NEWS RELEASE
THE TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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As of 12:01 a.m. Thursday July 9, the Township of Ramara will close all public beaches and some water access points to residents and visitors until further notice.
The Township of Ramara is experiencing overcrowding, excessive dumping of garbage, and visitors ignoring the protocols put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Township has no other choice but to close all public beach locations and various water access points around Ramara.
“Over the past two weeks, the Township has experienced an influx of visitors at our beaches who are not safely physical distancing, not adhering to the Province’s gathering restriction measures and are clearly ignoring all rules set out at our beach locations. Our only choice is to close the beaches in order to protect the health and safety of our residents and staff,” said CAO, John Pinsent.
Mayor Basil Clarke states, “Beaches are intended for the residents of Ramara first and foremost, and we are not set up to effectively enforce ‘Resident Only’ beaches. As many visitors are not showing respect and following protocols set out by the province and health units, we have decided to close all public beaches and some water access points in Ramara.”We hope that this gives visitors and our residents a clear message that we care about our small community and don’t want to put anyone’s health at risk.”
The following beach locations will be closed:
- Brechin Beach
- The Steps
- Con. 10
- Lagoon City Beach
- Lovely Day Park
- Glenrest Beach
- Florida Ave Park
- Lakeshore Drive water access points
- Glenrest Drive water access points
- Amelia Drive water access point
- Dock Road water access point
Residents and visitors are reminded to:
- Practice physical distancing by staying two (2) metres (6 feet) apart whether on a trail or in a park.
- Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
- Remember to wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer.
- Wear a face mask when you cannot physical distance
- When using the portable toilets, wait patiently for your turn and practice physical distancing while in line.
- Avoid organized group activities like frisbee, football, or soccer etc.
- Stay home if you feel unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 or were recently exposed to COVID-19.
Bylaw enforcement will continue to patrol beaches and parks regularly to ensure that residents and visitors comply with all regulations and bylaws. Failure to follow these rules could result in receiving a fine. To contact bylaw, seven days a week, e-mail [email protected] or call the Township office during office hours at 705-484-5374.
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