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NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Township of The Archipelago is working in conjunction with all of the West Parry Sound Area Municipalities to ensure proper communication is made with our community members and that community partners are engaged.  We are working collaboratively to actively monitor the situation as it evolves and to ensure business continuity while following direction from the Ministry of Health and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

The safety and health of our community members is of utmost importance to us throughout the duration of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  We are encouraging members of our community to take precautions by learning about the disease and what you can do to help protect yourself and to prevent the disease from spreading.

The West Parry Sound Health Centre has developed a comprehensive community information package for the West Parry Sound Municipalities to distribute into their communities.  If you know of someone without access to our website, please print a package for them or direct them to contact the office at 705-746-4243.

Visit the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit website for information about the disease including, how to protect yourself, symptoms and treatment and updates as they become available.

For up to date information regarding the virus in Ontario visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website. For up to date information regarding the virus in Canada visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website. 
 
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Township of The Archipelago Notices and Updates


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It is not business as usual in Ontario and the West Parry Sound area is no exception as we are also impacted by COVID-19.  Below you will find information about current local service interruptions, limitations and restrictions that are in place for permanent and seasonal residents.  For comprehensive information about COVID-19 and Provincial restrictions visit www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.

 SHOPPING
Everyone is encouraged to limit shopping trips to once per week, to shop for essential items only and if possible, have one-person shop for the household. Plan ahead and make a list of what you need to limit your number of trips into the store(s) to reduce wait times and lineups.

For new arrivals to the community, you are encouraged to please bring what you need from home and be prepared to self support upon your arrival. This will reduce your time spent waiting in line-ups, reducing your stress and supporting continued social distancing. 
 
*Note: if you are a senior or an individual maintaining a required or imposed isolation there is a grocery assistance program offered by the Rotary Club to help you.  The program can do your in-store shopping and provide you with curb-side pickup thereby keeping you out of the store.  Please see the link for further detailed, www.parrysound.ca/help

Please be patient, positive and friendly to those working in our stores, the combination of COVID-19 procedural changes, staffing shortages, and an influx of seasonal residents arriving for the summer season will cause delays, these staff members are doing their best to serve you in a timely and safe manner.

Remember non-essential businesses that are typically open for the May long remain closed or have limited services such as curb-side pick-up, while they are preparing to serve you after Provincial restrictions are lifted, their services will be limited or not available.
 GROCERY STORES
Local grocery stores are well stocked with supplies, however due to measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect their customers and staff, our grocery stores have special procedures in place to limit the number of people in the stores at one time to ensure physical distancing is possible.

This means delays entering the stores, you will be required to line up and wait your turn to enter. Physical distancing measures are also in place throughout the stores including one-way isles and changes to check out procedures.  The wearing of personal protective equipment, such as masks, are encouraged.
 HARDWARE STORES & GARDEN CENTRES
Effective May 8 & 9, 2020 Hardware stores and Garden Centres were permitted to re-open to in-store shopping. Our stores have re-opened however they have procedural changes and restrictions in place to ensure physical distancing is practiced, these include limiting the number of people in the stores.
 LOCAL RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKE-OUT OR DELIVERY
While restaurants have been ordered closed to public access, they are still able to offer take-out or delivery services. 

Click here for a list of food providers in the West Parry Sound Area offering take-out and/or delivery options.
 MESSAGE FROM THE WEST PARRY SOUND HEALTH CENTRE
At West Parry Sound Health Centre we are always prepared to meet the health care needs of everyone who relies on our care and service. In addition to the usual limitations associated with COVID-19 preparedness and response, please know that as we prepare to enter this long-weekend and the summer season that follows, we are functioning under significant restrictions. Many of these restrictions are required by provincial authorities; other limitations are the result of scarcity of resources: people, supplies (including personal protective equipment,) treatment equipment, and space.

The health centre continues to provide care while working in a very fragile state.  We see this continuing throughout the summer.

We are extremely thankful for the ongoing generosity of our seasonal property owners. Proportionally, and by value, they are the biggest donors supporting health care services in West Parry Sound. We ask that they come prepared and committed to ‘tread lightly’ on all of the public infrastructure services that we collectively rely on.

We offer the following advice:

BYOS (bring your own stuff)

• Please prepare for a slow and safe merge into community life. Bring a supply of groceries, prescriptions, beverages, and other items that will be used and consumed.

Practice and promote precautions

• Arrive in our community with a strong commitment to physical distancing.

• Maintain a keen awareness that this will not be summer-as-usual in all of the places where we love to gather: festivals, markets, public watersides, and family celebrations.

• Bring with you, non-medical grade masks for necessary outings and always wear your mask properly covering your nose and mouth.

• Avoid gatherings that involve people not included in your daily seasonal household.

Eliminate all avoidable risk

• Please, please, please - avoid risk and the potential need for emergency health care.

