At this time, outdoor recreational amenities including Leamington parks, sports fields and pavilions remain closed to the public, in response to the Government of Ontario's emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.  This includes playgrounds, beaches, basketball and tennis courts, the skateboard park, picnic areas and gazebos, park shelters, benches, outdoor exercise equipment, the pedestrian pier and the off-leash dog park. Outdoor recreational amenities that are not otherwise closed remain open for walk-through access only.

As the Ontario Government continues to lift restrictions, the Municipality will require time to properly prepare amenities for safe use relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions are lifted and amenities reopen, the Municipality will continue to share information publicly at leamington.ca/COVID-19 and through our social media channels.

Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced that additional seasonal businesses, services and activities will be permitted to open. This includes marinas and boat launches.

The Municipality of Leamington welcomed the provincial announcement and will open the Leamington Marina and boat ramp to the public on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 9:00 AM.

The Municipality began preparing the facility with minimal staff following the May 1, 2020 Ontario Government announcement where marinas were granted the ability to begin preparations for the recreational boating season. The Municipality continues to bring on remaining staff to run marina operations and ensure necessary measures are in place to protect the health and safety of employees and the public.

“The health and safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority,” said Peter Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer. “We have been working to ensure appropriate safety protocols are in place and we are confident we can safely welcome boaters back to the Marina on Tuesday.”

“While this is a positive first step in reopening the province, we must proceed with caution,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “It is very important that people continue to keep a physical distance from others, and limit social gatherings of more than 5 people. It is the expectation that we will continue to do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” added Mayor MacDonald.

With Victoria Day weekend approaching, many Leamington residents will be purchasing family fireworks to celebrate the holiday. Residents are reminded that fireworks can only be set off on your own property, and only on Victoria Day (May 18) and the two days immediately before (May 16 and 17).

Family Fireworks during the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you plan to have your own fireworks display, please note that the Ontario Government has issued an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. This order does not apply to private households with five people or more.

Members of the public can report EMCPA infractions by calling the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks have the potential to cause serious injury. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase and set off fireworks. Information regarding fireworks safety can be found here: Fireworks Safety

Resources

For information regarding restrictions and regulations of fireworks in the Municipality of Leamington, please visit: leamington.ca/fireworks

Learn more about the impacts of litter and waste on the environment and how to prevent, reduce and divert waste at home at ontario.ca/actonlitter

The Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc. along with Unifor Local 444 will distribute emergency food boxes to the communities of Essex and Harrow on Saturday, May 16. There will be two food pick up locations: the Essex Centre Sports Complex, 60 Fairview Ave parking lot from 9am to noon and the Harrow Arena, 243 McAffee parking lot from 1pm to 4pm.

WLO is collaborating with the Oakville Community Foundation (The Foundation) and is recommending
residents consider donations to the Oakville Resiliency Fund. The Foundation established the Oakville
Resiliency Fund to support our local community during this State of Emergency and beyond, and has
been providing grants to Oakville charities that are operational and provide frontline services at this
time in our community since early April. Most recently, funding has been provided to Education heroes
who have been retooling their programs, to be able to provide virtual educational programs that are
supporting our vulnerable, youth and children. To date, over $500,000 has been directed to these
identified priority agencies.
All donations to the Resiliency fund are tax receipted (a min of $20 required), and The Foundation is
absorbing all transaction fees, enabling 100% of the donation to the priority agencies and charities on
the frontlines.
How Can You Help?Make a donation – all contributions will help fill the gap ‐ Donate here to the Oakville Resiliency Fund -
bit.ly/weloveoakville

Ontario Announces Additional Workplaces that Can Reopen

If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.