April 4, 2020
Dear Head of Council:
Subject: Operation of Seasonal Trailer Parks and Recreational Campgrounds
Amended Essential Business Order as of April 3, 2020
Nothing is more important than protecting the health and well-being of Ontarians. Since first learning of COVID-19, Ontario has taken decisive action to contain the spread of this new virus.
Based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the province has declared an emergency so that we can take immediate action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public. On Tuesday, March 24th, the province ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces pursuant to Ontario Regulation 82/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. On April 3, 2020 the province released an amended list of essential workplaces and ordered all businesses not covered by the amended emergency order to close their physical locations effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds are not listed as essential businesses and, as such, are required to be closed as of 11:59 p.m. today, April 4, 2020.
We recognize Ontario “snowbirds” are returning to Canada earlier than they normally would. In some instances, seasonal trailer parks and campgrounds may have been opened earlier than usual to permit individuals to take up temporary accommodation in their mobile homes, recreational vehicles or trailers. 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 mandatory isolation order made by the federal government under the Quarantine Act which took effect on March 25, 2020.
Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and we are asking that our enforcement partners assist in this effort. We encourage you to assist in enforcement efforts to ensure that seasonal trailer parks and/or campgrounds are not being used for recreational purposes. We encourage you to work with park operators and local public health officials in this regard, including to take into consideration the continued need for accommodation of those individuals outlined above.
Officers are encouraged to undertake a graduated approach to enforcement of the emergency orders, which may include educational messaging to businesses around the emergency order, specific warnings, the issuance of a ticket under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act (POA) or a summons under Part III of the POA. Officers are also encouraged to review the applicable provincial and federal emergency orders, and to continue to monitor ontario.ca/alert for any updates or changes to provincial orders.
By staying home and avoiding contact with others we can stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued cooperation on this matter.
Sincerely,Steve Clark Sylvia JonesMinister of Municipal Affairs Solicitor General