The City of Windsor’s 2020 Spay/Neuter Voucher Program saw the program’s 260 vouchers for feral and owned cats claimed in record time. These vouchers were set to expire on June 9, 2020. Due to a reduction in veterinary services offered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these vouchers were not able to be used. With restrictions lifting, administration has approved an extended deadline and all vouchers must now be used by July 31, 2020.

The initial phase of recipients is still able to redeem the vouchers—valued at $75 each—at any participating veterinary clinic before the expiry date. Shortly after the deadline has passed, the number of vouchers remaining will be determined, and those residents who were placed on the waiting list during their initial call to 311 will be contacted to determine interest.

Program details are available at www.citywindsor.ca or by calling 311.

Parks and Recreation staff will proceed with the inspections and cleaning of the tennis courts in parks, as well as creating signage to affix to the courts regarding the new safety guidelines for use. It is anticipated that staff will be ready to remove the chains and locks, and the courts will be ready Tuesday, May 19.

The City of Windsor wants to remind residents that social distancing restrictions, i.e. keeping 2 metres from others and avoiding gatherings of more than 5 people remain in place. This applies to all areas including fields, parks,  sidewalks, businesses and open spaces.

Lakeview Park Marina, which was closed prior to the pandemic’s restrictions for major renovations will remain closed until construction is completed later this summer.

The boat launch at Lakeview Park Marina will remain closed, as it is within the construction zone noted above. 

The small non-motorized boat launches at Stop 26 and Shanfield Shores will be ready to be open this Saturday morning by 10 a.m. 

The boat launch at McKee will remain closed due to high water levels, which have created unsafe conditions.

Informal use of outdoor sports fields will be allowed for individual exercise or training, or for small groups of 5 or less. Parks staff will continue to maintain the grass areas only at the same level that is currently being provided for open park areas. Sport stadiums will remain closed.

In Windsor, staff at the municipally run Roseland Golf and Curling Club have been anticipating this announcement and preparing the course with new guidelines and restrictions designed to keep staff and patrons safe, and the course will re-open on Saturday with the first tee-time being 7:30 a.m. Golfers, please review the new golfer guidelines prior to visiting. 

Windsor’s Little River Golf Course will remain closed as more time is needed to prepare this facility.

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