• This is not the summer for risky DIY, like cutting down the very large pine tree that’s been hanging over the screen porch. This is not the summer for a careless barefoot encounter with a rattlesnake.

• Hire a local professional and support (not visit) your local hospital.
 BURNING RESTRICTIONS
For information on the current Fire Danger Rating in the Township of The Archipelago, click here:  http://www.thearchipelago.on.ca/p/fire-rating

 CROWN LAND CAMPING RESTRICTIONS
Starting June 1, 2020, Ontario is reopening recreational camping on Crown Land managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 
 
No more than five people are allowed to camp together in a group, unless they live in the same household.  https://www.ontario.ca/page/recreational-activities-on-crown-land
 
Provincial Parks are also permitting back country camping.   https://www.ontarioparks.com/covid19
 MARINAS
At this time, marinas remain closed to the public, except to facilitate residents to access their water access property.  According to recent Provincial announcements- starting May 16, 2020, Marinas can resume recreational services.
 POINTE AU BARIL WHARF AND WATER ACCESS SITES
The Pointe au Baril Wharf, including docks, boat launch, washroom facility etc. will be open as of May 15th, 2020.
 
All Municipal boat launches/access sites will be open as of May 15th, 2020.
 
If you need to go out on the water please observe Province mandated social distancing protocols.

1. Limit the people aboard to those family members you share your home with, period—no guests.
2. No rafting with other boats or congregating at beaches.
3. Maintain a safe distance while loading or fueling the boat.
4. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly and after touching surfaces such as a fuel pump.
5. Pack what you need and do not plan to stop.
 
Stay 2 metres away from other boats or people that are not part of your household.
 NO GROUPS GREATER THAN FIVE

Get togethers with friends and family members outside of your household resulting in a group greater than five people is strictly prohibited.
 PHYSICAL DISTANCING ON THE WATER
Physical distancing rules still apply, even on the water. If you need to go out on the water, please take precautions to ensure you are being safe and continuing to distance from others, this means no beaching your boat next to someone else and no rafting up while on the water.
 
Stay 2 metres away from other boats or people that are not part of your household.

 TRAVEL BETWEEN COMMUNITIES
Traveling outside of your community for any reason puts yourself and others at risk of contracting COVID-19. Although it may seem harmless to go out of the area to do your grocery shopping or visit a family member, you risk spreading the virus to another community or bringing it back to your own.

Car accidents, breakdowns and unplanned bathroom breaks could also risk furthering the spread of the virus.
 
Remember, even asymptomatic people can be carriers of COVID-19, unnecessary trips into the community, or needing to call on emergency services could cause you to unknowingly contract or spread the virus.  Please do your part, stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Township of The Archipelago will be putting the following precautionary measures into effect to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by implementing closures for the protection of our staff, residents and our community by limiting exposure to others.  

 Municipal Office - Closed to Public Access
Until further notice, the Township Office located at 9 James Street, Parry Sound, will have no public access.  Municipal services will continue to be provided.

Payment Options
Please see payment options for the payment of property taxes and miscellaneous invoices issued by the Township.

How to Reach Municipal Staff
The public can interact with staff through telephone and emails, Monday to Friday (8:30 am-12:00pm and 1:00 pm-4:30 pm).  Please see the staff directory.  
The drop box system at the entrance to the Municipal Office can be used to submit payments, applications and other documentation.
Landfill Site 9 and Waste Transfer Stations 
All waste sites in the Township remain open.
  
Please click hereto view hours of operation for all North Waste sites.
 
Please click here to view hours of operation for all South Waste sites.

Please click here to view hours of operation for all Township Waste sites.

Please Note:

6 AUGUST 2021 UPDATE: Due to the proliferation of the delta variant of COVID-19, we are maintaining current levels of service at our transfer sites and landfill. Health and safety of our staff and residents remains paramount. 

Some staff may feel more comfortable than others in assisting rate payers with handling of their waste and recycling. We are allowing this added level of flexibility. However, you should be aware that we are not specifically requiring staff to assist.  It is at their discretion and level of comfort.  

As noted below, use of masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and social distancing continue to be required.

***

In light of the current COVID-19 global pandemic, the Operations unit at the Township of The Archipelago is adapting measures to ensure the safety of our staff and our residents.  Effective immediately, we are taking the following steps at our waste/transfer facilities:

  • Direction to staff to limit their interactions with our facility users including social distancing (maintaining a 2 metre distance from other individuals).
  • Direction to staff to not directly handle user's waste.  We ask for cooperation from the public to dispose of their refuse and materials themselves.
  • Use of available Township issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when interfacing with the public.
  • Please note that due to health and safety concerns including COVID-19, the Township has changed it's policy and staff will no longer be permitted to handle and/or collect liquor and beer empties for return.  
 Pointe au Baril Community Centre & Library - Closed
The Pointe au Baril Community Centre is closed to the public and all regular events are cancelled until further notice.
 
