The Grand River Conservation Authority has reopened Belwood Lake, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake and Rockwood conservation areas. The Elora Quarry remains closed for the time being.
The parks closed last week after several Grand River Parks experienced significant challenges with the number of visitors in attendance. In addition, some visitors were not following rules and disregarding provincial guidelines established to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Beyond people not respecting area closures, congregating in large groups and not practicing appropriate physical distancing measures, a considerable amount of garbage and other waste was being left throughout the parks and natural areas.
Also today, the GRCA will begin to open beaches and some washrooms in most of their conservation areas except Byng Island.
In light of the province’s recent announcement, the GRCA will also be making a decision on its ability to offer additional activities, such as overnight camping in the near future. A decision on overnight camping is anticipated by the end of June, and will be communicated via the GRCA’s website, social media channels and through the news media.
“As the GRCA reopens, the health and safety of staff and the community remain our highest priority. In addition to our ability to meet the government’s new public health and safety requirements, as a board, we will also need to consider the financial feasibility of reopening these additional activities,” says GRCA Chair Helen Jowett. “Like many organizations and businesses across Ontario, the GRCA’s operations have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario, and follow the guidance of federal and provincial governments and public health authorities. However, even where the province and the local health units permit an activity to occur or facility to open, the GRCA may determine that certain activities will not occur and certain facilities will not open on GRCA properties.
For more information about which GRCA properties are open and closed to the public, and what activities are permissible, please visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ.
