Below is a summary of decisions and announcements made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the most up-to-date information on local case counts, vaccinations, and more, please visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's COVID-19 information page.
For the most up-to-date information on the Province of Ontario's reopening framework and current public health restrictions, please visit their COVID-19 information page.
January 3, 2022 Return to Step 2 of Provincial Reopening Framework |
Municipality of Lakeshore’s recreation facilities will be closed to the public starting Wednesday, January 5 after the Province of Ontario announced a modified return to Step 2 of the Provincial Road to Reopening Framework. The new restrictions will be in place for at least 21 days. Read the full announcement from the Province of Ontario online. The return to Step 2 of the Framework affects all Lakeshore’s recreation facilities including the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, Comber Community Centre, and Libro Community Centre. All drop-in and currently scheduled recreation programs have been postponed until January 27, at the earliest. Program registration and facility rental fees will be credited or refunded. Lakeshore's Municipal Office will remain open for essential visitors, who will need to wear a mask and complete the COVID-19 screening form. All potential visitors should call ahead for information about alternative service options and to ensure staff availability. |
September 22, 2021 Proof of Vaccination Requirements |
As of September 22, 2021, all visitors and patrons entering the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre must provide proof of vaccination along with personal identification. Learn more about the requirements and who they impact online. |
Visitors must complete the mandatory COVID-19 screening process prior to entering any Municipality of Lakeshore office or facility |
September 4, 2020 Mandatory Mask By-law |
Lakeshore Council has passed a By-law requiring residents to wear a face covering or mask in all enclosed publicly accessible spaces. This is an additional health measure to reduce the risk of further COVID-19 infections as businesses and services reopen in the community. The By-law also requires operators of establishments to ensure that persons attending publically accessible areas of wear a mask, unless exempt. This requirement is effective immediately and means that, with some exemptions, all persons, including staff, customers or visitors entering an enclosed public space are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside. Masks and face coverings can include a conventional mask or a face covering such as a bandana, scarf, cloth or similar item that covers the nose, mouth and chin without gapping. Operators of enclosed public spaces are required to post visible signs with specific messaging about mandatory mask requirements. The Mandatory Mask By-law includes exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, children under the age of 2, and other accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Individuals are not required to show proof of exemption from the wearing a mask or face covering under the by-law. The by-law also permits the temporary removal of a mask or face covering when receiving services affecting the face, having a meal, or engaging in athletic or fitness activity. Full details on further exemptions are available in the by-law on Lakeshore’s website. On June 23rd, 2020 the Medical Officer of Health of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit issued a Section 22 Order for mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments. Details on face covering requirements can be found on their website at: https://www.wechu.org/cv/face-masks-and-coverings Residents are reminded that wearing a face covering does not replace other health measures that remain important such as proper hand washing or sanitizing and practicing physical distancing. Wearing a face covering is an additional measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 and reduces the spread of your own infectious respiratory droplets, should you be unknowingly infected. |
July 17, 2020 Lakeshore Extends Waiving Interest, Penalties and NSF Charges Again |
The COVID-19 recovery has begun however Lakeshore families and businesses are still experiencing difficulties. Lakeshore has extended the relief of penalty and interest again until September 30 to help our families and businesses. The Town will not charge late payment fees, interest or non-sufficient fund fees to the period ending September 30, 2020 on:
“We want to help our families and businesses through these difficult times and give them the best chance to recover from this COVID-19 pandemic” said Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. The waiver of penalties and interest began in March when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Lakeshore extended this waiver in April and again in June. Property taxes and water/wastewater bills that were required to be paid on March 30, April 30, May 28, June 30, and July 31, 2020 can be paid at any time between now and September 30, 2020 without penalty or interest charges. While financial relief may be necessary for some of our residents, property owners are encouraged to maintain their regular tax, water and wastewater payments to support municipalities in providing essential services. All pre-authorized payment withdrawals will continue to be taken on the scheduled dates unless otherwise cancelled by the property owner. Property owners who wish to be removed from an existing PAP plan must contact The Town’s tax office at 519-728-2700 or taxes@lakeshore.ca. For those wishing to be added to a pre-authorized payment plan please visit https://www.lakeshore.ca/en/municipal-services/pre-authorized-payment-plans.aspx Property owners who have made arrangement with their financial institutions for the payment of property taxes will need to contact their respective institutions to discuss options in regards to any deferral of payment that they may offer. |
