City Temporarily Closes all Municipal Boat Launches

Apr 20, 2020

To protect residents and slow the potential spread of COVID-19 in the community, all municipal boat launches within the City of Greater Sudbury will be temporarily closed to the public, effective immediately.

On March 30, 2020, the Province of Ontario issued an emergency order to close all outdoor recreational amenities, including boat launches and private marinas. These measures align with the City’s efforts to minimize travel, keep people home and avoid gatherings in public settings. 

“This was another difficult decision, but one that was made in the best interest of the people in our community, and with advice and support from Public Health,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “Greater Sudbury is home to more than 300 lakes, and we are coming up on the time of year when people begin to get back out on the water. I understand the impact these boat launch closures will have on residents, but they are necessary to keep everyone at home and safe.”

Boat launches will be closed to the public, except to residents with previous arrangements from the City to attend their water-access only properties. These residents can call 311 or email leisure.services@greatersudbury.ca for information about alternate arrangements. Barricades and signs are in place at each of the 11 City-operated boat launches, as well as additional locations used for these purposes, such as road allowances and dead-ends.

“We must do everything we can to get on the other side of this pandemic and get back to doing the things that make our northern lifestyle so great,” continued Mayor Bigger. “I want to remind residents to stay home, go out only for essentials and minimize travel between communities, including going to camps and cottages.”
  
Boat launches will remain closed for the duration of the Province’s State of Emergency, and the corresponding closure of recreational facilities. 

To report non-compliance of COVID-19 closures or for questions related to water access to a primary residence, call 311. 

More information on the provincial emergency order to close outdoor recreational amenities can be found here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-extends-emergency-declaration-to-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19.html

Please monitor the City’s website at www.greatersudbury.ca/covid, and social media accounts at www.facebook.com/GreaterSudbury or www.twitter.com/GreaterSudbury for COVID-19 updates.

The City of Greater Sudbury, through decisions of City Council, and with guidance from Public Health Sudbury & Districts, continues to take additional steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.