Warmer temperatures are here and as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, the Town of Georgina provides the following reminders.
Provincial guidelines: On Thursday, May 13, the province extended the stay-at-home order for a second time, until June 2. This requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
Parking: The Town has increased no parking and no stopping fines within the Waterfront Park Buffer Zone. This includes the entire shoreline area of Lake Simcoe and Town roads in lakeside neighbourhoods. Effective May 22, no parking fines will increase from $30 to $100 and no stopping fines will increase from $50 to $150 within this area. Visit georgina.ca/parking for more information.
Reduced speeds: The speed limit along Lake Drive East, Lake Drive North and Hedge Road is 30 km/hr as the Town takes steps to improve traffic safety. Speed limits are also reduced on side streets. Everyone is reminded to share the road responsibly as these are residential areas that are popular with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Amenities and facilities: Parks, trails, playgrounds, Town boat launches and dog park are open. Residents are reminded of provincial guidelines when using amenities. The use of picnic tables is currently prohibited under the provincial legislation. Tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, sports fields, skateboard parks, soccer fields and baseball diamonds are closed. All Town facilities remain closed to the public.
Fireworks: Residents are reminded they can set off fireworks without a licence on Victoria Day and Canada Day only, as well as the day before and after each of these holidays. A licence is needed to set off fireworks on any other day of the year.
· If you will be setting off fireworks, carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks’ packaging. Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by, and discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials such as buildings, trees and dry grass.
A reminder to follow the COVID-19 provincial guidelines respecting the stay-at-home-order, and outdoor gatherings are to be limited to members of your own household. Visit georgina.ca/fireworks.
Fires: There is currently no fire ban in place in Georgina. Every resident who has an agricultural or open-air burn permit must call in and provide their permit number and the date they are burning. The automated line is 905-476-2332 or 905-476-5167. Recreational fires are allowed and do not need a permit. If residents do have a recreational fire, they still have to follow the requirements of the by-law. Visit georgina.ca/BurnPermit to learn more.
Yard sales: Permits are not being issued for yard or garage sales until further notice. This is to prevent large groups from gathering.
Garbage collection: Due to the Victoria Day holiday, garbage and recycling collection for the week of May 24 will be one day later.
Customer service will not be available on Monday, May 24 and will resume on Tuesday, May 25. For the latest information and updates on municipal operations, cancellations and closures, visit georgina.ca/COVID-19.