour later and closing one hour earlier; asking waiting customers to please space themselves 2 metres (6 feet) apart; encouraging customers to pay by using the “tap” function on their debit or credit cards where possible; to eliminate customer interactions at the door, a Knock, Drop and Go approach is in play
- Travel No domestic air or rail travel in Canada for anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 effective at noon March 30