As local businesses prepare to move in to Stage 3 on Friday, the City of Sarnia and Town of Petrolia are resuming some services.
In Sarnia, municipal buildings, including City Hall and Public Works are scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 27.
The number of patrons allowed to enter facilities will be restricted and barriers installed between employees and customers. The city is also encouraging the use of masks in indoor public spaces.
Sarnia Transit will move to Saturday service throughout the week on Tuesday, August 4 with a full reinstatement of transit services expected by September 6.
As per Stage 3 of the provincial framework, park playgrounds are permitted to reopen. Sarnia staff will finish completing inspections and surface preparations so that all park equipment will be available for use August 1, 2020. All remaining public park washrooms will open July 24, 2020.
Community Services continues to take a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to reopening:
PASA Rink 2 reopens August 4 PASA Rink 1 and Clearwater Arena reopen September 14 Sarnia Arena reopens September 21 Cox Youth Centre Pool and Splash Pad reopens from August 1 to August 30 Lifeguarding services for Canatara Beach resumes from August 1 to August 30 Sport field permits can now be issued for organized sports effective August 1, 2020. The issuance of permits can be completed by email to parksandrecaration@sarnia.ca
The Strangway Centre will remain closed until further notice. All summer camps and swimming lessons will not be offered this year.
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The Town of Petrolia has provided the following list of updated services:
Campfires: Are permitted, and residents are reminded to follow the by-law and to always have a source of water nearby.
Compost Transfer Site & Curbside Wood Chipping: Will continue as scheduled. Details are available here. Residents are reminded to sort compost materials. Please continue to keep a 6 foot/2 metre from staff as they collect complete the wood chipping on your property.
Council Meetings: Will continue to be held by electronic means. At this time, there is no benefit to move to in-person meetings as the video platform allows as many residents to attend meetings, whereas in person meetings would largely limit public from attending due to the physical distancing requirements for Council Chambers. As we proceed forward this will be reconsidered.
Downtown Petrolia Merchants: Shopping promotions are currently in place to help encourage residents to shop in Petrolia. Merchants are all working within the Provincial guidelines with support from the Town of Petrolia to offer goods and services in a safe manner. Residents are encouraged to continue showing their support to our merchants and to think Petrolia first.
Events: Remaining 2020 signature events are currently under review and will be announced one at a time.
Facility Maintenance: Work continues at all facilities.
Funerals and Cemetery Services: Services remain available. Please respect the physical distancing guidelines when attending Hillsdale Cemetery.
Greenwood Recreation Centre: Will remain closed until further notice.
Lottery Licensing, Marriage Licenses: Lottery Licensing is now available. Marriage Licenses and civil ceremonies are currently available, by appointment.
Petrolia Connection: Will remain available in a digital only format at this time. Please e-mail lellsworth@petrolia.ca to be added to the mailing list.
Petrolia Farmers’ Market: Will proceed through the remainder of the 2020 season respecting physical distancing and requesting minimal gathering. The Kerr Café will remain closed for the season as well.
Petrolia Municipal Office: Residents are welcome to visit Town Hall but, an appointment is required, please call (519)882-2350. Washrooms inside Town Hall will continue to remain closed to the public at this time, however the washrooms at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market are available. Residents are asked to wear a mask and to sanitize hands upon entry and to maintain physical distancing.
Parks & Recreation: Work continues throughout Petrolia.
Petrolia Parks & Nature Trails: Green spaces, nature trails and park lands remain available. Physical distancing is required.
Petrolia Playground Equipment: The playground equipment in our parks will be fully inspected and deep cleaned prior to re-opening on Saturday, July 25, 2020. The playground equipment will be sanitized regularly, but residents are reminded that the playground equipment is something that is available at the risk of the user.
Petrolia YMCA: Guidelines for the re-opening of the facility will be found at www.petroliay.ca once they are available, and the re-opening date will be announced soon.
Planner Hours: Rob Nesbitt, Senior Planner is available for meetings on Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – noon, and a full day each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Residents are welcome to call (519)882-2350 on these days to speak with Mr. Nesbitt regarding any questions or to schedule an appointment or to visit the Municipal Office regarding your planning items. All in-person meetings will require all parties to wear masks and follow facility health and safety protocols. Multiple people from one family may attend a meeting if required. Strict adherence to physical distancing guidelines and health and safety will be observed. Even when Mr. Nesbitt is not working at the Petrolia Municipal Office, he is available at the County of Lambton building, by telephone to (519)845-0801 or by e-mail to rob.nesbitt@county-lambton.on.ca.
Public Works: Work continues throughout Petrolia. Wingfield Street reconstruction will continue.
Tax Payment & Late Charges: The waiving of penalties, late fees and NSF charges ends on July 31, 2020.
Victoria Playhouse Petrolia & Victoria Hall Rentals: Currently under review. Announcements forthcoming.
Waste Collection & Large Item Collection: Waste collection continues with the request that you place only bags of waste at the curb to limit the risk to Waste Management drivers. Large Item Collection has been confirmed on your regular collection day during the week of October 19-23, 2020. Details are available here.
Water & Wastewater: Please continue to only flush waste and toilet paper. Your attention to this detail will ensure the longevity of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.