Contact(s)
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus with pneumonia-like symptoms. There are confirmed cases in Canada, including Ontario. The Town of Bracebridge is working closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and other community partners to monitor the global situation and respond accordingly.
Current pandemic measures and recommendations to protect workers and members of the public continue to evolve. Accordingly, this policy, along with associated materials, are subject to amendment.
To read this policy in its entirety, along with other policies that the Town has in place as a result of the pandemic, please click on the links below:
Town of Bracebridge COVID-19 Safety Plan (Effective March 21, 2022)
Face Coverings in Indoor Town Facilities (Effective March 21, 2022)
Remote Work Arrangements Policy
COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Policy
| COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunization |
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The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, in partnership with key community stakeholders, is leading the efforts to immunize residents in Simcoe Muskoka. More information about local planning and community COVID-19 vaccine clinics, vaccine information and who can get the vaccine can be found below.
Call the health unit at 1-877-721-7520 for information or visit their website at www.smdhu.org. For individuals who do not have internet access, please call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Public Health Sources |
For more information on the COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open, as well as the public health guidance necessary to keep the people of Ontario safe, visit ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open. |
| Emergency Orders and Contact Information |
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The Province of Ontario has issued a number of Emergency Orders in recent days under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It is essential that everybody follow these emergency orders at all times to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following is a summary of the emergency orders currently in effect throughout Ontario, as well as the proper contact reporting information for members of the public who wish to report a suspected violation of an order. Additional information for any of these emergency orders may be obtained by visiting news.ontario.ca |
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Violation Reporting Numbers |
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If you have a specific COVID-19 related complaint:
To report outdoor burning, during fire ban and COVID-19:
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Impact on Town Services
Bracebridge Memorial Arena and Bracebridge Sportsplex |
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Effective 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, the Sportsplex and Memorial Arena will re-open for programs and rentals with the following temporary measures in place:
For further information, please refer to their most recent Media Release. |
Bracebridge Public Library |
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Open to the public at 50% capacity limit: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside Pickup: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check the Library website for further information. |
Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility |
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Starting October 25, 2021, Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility fares will no longer be suspended and collection resumed.
Face coverings are required on Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility including in vehicles and inside bus shelters. These instructions are being issued by the Medical Officer of Health at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and will continue while the provincial Emergency Orders remain in force. A face covering means a non-medical mask or other face coverings such as a bandana, scarf, or cloth mask, that has been purchased or made, that covers the mouth, nose and chin ensuring a barrier that limits the spread of respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing or talking. The following individuals are not required to wear a face covering on public transit:
Although a public transit service has the right to deny entry to their premise, the policy regarding the use of face coverings should be used as a means to educate people on face covering use. As such, we have instructed the service provider to verbally remind customers to wear a face covering and to not refuse entry. While cases of COVID-19 are currently decreasing across the Simcoe-Muskoka region, the risk of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 remains as the re-opening process continues across the region. The use of face coverings in public transit is an additional public health measure (along with physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick) that may prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community. More information on face coverings is available from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
Extra safety precautions continue to be in effect. The Town continues to work closely with the service provider, Hammond Transportation Ltd., in regard to safety precautions and operations.
As a reminder to riders, the Town of Bracebridge is advising of the following safety procedures:
Town staff are available to provide assistance with both Bracebridge Mobility and Bracebridge Transit via telephone at 705-645-8444 or email at transit@bracebridge.ca. |
The Chapel Gallery (Muskoka Arts and Crafts) |
| The Chapel Gallery is closed to in-person traffic until further notice. Staff are available via telephone at (705) 645-5501, or by email at info@muskokaartsandcrafts.com. |
Municipal Office |
| On February 21, 2022, the Municipal Office and Fire Station #1 will reopen, on a modified basis, to the public. Where possible, residents are encouraged to continue contacting Town staff to conduct business on a virtual or remote basis, including over the phone, by e-mail, dropping off documents in designated drop boxes, alternatives that are available on the Town’s website and through other means, as available. While the Municipal Office and Fire Station #1 will be reopening, they will only be at partial capacity, and with procedures in place to maintain the health and safety of visitors and staff. |
Muskoka Small Business Centre |
| The Muskoka Small Business Centre is closed to in-person traffic, but is available via telephone at 705-646-9021. |
Oakley Village Square Community Centre |
| The Oakley Village Square Community Centre in Vankoughnet is closed until further notice. |
Parks and Trails |
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The Town of Bracebridge will be re-opening outdoor recreation amenities, with restrictions in place, following the Provincial Government’s announcement on May 20, 2021. Effective Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., Town outdoor recreation amenities such as basketball and volleyball courts, sports fields, BMX and skate parks, and park washroom facilities will be open. Tennis courts at James W. Kerr Park and sports courts at Kelvin Grove Park remain closed due to construction. In addition, no outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted. Outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events are expanded to five (5) people, including members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the province-wide Stay-at-Home-Order will remain in effect. For a complete list of the Town’s outdoor recreation amenities that are open please refer to Appendix “A” attached to COVID-19 Update No. 38. Questions in relation to Parks, Trails and other outdoor public spaces such as Boat Launches, contact Gillian Mitchell, Parks and Trails Foreperson at gmitchell@bracebridge.ca |
Visitor Information Centre |
| The Visitor Information Centre is closed to foot traffic until further notice. We are pleased to assist you via phone, email or social media, and can be contacted at 705-645-8121 or info@bracebridgechamber.com. |
Additional Information Sources
District of Muskoka - COVID-19 Updates
District of Muskoka - COVID-19 Food and Community Supports
Stop the Spread Business Information Line (Toll-Free), 1-888-444-3659
District of Muskoka - Waste Collection Program Changes