Goderich beach front boardwalk (Credit: Fadi Didi)
Goderich Mayor John Grace says the upcoming warm season will resemble the first COVID-19 summer in Canada’s Prettiest Town.
When the novel coronavirus pandemic limited social gatherings, Goderich began enforcing crowd limits at the town’s three beaches, and by-law officers enforced social distancing along the shoreline.
Grace tells Country 104.9 News the beach will have a dedicated manager this year, to ensure safety is a priority, and health guidelines are adhered to.
How strict enforcement is, Grace says, will depend on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Where are we going to be at on the the first of July? What amount of the population across the province of Ontario will be vaccinated?”
“There will be some restrictions, for sure, because not everybody will be vaccinated.”
Grace says the town will work under the guidance of public health officials, to ensure visitors can enjoy the beach without jeopardizing public health.
A feature expected to drive further traffic to the Goderich shoreline this year is the addition of beach huts, which will house four businesses along the town’s coastline.
The huts are not yet constructed, but are expected to be operational by Labour Day.
He expects by-law enforcement to maintain a strong presence to enforce health guidelines, as well as newly-introduced paid parking along the Goderich shoreline.
“We need to patient for everyone to be vaccinated.”