The City of Sarnia and Village of Point Edward have reopened the parking lots at popular public places including along Canatara beach and beneath the Blue Water Bridge.
They were shut down as a pandemic precaution after the municipalities declared states of emergency on March 18, 2020.
The washrooms located near the beach pavilion and the bandshell at Canatara Park are reopened for the season from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The washrooms near the animal farm have been open throughout the COVID-19 state of emergency.
The city reminds the public that reconstruction work at the west entrance to Canatara Park, including the west roundabout near Sandy Lane continues, and there is no vehicle access to the park from Sandy Lane. Access to Canatara Park remains open at the Christina Street entrance.
At Centennial Park, the Agora washrooms remain open for use from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
Under the Bluewater Bridge in Point Edward, the washrooms at the parking lot remain closed until later next week due to ongoing, scheduled renovations. Portable toilets have been made available.
The washrooms at the splash pad at Waterfront Park and in front of the Lambton Area Water Supply System remain closed at this time.
All other park washrooms remain closed throughout the two municipalities.
The public is urged to keep in mind when deciding when to visit, that the beach and bridge areas can attract large numbers, and residents and visitors are reminded to keep at least two metres apart from each other at all times.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said most outdoor places can be enjoyed in a low-risk manner.
"The way to do that is by really sticking to the group that you came with and making sure that you try your best to maintain physical distancing between other people. An incidental walk-by is probably not a very high-risk situation, so don't stress out too much about it."
Dr. Ranade said there's no need to wear a mask at the park because it's an open, outdoor setting.
Park amenities, including playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, splash pads and swimming pools remain closed to the public at this time.
-With files from Josh Boyce