In Preparation for the Victoria Day Long Weekend

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MARMORA AND LAKE, ON – Yesterday Premier Ford announced that we are entering Phase 1 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. I think everyone can agree that it is an exciting milestone. But let us be clear, these measures put the onus for safety on every individual that utilizes the newly opened services and public spaces. Continue to be vigilant to ensure your health and others. The safest option is to stay home as much as possible. Do not gather in groups of more than five people. The possibility of transmission will increase as more people venture out of their homes more often.

The Emergency Management Control Group (EMCG) for the municipality has discussed the soft opening for the Town Hall, Service Ontario, and the Library. The Library has been preparing for a curbside pickup program and if you follow their Facebook page you will be alerted when it is ready to begin. The Historical Foundation will remain closed until further notice. Both Town Hall and Service Ontario are considering re-opening to the public with limited access and safety restrictions. More information will become available on how that will roll out in the upcoming weeks. It is a priority of the municipality to ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and the public.

The Fire Chief just received word that, at midnight tonight, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) will be lifting the Restricted Fire Zone for the East Fire Region, which includes Marmora and Lake. The Municipality will downgrade to a Restricted Fire Ban which allows for small self-contained fires, no larger than 3 feet wide and 3 feet high, for cooking or heating, no closer than 10 feet from any combustibles, and the fire must be extinguished properly. People are responsible for their fire and any costs associated with fighting a fire that is allowed to get out of control.

Fire permits are not required for small self-contained fires. No permits will be issued for open air burning. Please remember the restriction for groups larger than five are still in effect.

The government also announced additional seasonal services and activities will be permitted to open as early as Saturday, May 16, 2020, in time for Victoria Day long weekend. Private parks and campgrounds may open to enable preparation for the season and to allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles whose owners have a full season contract. This means Booster Park will open to renters, but the park will remain closed to the public, including the boat launch. Renters should also be aware that potable water will not be available. The public washrooms and cantina will remain closed.

Everyone entering the park should practice physical distancing and not gather in groups larger than 5 people. Communal bonfires are prohibited, but campers that are at their trailer may have small contained fires for themselves at their site.

And finally, we want to let everyone know that the community gardens program has been taken over by the Marmora and Lake Friends of the Library. There are 12 garden beds available. If you are interested in the program you can email marmorafol@gmail.com or call Wendy at 613-472-2596.

Myself, council and staff want to wish everyone a healthy and happy Victoria Day long weekend. We will continue to follow the province’s lead on opening services to the public. Please watch for future announcements as we continue to make updates. Stay healthy.

Jan O’Neill, Mayor
Municipality of Marmora and Lake

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Jennifer Bennett