Haldimand County is reminding the public and seasonal campground/trailer park operators of public health orders in place to protect community safety.

Recognizing that now is the time campgrounds and trailer parks traditionally open for business, the County is reminding everyone that Provincial emergency regulations prohibit campgrounds & trailer parks from operating unless they are accommodating an individual who does not have another residence in Canada and is in need of housing during the emergency period. Use of campgrounds and trailer parks for recreational purposes is currently not allowed under the provincial order.

On May 1, the Premier of Ontario announced a small list of essential businesses that would be permitted to open under strict safety guidelines as of May 4, however, campgrounds and trailer parks must remain closed as per Provincial orders.

Campgrounds and other seasonal parks are encouraged to contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit for guidance with respect to any exceptional circumstances (e.g. if a seasonal occupant has no where else to go).

Haldimand County Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and the OPP will be monitoring these areas and responding to calls for non-compliance. Property owners can be subject to fines for non-compliance.

Campgrounds and other seasonal parks that open for any use other than those permitted by the Provincial Order may result in an original set fine of $880.00 being imposed on operators per day, per offence. Continued offences (after receiving fines from the County), and where a court convicts, may see an additional penalty imposed to:

(a) an individual,  a fine of not more than $100,000 and for a term of imprisonment of not more than one year;

(b) an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation, a fine of not more than $500,000 and for a term of imprisonment of not more than one year; and

(c) a corporation, to a fine of not more than $10,000,000.

Anyone who witnesses violations of public health orders that may be compromising community safety are encouraged to call the COVID-19 enforcement hotline at 519-428-8019.

“I am just as eager as everyone else to get outside and enjoy the nicer weather, but I am asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation. The restrictions in place are part of a larger effort to promote social distancing and reduce the number of infections from COVID-19, which appears to be working. By following the directions of health authorities for the next few weeks, we’re increasing the likelihood of being able to use our seasonal recreational amenities this summer,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt.

For local COVID-19 information, including municipality facility closures and program cancellations, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

For up-to-date public health information, visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website.