​COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Covid-19 Proof of Vaccination - Township Facilities

Effective September 22, 2021

Facilities: Port Carling Arena and select Community Centres (Bala, Port Carling, Milford Bay, Peninsula, Walker's Point and Ullswater)

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all participants, visitors and staff at our facilities. 

The public are expected to follow provincial protocols under the Ontario Reopening Plan.

Starting September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with ID to access certain public settings and facilities which includes facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal training including recreational facilities.

Who is required to show a Vaccine Receipt?

• Individuals 18 years of age and older, participating in the following types of programs:
  • Registered recreation programs i.e. hockey, skating lessons
  • Drop-in recreation and programs
  • Parents participating in parent/child lessons or spectating their child’s program/lessons
  • Meeting or event space patrons
  • Adult programming

• Visitors to Port Carling Arena for the purpose of:
  • Spectators including parents of children in a program or activity

• Participants of sport groups i.e. hockey clubs, skating clubs, etc.
  • Participants 18 years of age and older will be required to show their vaccine receipt to their club
  • Spectators will also have to show proof of vaccine

Exemptions (will not be required to show proof of vaccination receipt):

• Workers, Contractors, Repair Workers, Delivery workers, students, volunteers, inspectors or others who are entering the business for work purposes not as Patrons. A patron who is entering an indoor area solely for the following purposes:
  • to make a retail purchase;
  • while paying for an order;
  • to purchase admission; or
  • as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety.

• Children under 12 years of age.
Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, in accordance with the guidance below:
• The exemption relating to youth under 18 years of age actively participating  in indoor organized sport applies to training, practices, games and competitions. Examples of an organized sport for which the exemption applies include: sports leagues, organized pick-up sports, dance classes, martial arts and swimming classes
• The exemption does not apply to youth who are spectators at sporting events

• Patrons who are entering the indoor premises of a meeting or event space, including a conference centre or convention centre, solely for the purposes of attending a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a funeral service, rite or ceremony, but not an associated social gathering.
• Patrons who are entering the indoor premises of a meeting or event space other than a place described in (f) above, including a conference centre or convention centre, for the purposes of attending a social gathering associated with a wedding service, rite or ceremony or a social gathering associated with a funeral service, rite  or ceremony, on or after September 22, 2021, but before October 13, 2021, as long as the patron produces the results of an antigen test administered within the previous 48 hours establishing that the person is negative for COVID-19 to the person responsible for the establishment.
• Patrons who provide a written document, completed and supplied by a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”) stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.
  • Patrons with a medical exemption are required to present identification and a  written document stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason to the business or organization. To review proof of a medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, the business or organization must ensure:
    • The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.
    • The physician’s or registered nurse in the extended class’s information is complete by including:
• Name and contact information of the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
• Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
• Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
• Any effective time-period for the medical reason which includes the date the patron is seeking access to the business or organization.

Process and Steps for Collecting Vaccine Receipts:

All visitors (excluding those with exemptions) i.e. spectator, the visitors will be required to show their vaccine receipt as issued by the Province of Ontario and identification. This information will not be logged for visitors. 

Proving Identity:

Validation of identification must also be undertaken to ensure that vaccination receipt  offered by the patron belongs to them. Validation of vaccination will be based on two key identifiers:

1. Name of the identification holder; and
2. Date of birth.

A photo identification is not required.

Proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt include:

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship card
• Driver’s licence
• Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card2
• Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
• Passport
• Permanent Resident card

Validation of identification is considered to have been completed/successful when the name and date of birth of the presenter of the vaccination receipt and the name and date of birth on the identification document match. If the name and date of birth on both documents do not match, the individual will not be allowed to enter the business or organization.

For Ontario residents, expired Ontario government issued identification, including drivers’ licences, and expired Canadian government issued documents, such as passports, may be provided as proof of identification. Visitors from within Canada may provide expired passports but may not provide expired provincial documents as proof of identification. Al l patrons visiting from abroad may not provide expired documents as proof of identification.

The patron seeking entry to the business or organization is solely responsible for demonstrating that they are the legitimate holder of the vaccination receipt, and that the information being provided is complete and accurate and relates to the patron. If they cannot demonstrate that to the business or organization, the individual will not be allowed  to enter.

