All Community Centres and Programs Closed

When:
March 26, 2020 all day
2020-03-26T00:00:00-04:00
2020-03-27T00:00:00-04:00

NOTICE RE: COVID 19 Preparedness in Algonquin Highlands

Members of the Algonquin Highlands Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) met today (Friday March 13) to review the status of the coronavirus pandemic, and to discuss potential implications for residents of, and visitors to, Algonquin Highlands.

The discussion focussed on public and staff safety, particularly around business and service continuity for the public. This included workplace strategies for staff and public safety; potential implications for public spaces and gatherings; and emergency management considerations not only for our Fire Services but also for any disruption to services should municipal workers contract the virus.

With only five councillors and just over 30 employees, Algonquin Highlands doesn’t have an over-abundance of staff to manage municipal functions should the virus come calling.

There is a tremendous influx of people into our community over March Break. The widespread cancellation of events, attractions and gatherings, along with the closure of public schools for an extra two weeks further informed this morning’s discussion.

In order to protect the broadest range of people within our community:

  • The community centres in each of Stanhope, Dorset and Oxtongue Lake are now closed until further notice;
  • This closure includes the fitness centre at the Dorset Recreation Centre which is used by hundreds of people every week;
  • All programming and events at these centres has been cancelled until further notice and staff will be contacting any person or group who uses or has plans to use these facilities;
  • Meetings by committees of Council are suspended until further notice with the exception of the Committee of Adjustment as it has legislated timelines;
  • Staff and Firefighters will be advised of, and undertake, enhanced protocols for hygiene, personal space and cleaning in relation to daily duties and public interaction.

The Township office has hand sanitizer at the front door and anyone entering the building is asked to use it.

As it is tax time, please remember taxes may be paid online rather than attending the office. Information about this is on the Township website or you may call the office for assistance.

The Township of Algonquin Highlands encourages the public to be attentive to hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and to be vigilant around vulnerable citizens.

An update on this issue will be provided each Friday until normal operations resume. The public may also subscribe to the News & Notices section on the Township website to be immediately informed, by email, of any new information.

We thank the public for their understanding of our obligation toward safety regarding public spaces and the general well-being of the community.

For further information please contact:
Township of Algonquin Highlands
705-489-2379
[email protected]