A reminder to all residents, the Town of Pelham is in a State of Emergency. This means that our day-to-day life has been severely altered. The Town, along with the region, province, and all Canadians, ask that we do our part to help flatten the curve and eliminate the spread of COVID-19.

Spring is here and the weather continues to warm; it’s tempting to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and warm breezes. However, as per our public health officials, we are at a critical stage in fighting COVID-19, and the best thing we can do is stay home.

We thank those who abide by the recent public health directives and mandatory emergency order for closures and restrictions, and urge those who have yet to follow suit to think of their community and the health of its citizens.

We continue to get questions about certain scenarios. The following should help clarify the restrictions and orders.

Closures and Restrictions

Outdoor recreational amenities closed

• Includes all playgrounds (schools and municipal), sports fields, off-leash dog parks, picnic areas and other such spaces
• This also includes parking lots

FAQ: Can I go and sit in the park, or can we gather to visit but maintain 6 feet?

No, you cannot. No gatherings, no use of park amenities or playground equipment, no congregating, no picnics.

To assist with clarifying park amenities and equipment closures, the Town is providing the following information:

In following the Province of Ontario order and the advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – the Town of Pelham closed all outdoor recreational facilities, including playgrounds, sports fields and off-leash dog parks, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Under the order, all communal or shared, public or private outdoor recreational amenities in Ontario are closed.

For Pelham specifically, this means the following park locations and their attached parking lots will be blocked off (as of April 6, 2020) preventing cars from entering:

• Centennial Park
• Harold Black Park
• Old Pelham Arena
• North Pelham Park

Note:

• Residents are not to congregate or linger in parks
• Residents may run/walk through the park as part of their daily exercise, but discouraged for any other use
• If using for daily exercise, residents must maintain 6 feet/two meters distance from others

Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited

Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Strict exceptions include households of more than five people, and child care centres serving essential workers

FAQ: Can my neighbours and I get together outside, if we maintain 6 feet, even if there are six of us?

• No. There are no gatherings of five or more people, unless your household is more than five people.
• Right now, it’s more important than ever to stay home unless for an essential outing like the grocery store or pharmacy
• This means, even if you maintain 6 feet:
  • no gatherings for bonfires
  • no faith-based holiday extended family/friends meals (Easter, Passover)
  • no happy hours or front porch get-togethers
  • no backyard parties
  • no driveway parties
  • no team street hockey

Non-essential business must close

Remaining open: Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants offering takeout/delivery/curbside pickup, and businesses deemed essential.

FAQ: Can other businesses remain open?

• These businesses can continue ONLY with curb side pick-up or delivery:
  • Hardware stores, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products including computer repair, safety supplies, must be through curbside pickup or delivery
• A full list of other essential business that can remain open are found here on the Government of Ontario’s website

Enforcement

• Our local municipal law officers and Niagara Regional Police Services are enforcing these closures and restrictions as per the provincial emergency order.
• Not following these directives may result in significant monetary penalties and fines
  • Failing to comply with an emergency order carries a fine of $750 per offense, and up to $1,000 for obstructing those attempting to carry out their duties under the Act.

• If you have a concern, contact our bylaw enforcement office at 905-892-2607 x201
• After 4:30 p.m., please call Niagara Region’s dispatch line at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579. Do not call 911.
• For all COVID 19 health matters and/or inquiries, please call the Public Health COVID-19 InfoLine at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 (press option 7 then follow the prompts).
• Businesses with questions around the Ontario government’s decision to close non-essential businesses can contact the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.