June 30, 2020 Lakeshore’s West Beach in Belle River is Closed effective immediately |
During a Special Council meeting last night, Lakeshore Council voted to close the West Beach effective immediately. Lakeshore’s West Beach in Belle River has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors who are not following the physical distancing requirements recommended by public health officials. A number of safety concerns have arisen which prompted Council to make this decision. “The West Beach is a popular destination on Lake St. Clair” stated Mayor Tom Bain. “We recognize that many of our residents and families enjoy visiting the beach but, unfortunately the large number of people creates significant concerns.” Boaters coming from the lakeside are requested to stop bringing their water craft to the West Beach as well. The Windsor Essex Health Unit will not be performing weekly beach inspections or testing beach water for the presence of E.Coli during the 2020 season, which is a safety concern. Lakeshore’s Emergency Control Group will continue to monitor the situation. Prior to reopening, Lakeshore will review procedures to ensure West Beach remains a family-friendly destination for residents and visitors. |
June 11, 2020 Lakeshore Extends Waiving Interest, Penalties and NSF Charges to July 31 |
As businesses start to reopen and the economy starts to recover, the Municipality of Lakeshore continues to help families and businesses by extending the relief of penalty and interest until July 31. “These are exceptional times and Lakeshore residents and businesses are doing their best to manage. We hope this extension will help those having difficulties and unable to make their payments,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. The Town will not charge late payment fees, interest or non-sufficient fund fees to the period ending July 31, 2020 on:
Property taxes and water/wastewater bills that were required to be paid on:
Charges for Non-Sufficient Funds on any property tax and water/wastewater payment will also be waived to July 31, 2020. All pre-authorized payment withdrawals will continue on scheduled dates unless otherwise cancelled by the property owner. Property owners who wish to be removed from an existing PAP plan must contact Lakeshore’s tax office at 519-728-2700 or taxes@lakeshore.ca. For those wishing to be added to a pre-authorized payment plan please visit https://www.lakeshore.ca/en/municipal-services/pre-authorized-payment-plans.aspx Property owners who have made arrangement with their financial institutions for the payment of property taxes will need to contact their respective institutions to discuss options in regards to any deferral of payment that they may offer. Lakeshore will continue to provide updates in this constantly changing environment. Residents are advised to subscribe to News and Alerts on the Town’s website at: www.lakeshore.ca/subscribe and follow the Town on Facebook and Twitter. To stay up to date on COVID-19 information, visit the Windsor Essex County Health Unit website at: www.wechu.org, Province of Ontario: www.ontario.ca, or Government of Canada at www.canada.ca. |
May 29 Update Lakeshore's Summer Day Camps Cancelled |
Lakeshore has made the difficult decision to cancel the Town’s summer day camps, instructional and aquatic programming for the summer season. “We understand how popular and beneficial Lakeshore’s summer day camps are and many children will be disappointed, however this difficult decision was made with the health and safety of our children in mind,” stated Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. Lakeshore’s popular summer day camps featured activities such as swimming, skating, time in the gymnasium, field trips plus crafts and many more activities. The Town hosted over 5,000 children from 4 to 11 years for the summer day camp program. Lakeshore will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in order to make a decision on the programming for the fall recreation session. |
May 27 Update Lakeshore Parks Partially Reopen |
Lakeshore is safely and gradually reopening a number of services and amenities in municipal parks for residents to enjoy. Following Provincial orders, dog parks, skateboard parks and tennis courts will be open effective Wednesday May 27. “As the weather improves and people are getting outside, we are happy to provide these additional amenities to our residents,” stated Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. Residents are welcome to head outside for fresh air and exercise to support physical and mental well-being, but are reminded to adhere to public health advice to not gather, practice physical distancing of 2m or 6 feet, or wear a face covering or non-medical mask to protect others when in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Lakeshore’s Belle River Marina and boat launch is open for those who wish to go fishing or boating. Marina patrons are requested not to gather on the docks. Other park amenities such as playground equipment, public washrooms, pavilions and BBQs remain closed. Lakeshore is waiting for guidance from the province on when additional features can open. The Town reminds the public Provincial guidelines of groups no larger than 5 remain in effect. If a resident arrives at an amenity that is crowded, they are advised to wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time. As per the Provincial guidelines, team sports such as soccer, baseball, volleyball or football are not permitted at this time. The Town also asks the public to dispose of garbage in receptacles and bring dog waste bags to the dog park as regular maintenance services may not be available at this time due to limited staff. |
