DAN CEARNS, Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: Golf courses and marinas were two of the services the province allowed to open over the Victoria Day long weekend. On Thursday, May 14th, provincial officials announced as of Saturday May 16th, these two services, boat clubs and public boat launches could open for recreational use. Private parks and campgrounds can open to “enable preparation for the season and to allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles whose owners have a full season contract”, according to a provincial press release. They also allowed another business field to open. “Businesses that board animals, such as stables, may allow boarders to visit, care for or ride their animal,” read the press release. There are provisions with the golf course openings. Clubhouses can only open for washroom use, and restaurants can only open for takeout. The Ontario government also announced the first phase of reopening the provincial economy began on Tuesday, May 19th. “We can reopen retail stores with [a] street-front entrance, that are not located in shopping malls, with strict social distancing measures in place. Certain seasonal venues including outdoor sports fields, tennis courts, and off-leash dog parks, [veterinarians] and other pet services, such as pet grooming by appointment only, animal shelters, household services such as cleaning and maintenance, certain health and medical services including scheduled surgeries and in person counselling [can all begin or open]. We’ll also lift the essential construction limits to allow all construction to resume,” Premier Doug Ford explained, at a press conference. “I want to be clear that businesses should open only if they are ready, and we need to keep in mind that all of this depends on the [COVID-19 case] numbers.”