Windsor/Essex – Working collaboratively with the Windsor-Essex community to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with local, Provincial and Federal directions, Essex Region Conservation announces the following updates to our programs and facilities:
- All programming will be cancelled until July 1, 2020. This includes public and private school programming, festivals and events, workshops and the Essex Region Conservation Foundation Golf Tournament.
- Holiday Beach Conservation Area resumed operation for registered seasonal campers as of Friday, June 5, 2020.
- Holiday Beach Rental Cottage resumes rentals Thursday, June 11, 2020.
- Holiday Beach and Hillman Marsh Conservation Area are open for walk though access. ERCA is waiving entry fees for the month of June. Proper physical distancing protocols of remaining at least 2 metres from any other visitor who is not part of your household.
- Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area parking lot repairs have been completed and is now reopened.
- Washroom facilities will remain closed at all Conservation Areas.
- All hunting draws are currently suspended as processes are revised to ensure they can be conducted in a safe manner. Once final draw processes and dates are established, they will be posted on our website.
- The John R. Park Homestead museum, visitor centre and gift shop will remain closed. The grounds are open for walk-through access.
- Cedar Beach, which is co-managed with the Town of Kingsville, is currently closed.
- Outdoor conservation areas and greenway trails will continue to be open from dawn to dusk for passive use. Visitors must adhere to physical distancing protocols as explained above. Conservation area usage is monitored to ensure these guidelines are being followed so that we can safely continue to offer these important natural areas for physical and mental health.
- All essential services including our Flood Forecasting and Warning remain active.
- Our permitting, planning and regulatory responsibilities continue. Applications for permit can be made online at https://essexregionconservation.ca/planning-and-permits/.
- Staff continue to work from home, and will continue to review applications, issue permits, and conduct other important conservation work as efficiently as possible, under modified working conditions.
- ERCA offices at 360 Fairview Avenue West will continue modified operations. Inquiries can be made over the phone and by email. However, we will be closed to walk-in visits until further notice.
Essex Region Conservation thanks the leadership of our local communities, and extends our sincerest appreciation to all who are working to keep our region’s citizens safe, supplied and protected.
Since 1973, Essex Region Conservation has been enriching and sustaining our region as the Place for Life.
