Covid-19

In March 2020, the Township of Springwater closed all municipal offices, parks and facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All programming and rentals were also cancelled.

Fortunately, staff were able to continue to provide most municipal services including: delivery of water and wastewater, road maintenance, fire and emergency services, bylaw enforcement and building inspections, despite these closures.

As the Province of Ontario begins to reopen, the Township’s facilities will gradually reopen. 

The Township will take a careful, stage-by-stage approach to reopening its facilities, programs and services based upon the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario and the Medical Officer of Health from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Reopen Springwater

Reopening Springwater will take place in four stages.

Stage  1

• Open some outdoor spaces and recreational amenities including the Orr Lake boat launch and Edenvale Conservation area, as well as tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor sportsfields, open spaces in parks and picnic areas.
• Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment remain closed during this stage.
• Summer programs and Day Camps will not be operating in 2020.
• Prepare Township facilities for reopening by reviewing required health and safety guidance. Facilities will remain closed to the public.
• Resume issuance of permits/inspections/enforcement on a full-time basis.
• Outside staff (Public Works, Parks and Facilities), Bylaw Enforcement, and Building Inspectors will return to full-time duties.
• Administration staff will continue to work remotely where possible.
• Council meetings and staff meetings to resume on a regular schedule and occur virtually.

Stage 2

• Township facilities (Administration Centre, Elmvale Arena, Community Halls, Fire Stations, etc.) remain closed to the public.
• The splash pad in Elmvale to reopen.  Splashpad has reopened as of July 6.  Everyone is requested to adhere to proper public health measures.
• Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment remain closed during this stage.
• Administration Centre staff will return to the Administration Centre on a full-time rotational basis.  Staff will be assigned to a Team (A or B) and will be required to attend the Administration Centre every other day and continue to work remotely on the days that they are not scheduled to attend the Administration Centre.
• Outside staff (Public Works, Parks and Facilities), Bylaw Enforcement, and Building Inspectors returned to full-time duties during phase 1.
• Planning public meetings will be conducted virtually.  First meeting scheduled for July 27.

Stage  3

• Township Administration Centre and Fire Station 3 to reopen to the public with proper public health measures put in place.
• Staff to continue to prepare recreational facilities (Elmvale Arena and Community Halls) for potential reopening to the public.
• Administration Centre staff to continue to work on a full-time rotational basis, as described in stage 2.

Stage  4

• Reopen any remaining outdoor spaces and recreational amenities.
• Resume some recreation and leisure programs where physical distancing is possible.
• Recreational Facilities (arena and community halls) to reopen to the public.

There are no timelines associated with the reopening, as timing will be based on guidance and direction from the Province of Ontario the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

The reopening plan includes steps for increased safety in response to COVID-19. For example, there will be enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, as well as steps to ensure physical distancing such as floor stickers and plexiglass shields at customer service counters. These steps are put in place for the safety of both residents and staff.

Where are we now?

We are currently in ‘Stage 3’ of the reopening plan.

Status of Facilities and Services

Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has advised that as of Monday, July 13, 2020, when you enter into a public indoor space a (e.g. grocery store, community centre, shopping mall, hair salon, library, place of worship, etc.), or use a public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka, you will be required to wear a face covering.

A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.

Children under the age of 2 or those under 5 who cannot be persuaded, are not required to wear a face covering, as well as individuals whose health or ability, or cultural or religious reasons would prevent them from doing so. No proof of exemption is required.

Additional information is available on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.

 The following tips to protect yourself from COVID-19 are provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers 
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve 
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth 
• avoid close contact with people who are sick 
• stay home if you are sick 
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• do not use surface disinfectant wipes to clean your hands
• maintain social distancing; at least 2 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

County of Simcoe COVID-19 Business Survey and Results

In an effort to monitor the progression of COVID-19 impacts on local businesses, the County of Simcoe and municipal partners have conducted multiple business impact surveys throughout the pandemic. The information collected through these surveys helps to determine how we can best support your businesses and advocate to various levels of government. 

• County of Simcoe Business Survey - Part 1 Results Summary
• County of Simcoe Business Survey - Part 2 Results Summary 
• Business Survey Actions Summary 

A third regional business survey to allow businesses the opportunity to share their input is currently underway. Similar to survey 1 and 2, this survey will inform actions to enhance business support and feedback will be shared with upper levels of government to inform policy and program development.

• County of Simcoe Business Survey - Part 3

We thank all who have provided input to help guide the County and Springwater during this time. 

Call for Businesses - Ontario

The Province of Ontario is looking for businesses and organization that can help with the fight against COVID-19. They are currently seeking businesses who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support the response to the ongoing health pandemic. 

Province Launches Business Support Line:

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Additional Business Resources

Province of Ontario - List of Essential Workplaces

Government of Canada: Resources for Canadian Businesses

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) - Administered by North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation

Government of Canada: Economic Response Plan

Business Support Summary (Updated March 30, 2020)

Government of Canada: Employment and Social Development Supports

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Small Business Loan

Restaurants Canada - COVID-19 Update and Resources for Foodservice Operators 

RTO7's Operations Implementation Program (OIP) 

Agricultural Operators - Subsidy Qualifications

COVID-19 Testing Information for Temporary Foreign Workers (multiple languages available upon request)

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Health Canada 

Ontario Ministry of Health

World Health Organization  

Springwater Virtual Recreation Zone

The new Virtual Recreation Zone was created to help bring the residents of Springwater together while respecting social distancing at home. This page hosts a collection of online fitness and activity programs, health and wellness resources, and virtual experiences and attractions.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

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