As a result of the Provincial government’s announcement on May 1, the City resumed work starting Monday on all municipal construction projects as well as beginning preparation work to open marinas. Boaters are reminded that, in accordance with the announcement, marinas remain closed to the public until further notice. (also see subsequent update below)
“While certain construction projects, like the Third Crossing, had been allowed to continue, this announcement means we can move ahead on important projects like the Kingston East Community Centre,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “We will ensure that physical distancing, hand-hygiene and other safety precautions are in place at these sites – safety is paramount – but overall this is good news for our community as we take steps to reopen and get our economy up and running.”
As detailed in a City release, the following businesses were permitted to begin operations as of this Monday, May 4 by following the proper health and safety guidelines:
* Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
* Lawn care and landscaping;
* Additional essential construction projects that include:
- shipping and logistics;
- broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;
- any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;
- municipal projects;
- colleges and universities;
- child care centres;
- schools; and
- site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
* Automatic and self-serve car washes;
* Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
* Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
* Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
UPDATE via City of Kingston release: As of May 5, the City re-opened the following municipal boat launches:
* Collins Bay boat launch, 4086 Bath Rd.
* Grass Creek Park, 2991 Hwy 2.
* Lake Ontario Park, 920 King St. W.
* West Street boat launch, 1 Ontario St.
* Cataraqui St. boat launch (at Emma Martin Park and the Woolen Mill)
The boat launches at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Marina remain closed to the public under provincial emergency orders.
COVID-19 precautions and emergency orders remain in place
Signage is in place at the boat launches reminding residents to practice physical distancing by keeping at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others at all times while loading/unloading boats and while on the waterways. Fishing remains open in Ontario and we request you follow all fishing rules and regulations as set out in the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
Residents are reminded that while City parks and specific amenities like the boat launches are open, other amenities like playground equipment, benches, washrooms and picnic tables remain closed under provincial emergency orders.
Municipal marinas remain closed
Preparation work is underway at Confederation Basin and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour marinas, utilizing full-time staff from other closed recreation facilities. Members of the public may notice City staff working along the waterfront. This work is maintenance in nature but also helps to prepare for the potential of re-opening of the marinas to boaters should provincial emergency orders be amended to permit the operation of marinas, subject to measures put in place in coordination with local public health. Safety precautions, including physical distancing, will be in place during all preparation work.
Decisions regarding opening of marinas will adhere to Ontario’s Framework for Reopening and provincial emergency orders.
Photo: Google
Update details/release: City of Kingston
