Clarington closes outdoor amenities amidst a growing COVID-19 crisis

Clarington, Ontario –  With Clarington’s COVID-19 active case count at an all-time high and variants of concern spreading rapidly, the Municipality is taking decisive action to close outdoor amenities while urging residents to abide by the provincial stay-at-home order.

“We need to heed the call from our medical experts and professionals who have urged residents to follow restrictions and protect society and the health care system. We are at a tipping point; the choice we make today will affect our tomorrow,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Just last week, Lakeridge Health’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Tony Stone, made the following statement: “Our health-care workers are working around the clock to save lives, offer comfort, and protect the health of our communities. Now, more than ever, we depend on a shared commitment to the provincial directives to get control of this virus. Please support us by doing your part.”

“Let’s answer Dr. Stone’s call. Let’s support our healthcare workers by doing the right thing,” added Mayor Foster.

As required by provincial directives, Clarington is closing outdoor amenities, including basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and skateboard parks. Clarington is also closing Municipal boat launches for the duration of the six-week Provincial order. In addition to these closures, the Municipality is restricting the sale of fireworks across Clarington ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend. Picnic tables are closed, and any outdoor picnics or gatherings in public spaces are also prohibited at this time.

Clarington is discouraging fishing as it promotes unnecessary gatherings and crowding and does not fall under the essential activity list as outlined in Ontario’s stay-at-home order. We implore our residents and all anglers to follow these directions. The Municipality wants to ensure that our community is protected and safe. We want to stop avid anglers from travelling to Clarington from other hotspot places in the Greater Toronto Area.

Our Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be out in the community educating residents about the importance of abiding by the Public Health regulations. If necessary, officers are prepared to pursue non-compliance and issue tickets. Our goal is to create awareness and promote safety across our community.

“We all need to stay at home. You can leave for work, groceries, to access medical care or fill a prescription and exercise. It’s simple. Make the right choice and protect each other. These steps are necessary as this third wave of the pandemic is unlike anything we have seen to date,” added Mayor Adrian Foster.

What’s closed/not allowed:

• Basketball, tennis and pickleball courts
• Skateboard parks
• Soccer fields
• Baseball diamonds
• Recreation centres
• Boat launches
• Picnic tables in parks and beaches

What’s open for exercise only and day use with mandatory strict physical distancing. Mask-wearing is recommended outdoors.

• Municipal trails
• Playgrounds
• Dog parks
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Conservation Areas
• Darlington Provincial Park day use only
• Ganaraska Forest
• Orono Crown Lands
• Samuel Wilmot Nature Area
• Waterfront and beaches are open for exercise only. No gathering or picnics allowed.

Please note this is a fluid situation. The Municipality will pivot and make any necessary changes as Provincial Public Health guidelines and restrictions alter. For the latest information, visit our dedicated pandemic web page, www.clarington.net/COVID-19. 

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net