Sarnia Removes "Fire Ban' and Re-opens Boat Launch
The Sarnia Primary Control Group met via teleconference on May 8, 2020, at 9:00 am regarding developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Updates
The Sarnia Primary Control Group (SPCG) has been recommending that the City adopt a measured approach in its review of services and restrictions currently in place in line with recommendations made by the Government of Ontario and Lambton Public Health.
To align with the Government of Ontario’s implementation of Phase 1 of A Framework for Reopening our Province, following the advice of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambton Public Health, the SPCG is now recommending a lessening of the following restrictions currently in place:
1. Fire Ban
The Mayor issued Emergency Order No. 3 on May 8, 2020 which allows all previously issued open burning restrictions within the City of Sarnia to be repealed effective immediately.
2. Boat Launch
Effective immediately, the City of Sarnia is reopening the boat launch located at Centennial Park.
In light of the easing of these restrictions, we remind residents that they must continue to fully comply with the conditions outlined in the City of Sarnia’s Open Air Burning By-Law. Please continue to practice health measures that remain in place, such as the requirement to maintain physical distancing and not gather in groups of more than 5 people. Any recreational campfire is to be enjoyed by your immediate household only.
Sarnia Fire Chief Arnold said “The SPCG continues to monitor provincial developments, consult with the Medical Officer of Health. We thank the community for their cooperation and patience during this time as we dealt with measures needed to ensure the safety of our residents and employees due to COVID-19.”
Sarnia Police Chief Hansen reiterated Chief Arnolds’ comments, “The purpose of the Fire Ban and Boat Launch closure was to emphasize social distancing; however, with the provincial rollout of Phase 1, we are now in a position to ease restrictions. We would like to thank the vast majority of citizens for your continued cooperation and the sacrifices that you made for our community during these difficult times.”
Park Amenities and Public Beaches
We would like to remind the public that all outdoor facilities, their associated parking lots, and public beaches will remain closed until the Government of Ontario rescinds its ban. This includes:
· sports fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and community gardens.
As of 9:00 a.m. on May 8 SPCG can report that:
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Lambton County
Confirmed Cases
193
Number of Related Deaths
16
Institutional Outbreaks
1
Resolved Outbreaks
3
By-Law Enforcement - COVID-19 Reporting System
Total number of complaints and inquiries received
838
Total number of emails received
702
Total number of phone calls received
136
Total number of fines issued
5
Lambton Public Health
· If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled internationally, please call your health care provider or Lambton Public Health (519-383-8331) or https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/ (Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency).
Provincial Orders
The current State of Emergency will remain in effect until May 12, 2020
The Sarnia Primary Control Group will continue to meet daily to ensure that all new and relevant information is being taken into consideration going forward. Daily public notifications will be issued. Please visit the City’s website www.sarnia.ca, Facebook, and/or Twitter for updates.
For further information, please contact:
City of Sarnia COVID-19 Hotline
covid@sarnia.ca or 1-877-4-SARNIA (1-877-472-7642) or 519-332-0932
City of Sarnia, Customer Service
customerservice@sarnia.ca or 519-332-0330 ext.3131