Continued Protocols

• All patrons must wear a mask;
• All patrons must continue to stay 2 metres apart;
• Pre-screening and Pre-booking for classes, drop-in programs and tickets continue to be required.

Supervision

• Children under 12 years of age are required to have adult supervision within changerooms and outside of program areas where there is not an instructor. Adults providing supervision must be vaccinated as detailed within this protocol.

Covid-19 Vaccine and Immunization

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, in partnership with key community stakeholders, is leading the efforts to immunize residents in Simcoe Muskoka. More information about local planning and community COVID-19 vaccine clinics, vaccine information and who can get the vaccine can be found below. 

• Covid-19 Vaccine and Immunization Information
  • NEW: FAQ: Pre-Registering for a COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment
  • NEW: FAQ: My Community Vaccination Clinic Appointment
  • NEW: FAQ: COVID-19 General Vaccination

• Booking Your Appointment
• Preparing for your Covid-19 Vaccine
• Media Release - Online booking begins for COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Call the health unit at 1-877-721-7520 for information or visit their website at www.smdhu.org.

For individuals who do not have internet access, please call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

On-Demand Transportation Service for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

The District has partnered with Hammond Transportation Ltd. to have an accessible vehicle available to help transport eligible individuals to the COVID-19 vaccination clinics located in Bracebridge and Huntsville, starting this past Monday, March 8th.

This is an on-demand service and trips will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Any District resident with a vaccine appointment can use the service, and it is free of charge.

The Hammond reservation telephone line will be available Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm to accept bookings. Individuals with an appointment can call (705) 645-2583 to book their trip. This service is being provided for the month of March. Any extension beyond the end of the month will depend on whether the District receives additional funding.

Learn More:

You can learn more about the on-demand service and other community transportation initiatives at: www.muskoka.on.ca/communitytransit or read the full news release here: bit.ly/3bq21RT

Covid-19 Testing

To get the latest information about if/where you should be tested for COVID-19, visit www.ontario.ca/covidtest

Public Health Sources

• Public Health Agency of Canada - Risk level for Canadians, Current situation, Travel advisories
• Government of Canada - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Awareness Resources - Infographics and fact sheets
• Ontario Ministry of Health - Ontario news, Status of cases in Ontario – updated at 10:30 a.m. daily
• World Health Organization - Technical documents, Questions and answers
• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Closely monitoring COVID-19 and continual updated information 
• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 

For more information on the COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open, as well as the public health guidance necessary to keep the people of Ontario safe, visit ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open.

Emergency Orders and Contact Information

The Province of Ontario has issued a number of Emergency Orders in recent days under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It is essential that everybody follow these emergency orders at all times to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following is a summary of the emergency orders currently in effect throughout Ontario, as well as the proper contact reporting information for members of the public who wish to report a suspected violation of an order.

Additional information for any of these emergency orders may be obtained by visiting news.ontario.ca

Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Operations COVID-19 Reopening Framework | A Roadmap to “New Business as Usual” 

Facilities

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is pleased to announce that starting Monday, September 13, 2021, the Municipal Office will open to the public by appointment. The Port Carling Arena along with select community centres have also reopened to the public.

Township services continue to be offered with curbside pick up, outdoor drop box and online through the Township website, email and over the phone as the preferred method of service for safety. Appointments will be offered for short, transactional services such as payments of accounts and commissioning of documents. Longer, more technical meetings, such as pre-consultations, will continue through electronic means.

To request an appointment, residents are asked to contact the appropriate department at 705-765-3156 or visit the Township’s Contact Us webpage. Those entering the office will be required to complete a Covid-19 Active Screening form and wear a face covering. Council and Committee meetings will continue to be held electronically at this time.

Public Libraries in Bala and Port Carling are open to the public with restrictions in place.  

Meeting Schedule

All regular and special Council, Standing Committees, Committee of Adjustment and Advisory Committee meetings are now being held electronically in accordance with section 238 of the Municipal Act, 2001 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please check the Municipal website for the meeting schedule.

Fire Danger Rating

The fire danger rating is set to MODERATE. 

Under a Moderate fire danger rating, small fires and fireworks are permitted, with the exclusion of flying lanterns. Residents are reminded that NO DAYTIME BURNING is allowed and to use extreme caution at all times.

