NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF BARRIE
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Friday afternoon, members of the city’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) met to discuss contingency plans and any impacts to city services as a result of COVID-19. The group includes senior leadership from various departments across the city including Fire and Police. The team consulted the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Gardner for direction on what the city can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the city will be implementing further changes to services.
In addition to the changes to Recreation and Culture Services announced this morning, the following is effective starting tomorrow (Saturday, March 14):
- All City Recreation Facilities (including arenas), Theatres and Library branches are closed until further notice.
- City Ward meetings and planning meetings are cancelled until further notice.
- Council Advisory Committee meetings are cancelled until further notice.
- General Committee and Council meetings will continue but will be closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to watch the meetings on Rogers TV or online. The next meeting is March 23.
“The changes you're seeing now, with schools closing and gatherings limited, are part of our system of government working exactly the way it should — to protect people,” said Mayor Jeff Lehman. “The most important thing right now is to listen to the advice of our doctors and scientists in public health.”
Although a specific emergency has not been declared at this time, and the current risk level remains low for the general population, the team will continue to meet regularly to discuss contingency and business continuity planning related to COVID-19.
The city will update its website at barrie.ca with any further changes to city services as a result of COVID-19. For more information and updates on COVID-19, visit https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/
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