Washrooms at Holiday Beach & John R. Park Homestead gift shop to open
Windsor/Essex – While the Province of Ontario has permitted a cautious reopening of more businesses and services, Essex Region Conservation continues to work collaboratively with the community to slow the spread of COVID-19. In accordance with local, Provincial and Federal directions, Essex Region Conservation announces the following updates to our programs and facilities:
- Outdoor conservation areas and greenway trails will continue to be open from dawn to dusk for passive use. Proper physical distancing protocols of remaining at least 2 metres from any other visitor who is not part of your household must be observed. 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.
- The beach washroom at Holiday Beach Conservation Area is open, with enhanced sanitation protocols in accordance with provincial guidelines.
- ERCA continues to waive fees at Holiday Beach and Hillman Marsh Conservation Areas until August 4, 2020.
- Due to unsafe conditions caused by beach erosion and high water levels, the beaches remain closed to swimming.
- The John R. Park Homestead washrooms and gift shop will open with modified operations on Saturday, July 25 at 12noon. Hours of operation at the gift shop will be Wednesday through Friday, noon – 7pm, and noon -5pm on weekends. The museum remains closed. The grounds remain open from dawn to dusk for walk-through access.
- Washroom facilities remain closed at all other Conservation Areas.
- Staff are working to transition our hunting draw to a virtual format. Once final draw processes and dates are established, they will be posted on our website.
- Cedar Beach, which is co-managed with the Town of Kingsville, is currently closed.
- Public events, including the Lost Arts Festival, are cancelled through August 2020. ERCA is currently reviewing protocols for offering small group tours and programs.
- 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.
