The Government of Ontario announced last week revisions to the essential workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, restricting access to short-term accommodations (STAs), seasonal trailer parks, and recreational campgrounds.
“We commend the province for listening to our Council and other municipalities who have called for measures limiting all non-essential travel to our communities during this time of crisis,” Mayor Ferguson says. “Many accommodation providers and operators have already heeded our call to cancel all bookings out of concern for the health and safety of our community. I want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
Under the provincial order, STA rental bookings after April 4, 2020 are only allowed if they are provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period. STA operators must email stalicences@pecounty.on.ca and notify the municipality if they are operating their accommodations in a way that conforms to the provincial order. Offering an STA to individuals in need is entirely voluntary and operators are under no obligation to do so. All other use of an STA is prohibited until the provincial order is lifted.
In addition, the province ordered the closure of seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds. The provincial government recognizes that some parks and campgrounds might have opened early to accommodate returning “snowbirds.” For Ontarians whose only Canadian residence is at one of these seasonal trailer parks or campgrounds, they are permitted to continue their occupancy and complete their mandatory self-isolation as required by the federal government on March 25, 2020 under the Quarantine Act. People who fall into the above category must notify the County at bylaw@pecounty.on.ca. All other uses of these facilities are prohibited until the provincial order is lifted.
The provincial measures went into effect as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 pm and will remain in place for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension as the situation evolves.
County by-law officers are enforcing the provincial order. If you believe an accommodation provider or park/campground operator is violating the provincial order, you can call 613.476.2148 extension 1023 or email info@pecounty.on.ca.
Up to date information on the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is posted on the County website: www.thecounty.ca/county-residents/covid-19.
Submitted by Prince Edward County
