NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF ORILLIA
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For those planning to visit a City of Orillia park or beach this Canada Day, enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions will be in full effect.
A reminder that there will no Canada Day celebrations at Couchiching Beach Park this year due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. If you choose to visit a City beach or park on Canada Day, you must:
- Maintain a physical distance of 2 m/ 6 ft. between you and anyone else not in your immediate household or social circle of no more than 10.
- Adhere to gathering restrictions and social circles of no more than 10.
Those who do not adhere to the provincial gathering restrictions and the City of Orillia’s Emergency By-Law risk being charged. The set fine for those not adhering to these measures is $750.
“We have worked very hard to keep Orillia safe and the focus has been on educating people about the COVID-19 restrictions in place. However, based on the blatant disregard of physical distancing and public gathering restrictions in our parks and beaches, it is evident the issue is escalating,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
“On Canada Day and over the weekend, the City will be working proactively alongside our policing partners to enforce COVID-19 prevention measures in our park system. Adhering to emergency measures is critical in keeping our community healthy during this pandemic. Yes, we will be celebrating our wonderful country this year, but we must do so safely.”
Orillia Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will have officers patrolling between the City’s two beaches and the downtown core, along with the OPP marine unit patrolling the area around the Port of Orillia and City beaches. A dedicated traffic officer will be on-hand to address any traffic related issues.
“The OPP is committed to engagement, education and enforcement when handling these situations. Our commitment is to the safety of all community members and we will continue our partnership with the City of Orillia to provide additional enforcement on Canada Day and this upcoming weekend,” said Inspector Brent Robitaille, Interim Detachment Commander, Orillia OPP.
To report individuals who are violating emergency orders issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, please call the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122. You can also call the City of Orillia COVID-19 Enforcement Hotline at 705-325-2313 or email [email protected]. Phone call volumes to the enforcement line may require you to leave a voicemail. Complaints received will be investigated and addressed based on priority level and resources available.
It is critical that 9-1-1 is used for emergencies only.
For more information visit: orillia.ca/COVID-19
For more information on the COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Orillia visit: osmh.on.ca/covid-19/
For COVID-19 updates from the SMDHU visit: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus
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