The Pointe au Baril Public Library is now open for curbside pick up and drop off during regular winter hours, Monday 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.  Please click here for contact information regarding the library in Pointe au Baril.  
 Pointe au Baril Community Centre Public Water
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Legislative Requirements, the Township may not be able to service the provision of water located at the Community Centre in the near future.  It is therefore imperative that you find alternative arrangements for water as soon as possible.

As of May 14th, 2020 water will be available 24/7. Staff will be periodically sanitizing the push button and the discharge point several times during the day.  Please be diligent and utilize the hand sanitizer prior to and after using the tap.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
 Pointe au Baril Wharf - Closed for the Season
The Pointe au Baril Wharf is now closed for the season.  Please click here for more information regarding this facility.
 Pointe au Baril Lighthouse - Closed
Unfortunately, the Pointe au Baril Lighthouse will not be open to the public this summer.  Please click here to read the history of the Lighthouse and to view the award winning documentary about Emmaline Madigan who has spent many years living and working at this historic site.
 Holiday Cove Marina - Closed for the Season
Holiday Cove Marina is now closed for the season.  Please see  Holiday Cove Marina for more information regarding the Marina.  
 Municipal Boat Launches/Access Points - Closed for the Season
All municipal boat launches/access points within the Township of The Archipelago are now closed for the season.  

To ensure the practice of proper social distancing measures, and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, Council Meetings will take place through electronic means only and will not be physically open to the public.  All meetings will be recorded and will be posted on the Township website for members of the public to view.  The minutes will remain the official record of the meetings.

The Township is encouraging delegates to provide written delegations as in-person delegations are not being permitted at this time.

The public may submit comments regarding agenda matters to Maryann Weaver, Clerk at mweaver@thearchipelago.on.ca

Upcoming Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings
 
June 4, 2020, Committee of the Whole (CANCELLED)
September 17, 2020, Council Meeting
October 15, 2020, Council Meeting
November 19, 2020 Council Meeting
December 10, 2020 Council Meeting

 
Planning Department Applications
(Committee of Adjustment and the Archipelago Area Planning Board)
The Province of Ontario has suspended all limitation periods and timelines associated with processing planning applications during the COVID-19 emergency.  All planning applications in process and any new applications are ‘on hold’ and being held in abeyance until further notice.  Please see the Planning Department for more information. 
Federal Support - Canada's Covid-19 Economic Response Plan
 
The Federal Government has announced programs for individuals, businesses and industries through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan webpage.
 
Provincial Support - Covid-19 Support for Businesses
 
The Provincial Government has announced programs for businesses through the COVID-19 Support for Businesses webpage.
 
Municipal Support - Township of The Archipelago
 
In light of the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Council, at their meeting held April 23rd, 2020, approved measures aimed at supporting residents.
 
Penalty and interest on the 2020 interim and final levy will be waived from March 31st to November 30th, 2020, as relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Penalty and interest charges will be reinstated December 1st, 2020.

Grocery/Supply Deliveries

The Rotary Club and Sobeys are working together to ensure that residents in the Parry Sound area can get groceries and supplies.  This service is intended for seniors, those with health issues and people who are self-isolating / quarantined and unable to shop.  Visit www.parrysound.ca/help or call (705) 996-0716 to request assistance.  If you would like to assist with shopping and deliveries, the website also has a place for you to sign up to volunteer or to donate.
 

Restaurants/Takeout

Many local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options.  Contact the restaurants directly to order.
 
Student Nutrition Ontario - Nippising, Muskoka, Parry Sound
 
Student Nutrition Ontario is offering assistance to children, youth and their families to ensure the needs of our community are met during this difficult and uncertain times as schools are closed, and children and youth are still hungry.
 
Families who wish to receive support are asked to register by emailing, names, address, phone number(s), number of children and the school the children regularly attend to studentnutrition@communitylivingnorthbay.org or by phone at 705-476-3288 ext. 1611.

Shop Local - Retail Stores

Keep in mind, many local businesses rely on shoppers and are heavily impacted by the closures. Many have switched to offer pick-ups or deliveries.  Contact your local merchants before shopping with non-local online retailers.  Most grocery stores and pharmacies have reduced their retail hours, and many are offering seniors only hours.  Visit their websites for up-to-date information.
The West Parry Sound Health Centre, supported by members of the local medical community, is now operating a COVID-19 Assessment Centre located in the Parry Sound Mall.  Appointments are necessary and access is only from the rear of the building.  Individuals meeting the criteria below may call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-746-4540 ext. 5030 between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, seven days per week. 

The current criteria for assessment:

Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and/or onset of (or exacerbation of chronic) cough AND any of the following with 14 days prior to onset of illness:
  • Travel outside of Canada.
  • Had close interactions with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
  • Had close interactions with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 who recently traveled outside of Canada or to an impacted area within Canada.
For more information, please CLICK HERE.