May 15 Update Lakeshore’s Belle River Marina Opens |
Lakeshore’s Belle River Marina opens May 16th at 8:00am with limited amenities and customer service. Marina customers who rent boat slips may park their boat in their slip however Marina staff will not be able to assist with ropes, etc. The Marina office and restrooms will be closed until May 22nd. Effective May 16th, the boat launch fee will be $15 and will apply to non-slip renters. Seasonal boat ramp passes will be available when the Marina office opens May 22nd. The boat slips will have electricity and water. Docks B and C currently do not have water due to broken pipes. The repair is scheduled for Tuesday May 19th. Marina staff will be on site in a security fashion, checking slips for correct boats and collecting fees at the boat ramp. Commissionaires Security will be onsite for the evenings and into the mornings. Lakeshore estimates the gas pumps at the marina will be open May 29th however this date may change depending on when certification and calibration is completed. Lakeshore reminds boaters to remember to practice social distancing and recommends they carry hand sanitizer or wipes to clean their hands. |
May 13 Update - Lakeshore's Canada Day Celebration Cancelled |
Lakeshore’s 2020 Canada Day festival, to be celebrated in Woodslee, has been cancelled. The decision to cancel is based on provincial orders that prevent gatherings of more than five people at an indoor or outdoor location. Physical-distancing measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 look to remain in place throughout the summer. “Keeping our residents safe is our top priority” stated Lakeshore Councillor and organizing committee member Kirk Walstedt. Linda McKinlay, Lakeshore Councillor and also an organizing committee member added “This is a difficult time for everyone. We apologize for any disappointment however we cannot risk spreading this virus.” Lakeshore plans to return the Canada Day festival to Woodslee next year and looks forward to the 2021 celebration. |
May 13 Update - Lakeshore's Belle River Boat Launch Opens |
The boat launch at the Belle River marina will be open today, Wednesday May 13 at noon. The Belle River Marina BOAT SLIPS & DOCKS REMAIN CLOSED at this time. The boat launch will operate under normal “off-season procedures” until the marina can open. (No charge for launch.) Mayor Tom Bain stated “Lakeshore’s fishermen and women have been eagerly waiting for the boat launch to open. I am very happy the boat launch is open today and I am confident the guidelines will be respected so everyone can enjoy one of our most popular pastimes – fishing.”
Although the boat launch is re-opening, COVID-19 precautions and emergency orders remain in place. As such, signage is in place at the boat launch reminding residents, no congregating of more than 5 people, practice physical distancing (remaining two metres or six feet apart from others) at all times while loading/unloading boats, and while on the waterways. Fishing remains open in Ontario, and the Municipality requests residents follow all fishing rules and regulations as set out in the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
Under the provincial orders, marinas are not allowed to open, but marina staff are preparing for reopening in the near future. The Town will wait for provincial direction to decide the opening date of the Belle River Marina.
The Municipality is also reminding residents that, while parks and specific amenities like boat launches are open, other amenities remain closed under the provincial emergency orders. Those closed amenities include playground equipment, benches, washrooms, and picnic tables. The Town recommends patrons bring sanitizer to clean hands as facilities are not open.
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April 8 Update - Lakeshore Extends Waiving Interest, Penalties and NSF Charges |
Lakeshore understands the exceptional circumstances and difficulties families may be experiencing during these difficult times. To help our families and businesses, Lakeshore is extending relief of penalty and interest until June 30. The Town will not charge late payment fees, interest or non-sufficient fund fees from March 30, 2020 through to the period ending June 30, 2020 on:
"We understand the strain families are under with businesses closing and people laid off" said Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. "We want to help our residents through these difficult times."
Property taxes and water/wastewater bills that were required to be paid on March 30, April 30, May 28, and June 30, 2020 can be paid at any time between now and June 30, 2020 without penalty or interest charges.
Charges for Non-Sufficient Funds on any property tax and water/wastewater payment will also be waived from March 30, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
All pre-authorized payment withdrawals will continue to be taken on the scheduled dates unless otherwise cancelled by the property owner. Property owners who wish to be removed from an existing PAP plan must contact the Town's tax office at 519-728-2700 or taxes@lakeshore.ca.
