Gravenhurst is moving ahead with planning, consultations and preparations to re-open Town facilities in a phased approach.
This will include a return to providing public access in a safe and responsible manner as early as September.
The Town says advice from the Medical Officer of Health continues to support having staff working from home wherever possible.
Around Town Hall and other municipal facilities installation of protective plexiglass shields for the public and various work stations for returning staff is now underway.
The first in-person Committee of Adjustment and Planning Council meetings will happen on August 21st and 25th, respectively – its the first since the start of the pandemic and will be held at the Gravenhurst Opera House.
Strict in-person meeting protocols, in compliance with Health Unit orders and guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of those attending.
For further information on upcoming meeting schedules, please visit www.Gravenhurst.ca/agenda, and it’s important to note that the streaming of the meeting won’t be possible as the Opera House doesn’t have the required technology.
Last week, the Province, in partnership with the Federal government, announced allocations for the municipal contributions as part of the first round of emergency funding under the Safe Restart Agreement.
The Town will receive $522,500.
This conditional funding will offset the impacts of Covid-19 for 2020 and onward into 2021.
Accordingly, Council will be addressing how the use of these funds will affect the 2021 budget.
Increased goose control measures, garbage pickup and heightened By-law Officer presence in municipal parks and beaches continues in response to the increased usage of these public spaces and feedback received from the community. The Town is removing nearly twice the amount of normal garbage collection that it is accustomed to at this time of year from these spaces.
While Town washroom facilities remain closed due to staffing resources, additional temporary facilities are being placed at key locations and the contractor has been reminded of their obligation to properly maintain these facilities.
The town asks that you please practice safe distancing at all times, wash your hands, sanitize and wear a face mask where appropriate to help reduce the spread of the virus.
In the ongoing effort to keep the Town’s beaches, parks and facility properties presentable, respected and enjoyable for all, the public are asked for their continued vigilance and to contact the By-law Division through the Report It function on the Town website, should they witness violations and to contact the police should they witness or experience criminal activities.
The Lorne St. Ungerman Gateway Park Beach has been officially closed for the season due to public safety issues related to the shoreline retaining walls. Repairs to the shoreline wall and performing necessary drainage improvements following a series of significant rain events this summer will begin on Monday, August 24th. The public are again reminded to avoid this area for their safety and to steer clear of heavy machinery in place over the course of the week. The work is anticipated to be completed on or before Labour Day weekend.
And a reminder – a fourth drive-thru COVID-19 Assessment Clinic is scheduled for Gravenhurst on Thursday, August 27th, from 10 am to 4:30 pm at the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre, located at 101 Centennial Drive. This clinic is open to everyone who would like to be tested.