Parks and trails in the Town of the Blue Mountains (TBM) are now open to the public, however washrooms and playground equipment will remain off-limits.
“The town would like to emphasize that all town-owned public washrooms remain closed. In addition, all common touchpoints are not sanitized. Please plan your visit accordingly,” stated Ryan Gibbons, director of community services for TBM in a release sent out this morning.
As of today, all public beaches in TBM will be open with the exception of Northwinds Beach and Little River Beach.
“Northwinds Beach will remain temporarily closed until seasonal maintenance can be completed. Management and control measures are also being considered to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained,” Gibbons stated.
Little River Beach remains closed due to damage from high-water levels. Town staff are currently reviewing the options to repair the damage.
TBM reminds residents that the provincial orders remain in effect and beach areas will actively be monitored and enforced by the Ontario Provincial Police and the town’s by-law department.
The town-operated Tomahawk Golf Course and Recreational Area will remain closed for now but the town has outlined a tentative reopening date of June 19.
“Although provincial restrictions may be lifted for some of the above properties or facilities, temporary closures may remain in place to allow for seasonal preparation or for modifications to be implemented to allow safe and effective use,” said Gibbons.
In addition, the Thornbury pier will remain closed until further notice, with the status of the pier to be discussed at the upcoming council meeting on June 15.
In the staff report for the June 15 meeting, Shawn Everitt, CAO of TBM is recommending that the pier remains closed until the 2021 due to “limited space on the pier surface, touchpoints required to exit the water onto the pier and what is known to be one of the most significant gathering spaces within the town during summer months.”
TBM staff are recommending that while the pier remains closed, council consider moving forward with the Thornbury Pier resurfacing project as outlined in the 2020 approved budget.
“Staff recommend moving forward with this project while the pier remains closed so future closures are not required to complete the project,” stated Everitt. “The Grey Bruce Health Unit has been consulted in this regard and has fully supported the recommendation.”
The TBM Town Hall, Beaver Valley Community Centre, Craigleith Community Centre, Ravenna Hall and the Craigleith Heritage Depot also remain closed at this time.
The L.E. Shores Public Library is open for curbside-holds pickup. However, branches remain physically closed to the public, with programs and services being provided virtually.
For more information on the open/closed status of parks, trails, green spaces, beaches and recreational areas within the TBM, visit the TBM interactive map.