For those wishing to be added to a pre-authorized payment plan please visit https://www.lakeshore.ca/en/municipal-services/pre-authorized-payment-plans.aspx
Property owners who have made arrangement with their financial institutions for the payment of property taxes will need to contact their respective institutions to discuss options in regards to any deferral of payment that they may offer.
Lakeshore will continue to provide updates in this constantly changing environment. Residents are advised to subscribe to News and Alerts on the Town's website at : www.lakeshore.ca/subscribe and follow the Town on Facebook and Twitter.
To stay up to date on COVID-19 information, visit the Windsor Essex County Health Unit website at: www.wechu.org, Province of Ontario: www.ontario.ca, or Government of Canada at www.canada.ca.
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April 1 Update - Province Emergency Order |
The Province of Ontario, issued a new emergency order to prohibit organized public events, social gatherings & to close all outdoor recreational amenities, sports fields, playgrounds, all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario. |
March 31 Update - Lakeshore Closes all Parks |
On March 30, the Province of Ontario, based on the best advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events, social gatherings of more than five people, and to close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. This new order closes all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed. To assist with this new order to prohibit social gatherings of no more than 5 people, the Municipality of Lakeshore is closing all municipal parks. Residents can still travel through a park, walking, jogging or bicycling, as long as they are all practicing safe physical distancing. On March 25, the Municipality of Lakeshore closed all regional and community parks. This new order closes ALL municipal parks, no matter the size. Lakeshore staff are erecting signage at parks and removing swings to discourage families and children from playing on playground equipment. "Lakeshore is taking every step possible to encourage people to reduce the spread of this virus", stated Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. " You have heard it before and I will say it again, stay home. Unless you have urgent business, stay home. If you must go out, make sure you practice social distancing, sanitize and wash your hands frequently. These are extraordinary times and we need everyone to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
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March 26 Update - Lakeshore Business Continuation Services Update |
Lakeshore is committed to working collaboratively with all municipalities in this region, government officials, first responder agencies and healthcare organizations to ensure we are prepared as best as possible to respond to the needs of our residents. On March 22, the Municipality of Lakeshore declared a "State of Emergency". This declaration permits the Town to implement emergency measures by-laws to ensure business continuity during the pandemic. The Town is deploying staff resources to essential services. Below is a list of suspended services as well as modifications to other Lakeshore services. All regional and community parks and playgrounds are closed. People are permitted to walk through the park keeping social distancing in mind however they are not permitted to gather, picnic or use pavilions, playground equipment, playing fields, basketball courts, etc. This includes: Regional:
Community Parks:
The services which are suspended until further notice include:
Service modifications:
Garbage and recycling is continuing as scheduled. Residents are requested to not interact with staff and ensure all garbage is enclosed and tied or will not be collected. For after hour emergencies, (such as stop sign missing, tree or water on road, etc.) call 519-728-2488 and press 1 after the message. On call staff will be notified. For Fire, Police or Medical emergencies, call 9-1-1. It is imperative that residents take this situation seriously. We must do all we can to save lives and mitigate the impact to our health care system. Stay home as much as possible, social distance when out, wash your hands frequently, sanitize surfaces often. Information regarding COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex can be found on the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) website at: www.wechu.org. The WECHU is committed to providing timely and credible information to the residents of Windsor-Essex. A MESSAGE FROM ESSEX COUNTY OPP’s DETACHMENT COMMANDER “On March 17, the Government of Ontario declared a State of Emergency through the authority granted under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Emergency orders were issued under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario. The Government of Canada has also invoked the Quarantine Act to further support protecting everyone’s health and well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been properly trained to respond to high risk incidents during this current health crisis. I can assure you that our officers are equipped with personal protective equipment that enables them, when necessary, to respond to the myriad of calls for service that we regularly see in Essex County. As this health care crisis continues to evolve, our policing personnel conduct regular screening measures during the course of their duties to identify potential risks of COVID-19. Members of the public entering our Essex County OPP Detachments will be asked a few questions specific to those symptoms identified by public health experts in order to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. I strongly urge all citizens, businesses and establishments to voluntarily comply with all of the short term restrictions that Governments have imposed. For allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, or any other non-emergency request for service, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. In case of an emergency, call 911. The OPP encourages the use of Online Reporting which enables responses to a large number of non-emergent requests by a police officer over the telephone. The OPP extends its appreciation to all Health Care Professionals, fellow First Responders and our local Municipal Governments as we respond together to the current State of Emergency declared in Essex County. We understand the impacts of COVID-19 on our area businesses and citizens. And, while I trust everyone’s good judgement to exercise compliance, the OPP will apply discretion whether to launch any investigation or enforcement actions.” – Inspector Glenn Miller, Essex County OPP Detachment Commander. |
March 25 Update - Lakeshore Closes Regional and Community Parks and Playgrounds |
Lakeshore Closes Regional and Community Parks and Playgrounds
Lakeshore is taking additional measures to encourage social and physical distancing and reduce opportunities for the spread of COVID-19 through the closure of our regional and community parks.
