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City has handed out more than 620 tickets since crackdown began

Last weekend, 159 tickets were issued to people violating the 'new' regulations around non-resident parking at Orillia's two beaches

Last weekend featured blistering heat and mostly sunny weather, prompting many people to flock to Orillia’s parks and boat launches in an attempt to beat the heat.

But not everyone complied with the ‘new’ parking rules put in place to help limit the number of out-of-town visitors coming to the area.

From Thursday through Sunday, city bylaw officers handed out 159 tickets to people illegally parking in municipal lots at two Orillia parks.

However, no vehicles had to be towed and no charges were issued related to barbecuing in the parks.

Earlier this summer, after repeated overcrowding at sun-soaked beaches, city council voted to adopt new rules to help control crowds at two municipal beaches - Moose Beach at Tudhope Park and Couchiching Beach at Couchiching Beach Park. 

Small non-resident parking lots were created at both parks. From Thursdays through Sundays (and holiday Mondays) throughout the summer, visitors must pay $50 to park in those lots.

In addition, out-of-town residents have to pay $50 to launch their boats at the two municipal launches - at the Port of Orillia and on Collins Drive.

When visitors got creative and started parking in non-designated areas and along the highway, the city added additional measures such as large boulders to block access to those private lots.

In addition, signs were erected to let visitors know that cooking is illegal in the parks. Earlier, large crowds had been gathering for cookouts; the limit for public gatherings remains at 10 people due to the pandemic.

Over the Civic Holiday Weekend, two warnings about outdoor cooking were issued over the four days.

“The extra communication efforts such as the additional signage seems to be working,” said Jennifer Ruff, the city’s director of business development and communications.

She stressed residents of Orillia can always park for free in any beach lot - as long as they obtain a free permit either online or at kiosks set up at the parks. 

To date, more than 8,150 resident parking permits have been issued to local residents.

In the five weekends since the new restrictions were put in place, more than 620 tickets have been issued, city officials say. Here’s the breakdown:

  • July 9-12: 53 tickets issued
  • July 16-19: 80 tickets issued
  • July 23-26: 183 tickets issued
  • July 30-Aug. 3: 146 tickets issued
  • Aug. 6-9: 159 tickets issued

The parking rules, which have angered many in surrounding townships, were put in place to dissuade non-residents from coming to the area as part of an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Officials say the measures, as they have evolved, have proven effective.

Of all the municipalities in Simcoe County, Orillia, to date, has the lowest incidence rate of COVID 19. Orillia’s incidence rate is 53.8; the incidence rate is the number of cases per 100,000 people in the local population. For comparison sake, Barrie’s incidence rate is 134.6.


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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