Kincardine dump to re-open next week; more events cancelled due to COVID-19

Kincardine council is planning to re-open the waste management centre (landfill site) next week.

In committee-of-the-whole Monday night (May 4), the issue was discussed during a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic update by chief administrative officer Sharon Chambers.

Councillor Dave Cuyler asked if people would be able to work on the flower gardens along the boardwalk at Station Beach in Kincardine, given that the province is permitting the re-opening of lawn care and landscaping businesses, and community food gardens.

Recreation director Karen Kieffer said the municipality's interpretation is that community gardens, like those at Geddes Park, are allowed, but the marina remains closed, and the flower gardens at the boardwalk will also remain closed for now.

Cuyler also noted that the yard waste location in Connaught Park has been a disaster, requiring extensive truckloads to move the waste to the landfill site.

“We need a real solution,” he said. “I'd like to see a method to re-open the dump, and allow people to use it, with the same precautions as used at the grocery stores.”

“We are working on a plan,” said public works director Adam Weishar. “The waste management centre should re-open, starting next week.”

BEACHES OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

The municipality is also updating signage at the beaches, permitting access for walk-through/exercise purposes only. This will include stand-up paddleboarding, surfing and canoeing.

There will still be enforcement for the gathering of five or more people, as well as those not following physical-distancing protocols. Residents are also reminded that dogs must be leashed at all times and stoop-and-scoop rules continue to apply.

SOME BUSINESSES ALLOWED TO RE-OPEN

Monday, some businesses were allowed to re-open, under provincial order, including the following:
 

• Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only
• Lawn care and landscaping
• Additional essential construction projects - shipping and logistics; broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure; any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services; municipal projects; colleges and universities; child care centres; schools; and site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development
• Automatic and self-serve car washes
• Auto dealerships, open by appointment only

Golf courses may prepare the courses for the upcoming season, but are not open to the public. Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

MORE CANCELLATIONS

Meanwhile, several more events have been cancelled:
 

• Bruce County Household Hazardous Waste Days for Kincardine (May 9) and Walkerton (May 23)
• Kincardine Good Food Box for May
• Tiverton and District Lions Annual Yard Sale, slated for May 8-9
• Tiverton and District Lions Annual Walk for Dog Guides, scheduled for the end of May
• Tiverton Knox Presbyterian Church Annual Summer Salad Supper, slated for July

The Tiverton and District Lions Walk of Memories Tree Dedication ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, June 21, has been postponed to the fall.