The following parks and playground equipment are now closed:
Regional:
Atlas Tube Centre
Lakeview Park, West Beach and Belle River Marina.
Community Parks:
Comber Park
Geralyn Tellier Perdu Memorial Park
Leffler Peace Park
Millen Park
Optimist Park
River Ridge Park
Stoney Point Park
People are permitted to walk through the park keeping social distancing in mind however they are not permitted to gather, picnic or use pavilions, playground equipment, playing fields, basketball courts, etc. Lakeshore recommends children not play on any playground equipment to reduce the spread of COVID-19. "This is not the time to be gathering and socializing in parks or at home”, stated Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. “It is unfortunate we need to take these additional measures, however it is necessary in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We need to stay home and only go out if absolutely necessary. Let’s all do our part and together we can get through this." Residents are reminded to avoid congregating in groups, both at home and in public, keep a physical distance from others, wash your hands and stay home unless it is absolutely necessary. It is everyone’s responsibility to slow the spread of this virus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit; Health Canada; and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Garbage and Recycling Message Lakeshore's garbage and recycling contractor is asking residents for their assistance and understanding during this time for the safety of their employees who are working to ensure our garbage and recycling is collected as scheduled. Please refrain from assisting with Garbage or Recycle collection and or collection of containers. Remember to use the Social Distancing Guidelines. Garbage needs to be bagged and tied for collection. Loose garbage in pails or bags left untied will be refused due to health and safety concerns. Refer to Lakeshore's Collection Calendar for allotted items and amounts allowed for collection. The Collection Calendar can be found on our website at: www.lakeshore.ca/collectioncalendar |
March 24 Update - Lakeshore Waives Interest and Penalties
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Lakeshore Waives Interest and Penalties The Municipality of Lakeshore in conjunction with the County of Essex and the other local municipalities recognize the financial uncertainty our residents are facing due to COVID-19. A regional meeting of the County's Treasurers was held March 23, 2020 to develop a financial relief plan that is proposed to apply to all municipalities within the County of Essex. In developing this plan, Treasurers were especially mindful of the essential services municipalities provide, specifically services that are aimed at maintaining the health and safety for all residents in Essex County. While financial relief may be necessary for some of our residents, property owners are encouraged to maintain their regular tax, water and wastewater payments to support municipalities in providing these essential services. For payments due March 31, 2020 through to and including April 30, 2020 penalty and interest will be waived. Property tax and water accounts that are currently set up for pre-authorized payment plans would remain unaffected. Property owners who wish to be removed from an existing PAP plan must contact the Town's tax office at 519-728-2700 or taxes@lakeshore.ca. |
March 22, 2020 Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain declared a local State of Emergency |
Today, Tom Bain, Mayor and Head of Council of the Municipality of Lakeshore declared a State of Emergency in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. By declaring the State of Emergency, the Municipality of Lakeshore will implement the recently passed emergency measures by-laws to ensure business continuity during the pandemic, such as electronic attendance at Council meetings and the ability to extend payment periods or deadlines. The Town will continue to move towards deploying staff resources to essential services, to have the ability to respond to COVID-19 demands, but also other possible issues such as lake flooding. This is so our Municipality can be prudent, proactive and fully prepared for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This declaration provides the Municipality with more tools to make decisions. “The County of Essex declared an emergency today, and the Municipality of Lakeshore will follow suit. The time to call an emergency is now, to work together as a region to control the spread of COVID-19” states Mayor Bain. “The Warden is urging residents to take this situation very seriously and to heed the advice of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit as it relates to social-distancing, proper hand washing and sanitizing as well as the 14-day self-isolation for returning travelers. Let’s act now to protect our health care workers on the front line by taking the necessary steps to flatten the curve and mitigate the impact on our health care system”. Lakeshore has been taking proactive and precautionary measures