Ontario announces drive-in theatres can reopen, backcountry camping allowed and new electricity rate relief measures

The provincial government made several announcements today including extending the suspension of time-of-use price on electricity rates and the allowance of backcountry camping in Ontario Parks.

As Ontarians continue to work and learn from home, the province is extending the suspension of time-of-use price to provide consumers with greater stability and predictability with their electricity bills. They report that to extend this support responsibly, they will introduce a fixed electricity price, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Rate, of 12.8 cents per kWh, which will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 – October 31, 2020.

The province also announce that as of June 1st, backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails. Ontario Parks will also be expanding day-use activities to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas. There will continue to be some restrictions, such as no more than five people will be allowed to occupy a backcountry campsite during their stay, unless they live in the same household. At this time the closure of all other overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves has been extended to June 14 and will continue to be reassessed.

And in addition, Ontario is raising the curtain on drive-in movie theatres. The province says existing outdoor big screens will be allowed to resume business starting tomorrow. The decision comes as the province moves forward with stages of larger re-opening plans that started on May 19th when restrictions lifted on retail stores and surgeries.