COVID-19

The following page has been provided as a resource to residents and visitors regarding COVID-19.

For details about the current status of COVID-19 in our community, and ways you can protect yourself, visit the Grey Bruce Public Health website.

How to Protect Yourself

Everyone should practice good basic hygiene as a preventative measure to protect against the novel coronavirus and other viruses in this cold and flu season.

wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
sneeze and cough into your sleeve
avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
avoid contact with people who are sick
clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
stay home if you are sick

Staff is in consultation with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit on a regular basis, following their guidelines, best practices and recommendations. The City will continue to provide essential services to residents including transit, water services, garbage pickup and emergency services.

Mayor's Message

I want to thank all members of our Owen Sound community for your understanding and compassion in these trying times.

Many of the facilities, services and stores that are important to us are closed, and activities that have kept us occupied and entertained are on hold for now.

City staff and contractors will continue to maintain the critical functions including water, wastewater, winter road maintenance, garbage pickup, transit, police and fire.

We are monitoring events provincially and locally. In consultation with medical officials there may be further steps taken to protect city staff and residents.

I encourage everyone to practice social distancing, avoid large groups of people, and wash your hands often. Please continue to show compassion and understanding to each other.

Thanks.

Mayor Ian Boddy

Press Releases

March 16, 2020

Owen Sound, Ontario – Monday, March 16, 2020 – In consultation with Public Health and reviewing the Government of Canada’s information regarding Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings, the following City services, functions and promotions are being postponed or cancelled:

- All City Council & Committee Meetings are cancelled effective March 18^th until otherwise notified.

- The 2020 Home and Cottage Expo scheduled for April 25^th and 26^th at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is cancelled.

- Savour Owen Sound. Residents are encouraged to contact all Savour Owen Sound Participants to inquire about hours of operation and take-out options, restaurants may remain open at their discretion.

- Springfest Games (Senior Games) that were scheduled to take place at various facilities throughout the City in April and May are cancelled.

- The household Hazardous Waste event scheduled for April 18^th is cancelled.

In addition to the above cancellations and postponements,City Hall is closed to the public effective 2:00pm on Monday, March 16.

The regularly scheduled Committee of Adjustment meeting for March 17^th at 3:00pm will take place with special provisions.

A full refund will be issued to all Home and Cottage Expo Vendors and to residents who have registered to participate in the Springfest Games. Staff will reach out to all those affected to discuss the most efficient way to return funds.

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For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca.

Owen Sound City Hall is located at 808 2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 2H4.

March 13, 2020

Owen Sound, Ontario – Friday, March 13, 2020 – Over the last several days, City of Owen Sound officials have engaged in extensive conversation and consultation with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit respecting COVID-19. The safety and well-being of Owen Sound residents and staff remains our top priority.

As a result of the consultation and in reviewing the Federal Government’s Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings, the following precautions are being taken and will remain in place until further evaluated on Friday, April 3^rd:

- The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is closed to all ice rentals, public skating, users of the walking track and large-scale events that are deemed a risk per the Federal Government’s Risk Assessment for Mass Gatherings.

- The Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre is closed to all ice rentals and public skating. The public is encouraged to contact the YMCA Bruce Grey Owen Sound for programming related to YMCA services.

- The Public Works Facility located at 1900 20^th Street East is closed to the Public. City Hall remains open for Blue Box and Bag Tag purchasing.

During the time of the public funded school closure, crossing guard services will not be in effect and will resume on Monday, April 6^th.

“City staff will strive to ensure that all vital utilities and essential services are maintained to the highest standard and that we protect the citizens of our community,” said Mayor Ian Boddy. “While we recognize the closure of some city facilities affects the public, we encourage everyone to continue to be active in our many parks, open spaces and trail networks.”

City Staff will continue to engage and work alongside Public Health Officials to take appropriate measures as necessary.

Members of the public are reminded to be diligent in their hygiene practices: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information, please contact Wayne Ritchie at 519-376-4440 ext 1210 or email to writchie@owensound.ca.

Owen Sound City Hall is located at 808 2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 2H4

Resources

Grey Bruce Public Health Unit: https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/

Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html

Ontario Ministry of Health: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/