Getting to the great outdoors during the pandemic
WATERLOO REGION — Spring has come in with more than its fair share of confusion, anxiety and temporary rules as Ontario works to fight COVID-19.
As the weather warms and prolonged social distancing takes its toll, more people will be itching to get outside. But before you lace up your hiking boots, know what is allowed under COVID-19 measures.
Municipal, provincial and federal authorities are urging residents to practice social distancing and caution during this time and not to leave their home for unessential reasons.
All residents are reminded not to gather in groups, and to maintain two metres or a sixfoot distance from others.
“During this very challenging time, we owe it to our front line and essential workers, families, friends and neighbours to avoid non-essential travel as much as possible and act responsibly, particularly when we are outdoors,” says Jolanta Kowalski, spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Below are some starting points to help you sort out COVID-related regulation if you are planning a short trip outdoors to clear your head.
The situation can change daily, so always verify before you go.
TRAILS
á Trails operated by the region of Waterloo are open for walking through providing people respect and follow proper social distancing procedures. á City of Cambridge trails are open for walking through. á City of Kitchener trails are open for walking through, though the city states trails are not to be used as a travel destination, and people are not to drive to trails outside their immediate neighbourhood. The parking lot of Huron Natural Area is closed, and parking on Trillium Drive within 400 metres of Huron Natural Area is also prohibited. á City of Waterloo trails are open for walking through. Vehicles are not allowed in Waterloo Park.
á RARE trails in Cambridge are open for walking through.
á The Guelph Arboretum trails are open for walk through
á Any trails operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority are closed
Access to any other trails should be cleared with the maintaining organization
WATER
á Transport Canada is allowing non-commercial watercraft to operate.
á Access points to the Grand River owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority are closed.
á Most public launches and access points to water are closed. The Federation of Ontario Anglers and Hunters is maintaining a list of closures.
á Riverbluffs Park’s boat launch in Cambridge is open to the public.
It’s best to contact the operator of an access point directly to find out its status before going.
HUNTING AND FISHING
Hunting and fishing are open at this time, with all rules and regulations enforced. Natural resources officers continue to patrol. That said, many places and boat launches where people are able to hunt and fish are closed. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is maintaining a list of closures online at ofah.org/covid19closures.
CAMPING
Ontarians are discouraged from driving far outside their neighbourhoods.
á All property of the Grand River Conservation Authority is closed including parks, trails, reservoirs, etc.
á Many municipal-level outdoor areas are closed.
á All provincial parks are closed.
á Crown land is closed for camping (though open for walking through).