COVID-19 Update: Township Facility Closures & Program Cancellations

Ayr -  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve around the world and in our local community, the health and wellbeing of our residents and Staff remains our top priority.  The Township continues to work closely with the Region of Waterloo’s Public Health and the Pandemic Control Group to monitor and respond to new developments. 

Late evening on Friday, March 13th, the Province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provided updated guidance to support public health units in managing and responding to this ongoing issue.  Based on this update, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Region of Waterloo Public Health’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, has recommended an increased emphasis on social distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus within the community.

In response, the Region and all area municipalities are making significant changes to services and programming, effective March 16^th, 2020.  These changes will remain in effect until April 5, and will be evaluated for potential extension beyond that date:

Facility Closures

All municipally-run indoor cultural and recreational facilities will be closed to the Public from March 16 to April 5.  This includes:

• Ayr Community Centre, 7 Church Street, Ayr
• Ayr Branch, Waterloo Region Library, 137 Stanley Street, Ayr
• Community Hall, Ayr Fire Station, 501 Scott Street, Ayr
• North Dumfries Community Complex, 2958 Greenfield Road, Ayr
• Roseville Community Centre, 3195 Roseville Road, Roseville

Neighbourhood parks and the open space network remain open. 

Recreation, Culture & Leisure Programs & Activities Cancellations

All recreation, culture & leisure programs and activities offered in municipal facilities including community centres will be cancelled from March 16 to April 5.  These cancellations include Organizations and Service Providers that rent space in a Township facility for recreation, culture & leisure programming. 

Council & Advisory Committee Meeting Cancellations

All Council, Committees of Council and Advisory Committee Meetings will be cancelled for the time period extending from March 16^th through to April 5^th.  This includes:

• Regular Council - March 23^rd
• Special Council - March 24^th
• Council – Planning - March 24^th
• Economic Development Advisory Committee - April 1^st

Township Municipal Office

The Township Municipal Office remains open during regular business hours, Monday to Friday.    We are requesting the assistance of the Public to limit visits to the Municipal Office, and where possible, to access services or information on-line  or via telephone.    Residents are encouraged to visit the Township website  [www.northdumfries.ca] for more information. 

Fire Department & Public Works

All essential services provided by the Fire Department and Public Works will remain operational.

These are challenging times for our community, and the residents and businesses our Township proudly serve.   The Township recognizes that the pace at which decisions and changes are occurring is disruptive and disconcerting, and that these decisions may have significant impact on those we serve.  We regret the disruption these changes will have; however the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Staff and our community at large is the Township’s top priority.   Based on the recommendations of our regional, provincial and federal health care leaders, we believe these decisions are in the best interest of our community, and our collective health. 

The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing. We will continue to adjust our operations according to the recommendations of health authorities.    Any further operational changes or updates will be provided through the Township’s website and social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter). 

Attachments

2020-03-15 - Township of North Dumfries Media Release COVID-19