This notice has been updated to reflect the changes announced by the Government of Ontario on Thursday, May 20.
The County of Prince Edward is reminding the public to respect the Stay-at-Home order this Victoria Day long weekend.
“We have seen some encouraging progress in lowering the number of cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. However, we must work hard not to let our guard down and slip back,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “Making these sacrifices for a few additional weeks will reduce the strain on hospital resources and buy us some time to get the vaccine in more arms. If we can do that, I am hopeful we can start to get back some of the things we enjoy this summer.”
Restrictions on short-term accommodations / seasonal campgrounds
Do not travel outside your region or province unless absolutely necessary. Short-term accommodation rentals can only be provided to individuals who are in need of housing. If you are asked to house emergency guests/essential workers or if your STA is currently owner-occupied, please contact the County’s STA department. Let them know in advance to avoid unnecessary enforcement calls by emailing stalicenses@pecounty.on.ca.
If you suspect an STA operator is violating this provincial regulation, you can contact the STA Licensing Team at 613.476.2148 extension 2050 or stalicenses@pecounty.on.ca (7 days/week 9 am – 7 pm).
Seasonal campgrounds and campsites are only to be made available for trailers and recreational vehicles that are used by individuals who are in need of housing or permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is strongly discouraging relocation to seasonal residences at this time. If individuals choose to relocate to their seasonal residence for the entire summer season, they must plan to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Learn more
Provincial Parks open for local use; campsites closed
Ontario provincial parks remain open for day use, with some modifications or restrictions to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. Ontario Parks is asking the public only to visit and enjoy a provincial park or conservation reserve close to home and only with members of their own household.
In response to the extension of the province-wide Stay-at-Home order, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is extending the temporary closure of campground and backcountry campsites and roofed accommodations, like cabins, yurts and cottages in Ontario Parks up to and including June 2, in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and support Ontario’s current restrictions.
Updates to recreation facilities and outdoor gatherings
The Government of Ontario has announced that beginning May 22, 2021 at 12:01 am, outdoor recreational amenities will be allowed to reopen with restrictions in place. These include golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, BMX and skate parks, shooting ranges and archery ranges, and horse riding. Outdoor gatherings limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, including members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province-wide emergency brake will remain in effect.
The province-wide Stay-at-Home order will remain in place until at least June 2. You should only go out for necessities, such as:
- Groceries or pharmacy prescriptions
- Health-care services (including going to medical appointments or getting vaccinated)
- Outdoor exercise or walking pets in your community
- Work that cannot be done remotely
- Child care or school
For more information contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca.