COVID-19 Information
Effective Monday, March 8, 2021 the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit moves into Red-Control level of Ontario Government's Response Framework. Read the Ontario Newsroom release and see what Red-Control means for our area. The Municipal Office remains closed to the public until further notice. Services continue to be offered online, email and by phone. View the staff directory at lakeofbays.on.ca/Contact.
We want to assure you that the health and well-being of our residents remains as a top priority. The Township continues to monitor the status of COVID-19 and are working closely with the District of Muskoka and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), and continue to take their direction on all matters related to COVID-19.
For current information and updates, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
For information about financial support and resources for individuals, workers, business owners and families during COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the District of Muskoka website.
Some of the local politicians have been advocating to have Muskoka viewed independently from Simcoe in the framework of Regional COVID-19 Response Plans. A community petition has been established if you wish to participate. Please visit www.change.org and search for: Separate Muskoka from Simcoe for COVID-19 Response Region.
Mayoral, Media and News Updates
| Municipal Updates |
- March 5, 2032 - Letter from Dr. Gardner to the Businesses that were Affected by the Grey-Lockdown in Simcoe Muskoka and the Move to the Red-Control designation
- March 4, 2021 - Toronto Star - Pandemic Lockdown 'Devastating' for Lake of Bays Businesses: Mayor
- March 3, 2021 - Letter from Mayor Glover to Dr. Gardner - Reconsider Separating Muskoka from Simcoe
- March 2, 2021 - Letter to Premier - Capacity Limits for Restaurants in Stage 2 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020
- March 1, 2021 - Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Response to Concerns regarding Grey-Lockdown Designation
- February 25, 2021 - Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Online Booking Begins for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
- COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
- February 19, 2021 - Safety Plan for the Lake of Bays Community Centre
- February 12, 2021 - Update on Construction Activities regarding COVID-19
- January 15, 2021 - Letter to the Construction Industry
- December 22, 2020 - Municipal Services Impacted with Provincial Shutdown
- December 17, 2020 - Simcoe/Muskoka’s Provincial COVID Alert Designation Letter to Premier Ford from Muskoka's Mayors and District Chair
- November 26, 2020 - COVID-19 Safety Plan
- November 13, 2020 - Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department Media Release - Seasonal Residents Reminded to Keep Safety in Mind if Choosing to Stay Year Round
- November 4, 2020 - Letter from Mayor Glover to Dr. Gardner - Request for consideration - COVID-19 classification framework Restrictions imposed separately for the District Municipality of Muskoka and Simcoe County
- August 12, 2020 - Media Release - COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Returns to Lake of Bays
- August 4, 2020 - Media Release - Municipal Office & Libraries Open by Appointment Only
- July 24, 2020 - Media Release - Open by Appointment Only (Building/Planning/Libraries)
- July 16, 2020 - Municipal Office & Libraries Re-Opening for Select Services
- July 13, 2020 - COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing: for Long-term Care Home, Retirement Home, Other Congregate Living Setting Visits and Most Other Requirements
- July 7, 2020 - Letter to Council from SMDHU - re: Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces
- June 16, 2020 - Lake of Bays Reopens - COVID-19 Recovery Plan - A Roadmap to our New Reality
- May 22, 2020 - Re-Opening of Outdoor Recreational Amenities
- May 14, 2020 - Letter of Building Industry
- May 13, 2020 - COVID-19 Update: May Long Weekend Reminders
- May 8, 2020 - A Message to all Residents from Muskoka's Mayors and District Chair
- April 7, 2020 - Letter to Building Industry
- March 18, 2020 - Letter to Building Industry
- March 17, 2020 - Media Release - Municipal Office Temporary Closure to the Public
- March 14, 2020 - Media Release - Temporary Facility Closures as a Precaution due to COVID-19
- March 13, 2020 - Cancellation - Dwight and Baysville Library Programs
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| COVID-19 Vaccines and Immunization |
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Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced February 25, 2021 that online bookings begin for COVID-19 Vaccination clinics beginning the week of March 1, 2021.
- Huntsville Community Clinic will be located at the Active Living Centre, 20 Park Drive, Huntsville
- Bracebridge Community Clinic will be located at the Bracebridge Sportsplex, 110 Clearbrook Trail, Bracebridge
- All clinics are by appointment only
- Only priority groups who are currently eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccine can book an appointment
- Those eligible can book their appointment online or by phone: 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll free)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program
- COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinics Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions regarding the vaccine and immunization for COVID-19, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website or call the health unit at 1-877-721-7520.
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| Flattening the Curve |
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As stated by Federal and Provincial health care officials, it is urgent that residents take steps immediately to limit the number of people we come in contact with to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts recommend:
Stay Home
• Avoid all non-essential trips into your community.
Practice Physical Distancing
• Physical distancing means keeping 2 meters or 6 feet between you and another person.
• Everyone should practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people.
• Everyone should do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families.
Practice Proper Hygiene
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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| Assessment Centres & Self Assessment Tool |
| Huntsville Assessment Centres: |
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Location #1: Shoppers Drug Mart - 51 King William Street, Huntsville
Starting September 25, 2020, up to 60 pharmacy sites will provide free testing by appointment only to Ontarians who don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Pharmacies will also pre-screen individuals in advance to ensure they don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, before entering the pharmacy. For more information, please view the Ontario News Release.
Location #2: Huntsville Acting Living Centre - 20 Park Drive, Huntsville
The Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre will offer COVID-19 testing and assessments for anyone displaying symptoms or who believe a test is required.
The Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre accepts walk-in appointments as well as pre-booked appointments (effective Monday, January 11, 2021) and is open for testing and assessment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am until 1:00pm. For more details and information, please visit the Town of Huntsville's COVID-19 website.