For the up to date Fire Rating please call: 1-877-847-1577.

Building Permits/Inspections 

Covid-19 Continuity Plan - Permits and Inspections Procedure

Effective February 16, 2021 the Township of Muskoka Lakes will resume releasing building permits for construction sites within the Township. 

Building Permits

Building permit applications will continue to be accepted by mail, email bldg@muskokalakes.ca or at the Municipal Office drop box. These applications will be processed and reviewed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law. 

Building Inspections

Confirmation that a Township building inspector can safely enter a site is required at the time of booking and at the time of the inspection based on the following criteria:

• Worksites must be vacant at the time of inspection;
• An inspection will not be conducted on any worksite where Covid-19 is present;
• If the Inspector has any concerns for their health, an inspection will not be conducted;
• If any supporting documents are required for the inspection they must be provided to the inspector electronically or are to be left on site.
• Occupied buildings will not be inspected unless vacated a minimum of 3 days prior to inspection.

When on-site, inspectors will be assessing the site with the conditions listed above. If any conditions are not satisfactory to the inspector, an inspection will be re-booked at a later date.

Note: For enclosed inspections such as insulation, heating, plumbing, occupancy, final, etc., inspectors will be confirming site conditions as outlined above. If any of these conditions are not met, an inspection will not be conducted at that time. If an inspection is needed to finalize or advance a permit, the Building Department may consider Engineer or Architectural reports for compliance with the related item under the Building Code.

Booking Inspections: Email your inspection request to bldg@muskokalakes.ca.
Include:
-Type of Inspection
-Permit Number
-Property Address
-Contact Name and Number.
An Inspector will contact you and confirm the conditions above. If you cannot confirm these conditions are met the inspection will not take place.

Outdoor Recreational Amenities

Public Boat Launches: Municipal boat launches remain open at this time.

Trails: Trails remain open for walk through access, but residents are reminded to maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others.

Outdoor Amenities: Outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, beaches, skateboard parks, picnic areas and park shelters are open.   Please be advised that these amenities are not being sanitized. 

Public Washrooms: All Township public washrooms remain open.

Port Carling Locks: The Port Carling Locks remain open. Hours of operation and fees can be found at www.muskoka.on.ca.

The public are asked to follow provincial guidelines on physical distancing by maintaining minimum of 2 metres between individuals and wash or sanitize your hands before and after each use. 

View all Media Releases related to COVID-19.

Public Notices related to COVID-19.

• Public Notice - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Bids and Tenders Updates
• Public Notice - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information and Updates

Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 6 - May 11, 2021

Past Updates

• Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 5 - May 15, 2020
• Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 4 - May 13, 2020
• Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 3 - April 7, 2020
• Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 2 - March 23, 2020
• Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - March 17, 2020

Last Updated on February 10, 2021

This page will be updated with the current status of confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff and visitors reported to Township facilities. 

The health and safety of staff and customers is our top priority. 

It is important for everyone to stay diligent and continue to follow public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in our community. If you begin to show symptoms of Covid-19, please follow the Provincial symptoms of Covid-19 guidelines.

Only call 911 if it is an emergency. For more information about protecting yourself from Covid-19, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

1. Muskoka Lakes Public Library Staff Member Tests Positive for Covid-19

On Saturday, February 6, 2021 the Muskoka Lakes Public Library was informed that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19 and is quarantining.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has advised that there is no health risk to members of the general public or staff, as the risk of spread to other staff and the community is low. The Public Library will continue with its safe approach (contactless curbside pickup) to providing library service for the community. Safety protocols and policies are in place to ensure physical distancing of staff and the public, good hand hygiene, the wearing of personal protective equipment, and quarantining all items returned.

As a further precaution, the Public Library has ensured enhanced cleaning of the facility and will be open during regular scheduled hours for curbside pick-up on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

As the health and safety of staff and the community remains our top priority, the Public Library has and continues to follow Public Health guidelines.

It is important for everyone to stay diligent and continue to follow public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in our community. If you begin to show symptoms of Covid-19, please follow the Provincial symptoms of Covid-19 guidelines.

Only call 911 if it is an emergency. For more information about protecting yourself from Covid-19, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

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