After a couple of false starts, Elgin county announced today beaches will re-open to the public on June 22. That includes beaches in Port Stanley, which it was hoped originally would open June 15. Elgin County Warden Dave Mennill confirmed beaches in Port Burwell and Port Bruce will also open that day.
Groups will be limited to 10 people with no visiting with other groups. Central Elgin has hired four bylaw officers to enforce social distancing and will have what Martyn calls beach champions – volunteer firefighters in white shirts – to remind visitors of the protocols.
Martyn adds the municipality’s Facebook page at Central Elgin Beach Rescue will advise visitors of conditions prior to heading to the beach.
Washrooms will be open and will be sanitized twice a day, but Martyn said beachgoers should still bring their own hand sanitizer, wipes and water.
Planning for the re-opening of public beaches in Elgin County is proceeding under the following
considerations and regulations:
• Signs will be posted to remind visitors of the need to practice social distancing of at least 2 metres
with those who do not reside in the same household. Observing this is a shared responsibility.
• Public washrooms will be open and will be cleaned on a regular basis but visitors are urged to
review safety guidelines issued by Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) prior to visiting, and to bring
their own provisions for hand sanitation.
• Gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited according to the Province of Ontario’s
emergency order in response to the pandemic.
• The Ontario Provincial Police and Municipal By-law Enforcement will be conducting regular patrols
of all Elgin county beaches.