The centre will do their best to see you as quickly as possible. Staff may take a short break mid-day. Please allow yourself enough time to accommodate any wait periods. Test result timelines cannot be guaranteed with average result period being from 2-6 days, and up to 14 days.
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| Bracebridge Assessment Centre: |
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Patient access to the Assessment Centres is by appointment only Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The Assessment Centre is not open for walk-in visits.
Assessment Centre Location (Effective August 31, 2020):
Retrofitted Outbuilding Adjacent to the Helipad at the back of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) property.
75 Ann Street, Bracebridge ON
| Booking an Appointment (Bracebridge): |
| Appointments can be booked by calling 1-888-383-7009. If you are unable to get to get to the Assessment Centre, you may discuss alternative options when you call for an appointment.
At the Assessment Centre, health care professionals will test for COVID-19 based on the most up-to-date guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the health care professional’s assessment of the individual. You will be seen by a health care professional who will provide you with the necessary care instructions, if required. You are strongly encouraged to follow up with your family doctor or primary care provider so they are also aware you have been tested and may also have access to your results.
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| Driving Directions & Parking: |
- Access is from Ann Street in Bracebridge, follow the signs.
- Continue past the visitor parking lot and veer right toward the Emergency Entrance. Continue on the one-way driveway past the Emergency Entrance.
- Proceed straight into the parking lot directly ahead of you. The parking gates will be raised and there is no fee for parking.
- Park in one of the reserved parking spaces on the left side of the parking lot.
- When leaving, turn right out of the parking lot (don’t go out through the one-way driveway).
- Continue past the portable to leave the property. At the stop sign, turn right toward Liddard Street.
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| Resources for Businesses |
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| Food and Community Supports |
| Please visit the District of Muskoka's Food Resources and Community Support webpage. You will find local food and community support programs in Muskoka to support you and your families during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Dwight Winter Pantry & Baysville and Dorset Winter Pantry |
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We know this is a very tough time for too many. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.
| Dwight Winter Pantry |
| Hours: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Pick up outside Dwight Community Centre (1014 Dwight Beach Road - next to Dwight Library)
Contact:
Call Marie at 705-635-9860 to reserve food and arrange curbside pickup, or delivery can be arranged if you are home bound or self-isolating.
Email: dwightwinterpantry@gmail.com.
For more information, please visit the Dwight Winter Pantry Facebook page.
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| Winter Pantry - Baysville & Dorset |
| Contact: To arrange for delivery, the Pantry requires a grocery list and an address.
Call Susan at 705-767-2205, or text 705-783-6427
Call or text Linda at 705-205-4577
Call or text Pat at 705-644-2741
Email: winter.pantry.lob@gmail.com
For more information, please visit the Winter Pantry - Baysville & Dorset Facebook page.
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| Enforcement: Who to Call |
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If you have a specific COVID-19 related complaint:
- To report non-compliance of the Quarantine Act (e.g. due to recent travel outside of Canada or at the direction of a health official), contact Public Health Agency of Canada 1-844-280-5020
- Social gatherings of more than 5 persons, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Non-essential business open for other than take out or delivery, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Use of outdoor recreational facilities (excluding trails), contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Suspected price gouging of essential goods, contact Ontario Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-889-9768
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Is my business an essential service? |
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As a municipality, we can’t answer that and need to direct you to the Province of Ontario’s list of essential services.
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| Can we walk down public roadways to get exercise? |
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Yes, please maintain social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) and unmonitored private social gatherings of 25 individuals if you come across another resident(s)/civilian(s).
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| What number do we call for O.P.P. Services? |
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For those who are not following social distancing or self-isolation or unmonitored private social gatherings, or if you have a specific COVID-19 related complaint:
- To report non-compliance of the Quarantine Act (e.g. due to recent travel outside of Canada or at the direction of a health official), contact Public Health Agency of Canada 1-844-280-5020
- Social gatherings of more than 5 persons, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Non-essential business open for other than take out or delivery, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Use of outdoor recreational facilities (excluding trails), contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
- Suspected price gouging of essential goods, contact Ontario Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-889-9768
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| Can we legally get our water turned on at the cottage? |
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As a municipality, we cannot answer that and need to direct you to contact your plumber or contractor for more information.
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| What shops/services are currently open in Lake of Bays? |
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With health and safety at the forefront, many local businesses in Lake of Bays have adapted their services to include online or telephone orders, takeout, curbside pickup, and/or delivery to respect physical distancing.
Please visit the Township's Business Directory and contact individual businesses to make an inquiry about their current offerings.
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| Is the Roads Department still working? |
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Yes, the Public Works department and Fire Halls continue to operate with restricted access to the public.
Please note that Township services are still being offered online through the Township website, email and over the phone where possible. For full department and staff contact information visit the Contact Us webpage or call the contact numbers below:
Directory by Last name - 705-635-2272 press 1
Building and Planning - 705-635-2272 press 3
Taxes - 705-635-2272 press 4
Clerks - 705-635-2272 press 5
Accounts Payable and Receivable - 705-635-2272 press 6
By-law Enforcement - 705-635-2272 press 7
Public Works - 705-635-2851
Mayor - 705-635-2272 press 9
General mailbox - 705-635-2272 press 0
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| As a seasonal resident, how can I prepare for the winter months? |
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Stay up-to-date with Township information by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on how to prepare for the winter months, please visit the Township's Emergency Services webpage.
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| What is the Township doing to help local business? |
| The Township of Lake of Bays has provided a variety of resources to assist local businesses during this time. For more information, please visit: lakeofbays.on.ca/covid19-business |
| What are the new hours at the landfill and the changes at the transfer stations? |
| For more information, please visit the District of Muskoka’s Landfill information site |
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