in light of the threat of the virus and the rapidly evolving situation. Our essential services; water, waste water, roads, garbage, fire, and emergency services have sustainable plans in place with redundancy being built into our staffing plans to prevent any interruptions. Be assured, Lakeshore has taken every reasonable precaution to this point. This is another step to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19. Municipal offices are closed to the public but remain operational to provide essential services and assistance to residents. Please call 519-728-2700 email info@lakeshore.ca. Core municipal operations including fire protection, water and wastewater services, waste management, building inspections and permits, bylaw services, water, taxes, road and facilities maintenance will continue. The Municipality will continue to respond to the latest developments around COVID-19 and will keep residents informed and updated as the situation evolves. At this time, by order of the Province of Ontario, all municipal parks and recreation facilities are closed. People are permitted to walk on trails as long as they are social distancing (keeping 6' apart from other people). Lakeshore has waived interest and penalties on Water and Tax payments until June 30, 2020. Questions regarding bill payments can be directed to taxes@lakeshore.ca or water@lakeshore.ca or you may call 519-728-2700 Ext 301. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collections are proceeding as scheduled. Council meetings will be held electronically and the public is invited to watch via Lakeshore TV at www.lakeshore.ca/lakeshoretv. |
March 20 Update on COVID-19 |
Lakeshore Coronavirus COVID-19 Update This is an unprecedented time for Lakeshore and our staff are stepping up to ensure essential services are maintained for our residents and businesses. At this time, Lakeshore is only performing essential services to protect the health and safety of our community and our staff. Lakeshore would like to remind residents that playgrounds and playground equipment is not sanitized. The Town recommends children avoid playing on playground equipment at this time. Staff will continue to collect garbage in parks, monitor for hazards and perform inspections. Individuals with payments can drop off cheques or other documents in one of Lakeshore’s secure drop boxes. One drop box is located next to the main entrance, the other near the back door employee entrance. As an alternative to going to a Town facility or if you have any questions, you may call Town Hall at 519-728-2700, visit our website at www.lakeshore.ca or email: For after hour emergencies, (such as stop sign missing, tree or water on road, etc.) call 519-728-2488 and press 1 after the message. On call staff will be notified. For Fire, Police or Medical emergencies, call 9-1-1. The regular Council meeting scheduled for March 24 has been cancelled. Meetings will be scheduled as needed at the call of the Mayor. Lakeshore has discontinued non-essential services at this time such as: lottery licences, marriage licences, accepting planning applications and water meter replacements. The Town appreciates your understanding as we continue to focus on essential services. |
March 18 Update - Dog Pound Closes |
Lakeshore Dog Pound Closed to the Public The Municipality of Lakeshore has been closely monitoring Coronavirus COVID-19 developments and out of an overabundance of caution to protect our staff members, the Town has decided to close the Dog Pound to the public effective immediately. The Dog Pound will continue to accept stray dogs brought to them by local Animal Control Officers. Dog owners will be able to pickup stray dogs by appointment only. Identified owners will be contacted by the Dog Pound staff to make an appointment to pickup their dog. Individuals with lost dogs are welcome to call the Dog Pound at 519-727-6495 to inquire if their dog is at the pound. Lakeshore requests anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have travelled in the last 14 days to not attend the Dog Pound or any municipal facility. Individuals attending the dog pound will be subject to additional screening questions by staff. |
March 17 Update - Lakeshore Closes Town Hall |
Municipality of Lakeshore Town Hall Closed with Limited Services to the Public due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Given the rapidly changing public health situation, the Municipality of Lakeshore is expanding COVID-19 precautions with the following service level changes. Town Hall will be closed to public access effective 8:30 am Wednesday March 18, 2020. Although the building will close to the public, municipal staff will be available to assist residents by telephone and email means. Please contact the Town by phone at the general number at: 519-728-2700; or 519-728-2488 for operations of Public Works and Water. Phones will continue to be answered during regular business hours between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Members of the public can visit the website at www.lakeshore.ca to access municipal information and services.
