The Easter long weekend is expected to be quiet in Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara Region in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to city leaders.
Despite Premier Doug Ford deeming the Easter Bunny an essential service amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, local governments and regional health-care experts say that’s not a reason to abandon social-distancing bylaws during the holiday.
Municipalities in all the regions have closed recreation centres, civic museums, public libraries, senior centres, arenas, golf courses, and other outdoor amenities.
During Hamilton’s town hall on Wednesday night, police chief Eric Girt said under the provincial state of emergency declaration Easter is going to look “very different” with gatherings of more than five people prohibited – including family gatherings.
“It does include private residences.”
“So residents who are organizing or attending gatherings of more than five people may be charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and it carries a fine starting at $750,” said Girt.
Meanwhile, emergency operations centre (EOC) director Paul Johnson reiterated that neighbourhood parks are open in the city and it’s okay to walk through them, but their amenities are closed.
In a release on Wednesday, the city reminded the public that all city-run programming is closed in addition to play structures, escarpment stairs, park amenities, sports fields, city golf courses, dog parks, skate parks, the Bayfront Park boat launch, waterfall locations, and several parking lots in high traffic areas in the city.
“Don’t play baseball. You can’t play tennis,’ said Johnson.
“Even the picnic benches and the park benches — Not to be used.”
“But in terms of walking, rolling, riding, if those amenities are available in a park, it’s absolutely fine to go through.”
On Wednesday, Hamilton city council passed a physical distancing by-law which prohibits certain activities and regulates physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bylaw officers now have the power to fine individuals between $500 for a first offence, up to $25,000 for serious or repeat offences.
Here’s a list of what’s operating as well as open and closed across municipalities in southeastern Ontario:
Hamilton
Green bin, garbage and recycling:
There will be no green cart, blue box, bulk waste, or garbage pick-up on Easter Friday. Friday’s pick up is on Saturday, April 11. Regular collection will resume on Monday.
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Curbside pick-up of leaf and yard waste has been suspended until further notice.
Community Recycling Centres and Transfer Stations will be closed on Friday.
HSR bus:
The City is reminding residents that public transit is for essential travel only.
The HSR will be operating on a Sunday schedule on Friday and a Saturday schedule on Easter Monday.
ATS DARTS:
DARTS will be operating with holiday service hours right through the long weekend beginning on Friday. All subscription trips, with the exception of dialysis, are cancelled through the weekend.
Burlington
Burlington has suspended all city-run spring programs and closed recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, and sports fields during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That includes skate parks, dog off-leash areas, and community gardens.
The city does allow walks, cycling or jogging through parks, but not congregating in any of the areas. Officials are asking residents to stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from everyone else at a park or on a trail.
The city also suggests garbage should not be disposed of in park bins, but taken home and disposed of there instead.
Burlington transit will operate on a Sunday schedule for Good Friday. The service is only for those that require essential travel only.
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Niagara Region
All outdoor recreational amenities, including parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields are closed in the region.
Niagara transit will be running on a holiday schedule for Good Friday. There will be regular ‘weekend’ service for Monday which has now been reduced to a Saturday schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shopping
As part of emergency orders issued from the province of Ontario, non-essential stores are closed. Here’s what will and will not be operational during the long weekend.
Canada Post: Outlets will be closed on Friday and Monday.
Grocery stores: Major grocery stores like Fortinos, Metro, Fresh Co. and No Frills will be closed on Friday and Sunday.
Hamilton Farmers’ Market Hours: open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but closed on Friday, Sunday and Monday.
Shoppers Drug Mart: Many locations will be open on Friday, Sunday and Monday, but not all. Good Friday and Easter Sunday hours can be seen on the Shoppers store locator map.
Malls: All major shopping centres in Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some essential services may be open on Monday.
Walmart: Walmarts will be closed on Friday, except Niagara Falls Supercentre which will be open on Good Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Easter Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Beer Store: All stores are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Some stores will be open on Easter Monday.
LCBO: All stores are closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.
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