Sorry, sun worshippers: Erie beaches remain closed
Local health unit has eased restrictions on use of parks, trails and sports fields
This week saw perfect beach weather in Haldimand-Norfolk but no one suntanning on the shores of Lake Erie, as all beaches remain closed due to the province’s emergency order.
That order, recently extended to June 9, also keeps public swimming pools, outdoor playgrounds and play structures off-limits. Restaurants and bars are still restricted to offering takeout and delivery, with many eateries in Haldimand-Norfolk shifting to curbside pickup.
“In general terms, the reasoning for closures like that is to discourage mass gatherings,” said Matt Terry, spokesperson for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.
“We know the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing, and that can be difficult on a crowded beach.”
The health unit has relaxed some local orders in concert with the province entering the first phase of easing COVIDinspired restrictions.
Walking trails have reopened and residents can walk through public parks, though only people from the same household should be gathered around the picnic table.
Dog parks are also open, along with tennis courts and sports fields, but team sports remain prohibited.
And while it is no longer illegal for cottagers who live outside Haldimand-Norfolk to spend the night at their vacation homes, the health unit still asks that cottagers limit non-essential travel to reduce the potential spread of the virus.
Yard and garage sales are “strongly discouraged” because of the difficulty in controlling crowd size and ensuring physical distancing.
In heartening news for cooped-up residents, golf courses and driving ranges are open — without the usual amenities, and limited to one golfer per cart — and those with full-season contracts can take their RVs and trailers to seasonal campgrounds, where public washrooms remain closed.
Fishing is permitted where usually allowed, so long as anglers keep to groups of five or fewer and space themselves out safely. The Port Dover pier and other areas currently closed to the public are similarly out of bounds for fishing.
Marinas are open and private campsites are allowed to prepare to open for overnight stays, but the general public is still not permitted to use the sites.
Police and bylaw officers have taken an education-first approach to enforcement, looking to inform citizens of why the restrictions are important for public health. That’s why police have issued warnings but only two charges to date — one for using the trail system while it was still closed and the other for a gathering of more than five people.
Mayors Kristal Chopp and Ken Hewitt have said they would welcome a more assertive police presence in waterfront communities such as Dunnville and Port Dover, where day-trippers have gathered en masse on sunny days, in apparent violation of the province’s ban on gatherings of more than five people.
“That’s a key part of this battle, to practice social distancing even as things start to reopen,” Terry said.
J.P. Antonacci’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows him to report on stories about the regions of Haldimand and Norfolk.