Public beaches will be open to the public in Algonquin Highlands starting Saturday.
The playground facilities at the beaches will remain closed.
The Township of Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group met and addressed changes happening since the province announced the next phases this week.
Haliburton Highlands Water Trails Backcountry Campsite capacity has been increased to a maximum group size of 10. These campsites will open on Tuesday June 16 and reservations will be accepted online or through the call centre.
The trails office at St. Nora Lake will remain closed and equipment rentals will be unavailable. Go to myhaliburtonnow.com for the full list of changes.
To make a campsite reservation:
By internet: https://hhwt.goingtocamp.com/ By phone: 1-866-364-4498
Phase 2 of the provincial re-opening plans released on June 8 includes provisions for certain activities to resume in community centres.
Indoor recreation activities, gymnasiums and fitness rooms continue to be restricted. The Township is reviewing its operations relative to the required restrictions with input from public health authorities.
At this time the Dorset Recreation Centre will begin offering computer access by appointment only beginning Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Appointments must be made in advance by phoning 705-766-9968, users will be required to follow all public health recommended guidelines and will be required to wear a mask.
Commercial kitchen rental use for essential service food providers at the Dorset Recreation Centre will also be available, rental requests will be reviewed individually on a case by case basis and subject to approval by local public health authorities.
All other indoor functions of the Dorset Recreation Centre will remain closed at this time as we assess further possible offerings.
The Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall and the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre will also remain closed until further notice.
If you are an Algonquin Highlands business interested in creating or expanding an outdoor patio area for the purposes of serving food and/or alcohol, there is a list of criteria that is required.
You will need to submit a detailed site plan, you must be in compliance with the Township’s Zoning By-law and with the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code. If required, you will need approvals from other jurisdictions, like the Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Transportation.
A site visit by the Township’s Building and Fire Department is also required.
If all of the criteria is met, the Chief Building Official will issue an approval letter to proceed with the patio.
Please contact the Township of Algonquin Highlands Building Department at [email protected] or 705-489-2379.