NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF INNISFIL
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The Town of Innisfil continues to do everything it can to encourage residents to stay home. Starting today, the town is launching a bold, new contest aimed at teenagers to encourage them to practise physical distancing. Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 have a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards to support a local Innisfil restaurant of their choice. To enter the contest, Innisfil teenagers are asked to share the Town of Innisfil’s “Stay the #@& Home!” post on Instagram and tag three friends in the comments.
“We know that our teens are really grappling with having to be at home these days and that it can be tempting for young people to go out, but we need everyone to do their part to flatten the curve,” says Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. “We also know that there are many teens out there who are practicing physical distancing so we want to hear those stories and offer a little reward for those who continue to do so.”
Winners will be announced on April 30, 2020. Full details and contest rules are available at innisfil.ca/stayhomecontest.
The Town of Innisfil continues to step up efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 to protect the public and is implementing several other measures.
Town Events Cancelled
Effective immediately, all Town of Innisfil and Innisfil ideaLAB & Library events are cancelled until further notice. All third party events hosted on town property by community organizations may engage in the permitting process with the understanding that permits will be not be issued until the provincial order to limit large gatherings is lifted.
"While we recognize the importance of events in the community, protecting the health and safety of our residents is our primary concern," says Mayor Lynn Dollin. "This is especially difficult since we had so many wonderful festivities planned for our bicentennial, but the sooner we take the advice of our medical experts, the sooner we get back to the activities and things we enjoy."
Town of Innisfil and Innisfil ideaLAB & Library staff have already released many virtual offerings for residents – everything from activities and ideas to keep the family entertained, to resources for entrepreneurs, to information about what our local businesses are doing to help.
Public Boat Launches and Water Access Points Closed
Effective immediately, the Town of Innisfil is closing all public boat launches and water access points located along Lake Simcoe. The public should be aware that:
- All public municipal ramps will be closed and barricaded
- Floating docks will not be available for use; and
- Fixed docks will be closed and barricaded.
Last week the Provincial Government issued an order closing all outdoor recreational amenities, across Ontario in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 and encourage people to say home.
The Town of Innisfil’s Community Development Standards (Municipal Law) Team will be monitoring boat launches and water access points, in addition to all public parks and recreational areas to ensure they are not being used.
Physical Distancing this Long Weekend
With the Easter long weekend upon us, residents are reminded about the importance of physical distancing at this time. If you witness gatherings of five people or more, non-compliant restaurants, bars or fitness centres, you may contact the respective town by-law office during regular business hours at [email protected] or 705-436-3710. Between 6 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., residents are asked to listen to the options, then dial 5 to leave a message for a by-law officer on duty.
During non-business hours, you may report your complaint(s) to the South Simcoe Police Service utilizing the non-emergency numbers at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311. If there is an emergency that requires immediate police presence, dial 911.
To report incidents of non-compliance for physical distancing, 14-day self-isolating for international travelers and non-essential business openings, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 1-877-721-7520.
To report short term accommodation rentals that are being used for parties or other gatherings, contact South Simcoe Police at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311. If you suspect an Airbnb is otherwise occupied for any reason, contact your town directly.
For the latest information and updates about how the Town of Innisfil is responding to the pandemic please visit: www.innisfil.ca/covid19.
For information about virtual programming and activities for the family visit: www.innisfilidealab.ca
For information about opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs and startups please visit: www.innisfilaccelerates.ca
For information about community offerings, including opportunities for residents to share their positive stories please visit: www.getinvolvedinnisfil.ca/covid19
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