Members of the public are discouraged from attending in person but encouraged to watch Council meetings livestreamed on Lakeshore TV https://www.lakeshore.ca/en/municipal-services/watch-council-meetings.aspx. Please be advised that Council Chambers meeting capacity is limited in order to maintain proper social distancing. Members of the public who wish to contact the Clerk or members of Council regarding matters on the agenda may do so at clerk@lakeshore.ca. These service level changes are being undertaken out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our community. We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this time. Lakeshore Assures Water Supply is Safe Due to increased public concern in regards to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the Municipality of Lakeshore wants to assure the general public that the drinking water treated and supplied by the municipality to residents and businesses continues to be safe to drink. The drinking water treatment process includes multiple barriers that provide protection to ensure safe drinking water. These barriers include chemically assisted coagulation, filtration and disinfection with chlorine gas, which are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses. Lakeshore staff are certified operators that are regularly trained on the operations and maintenance service of Lakeshore water treatment facilities. “The Town, along with adjacent water utilities that supply water to Lakeshore remain dedicated to supplying safe drinking water to local residents and businesses,” stated Nelson Cavacas, Lakeshore’s Director of Engineering and Infrastructure Services. As a requirement set out in the Municipal Drinking Water License, the Municipality of Lakeshore’s Water Department has developed a risk management and contingency plan to ensure the continuity of drinking water treatment service during emergencies. This contingency plan is being put into action as the situation changes with the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Engineering and Infrastructure Department at 519-728-2488. |
March 16 Update - Limiting Town Hall Visits |
The Municipality of Lakeshore is taking extra precautions to ensure residents and our staff remain safe during this uncertain time. We value the health and safety of everyone that walks through our doors.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing or you are in self-isolation or quarantine, do not visit or enter any municipal office. We highly recommend coming into Town facilities for urgent business only. Many of our services can be accessed by phone or by email. For your convenience, we have two drop boxes at Town Hall (419 Notre Dame Street, Belle River) for dropping off cheque payments or other mail. One drop box is located next to the main entrance, the other near the back door employee entrance. We will be encouraging our staff to avoid hand shaking or direct contact with customers. Gloves are available for staff to wear when handling documents. It is suggested that a 2 meter distance be maintained between persons. Please do not take this personally as it is intended for the health and safety of all. As an alternative to going to a Town facility or if you have any questions, you may call Town Hall at 519-728-2700; visit our website at www.lakeshore.ca or email: Together, we can ensure we meet the needs of our residents while doing our part to keep you, our employees and our communities safe from the COVID-19 virus. |
March 14 Update - Community Centres Close |
In an effort to address the concerns of the community with regard to the impact of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, the Town has closed the Atlas Tube Centre, the Comber Community Centre and the Libro Community Centre and suspended all recreational programs. Program credits or refunds will be arranged with those who have registered. The Town will also credit or refund registrants for other programs. Individuals can contact the Atlas Tube Centre by phone at 519-727-0470 or email recinfo@lakeshore.ca. This change will remain in effect at least until Monday April 6, pending progress of the virus.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and we are closely monitoring the updates issued by Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) and the Province of Ontario related to the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. If you have questions or for detailed information regarding the Coronavirus COVID-19, visit the WECHU webpage at: https://www.wechu.org/z-health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019 or call 519-258-2146 ext. 1420. |
March 12 Update - Message from the Municipality of Lakeshore |
The Town is aware of the provincial announcement regarding the closure of publicly funded schools between March 14 and April 5 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A determination will be made tomorrow on recreational programming. This will impact programs at the Atlas Tube Centre, the Comber Community and the Libro Centre in Woodslee. Lakeshore’s CAO, Truper McBride, assures Lakeshore residents that “The Town is now taking precautionary measures to protect our residents and staff from COVID-19; the Town is now in an enhanced monitoring state as per our Emergency Management Plan in order to assume a proactive stance for the pandemic.” Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) Questions or for detailed information regarding the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19, visit the WECHU webpage at: https://www.wechu.org/z-health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019 or call 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 Information for travellers returning from affected areasIf you have travelled from China (mainland), Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, (impacted areas) within the past 14 days, you should:
If you are planning to travel please contact a local travel clinic for services and support. COVID-19 Travel Advice: Province of Ontario Every week day at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the Province of Ontario's Novel Coronavirus web page will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario. |
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