Town buildings reopen

The town hall and the operations building have reopened for in-person service to the public, and resume regular hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

CAO Marnie Cluckie told councillors Monday night during her COVID update that “staff did a really good job welcoming people back into the building,” and staff reported that many returning customers were “delighted” to be back in person, and also said how much they appreciated the remote service they received during the time the building was closed to the public.

Cluckie explained the plan to lift the State of Emergency that exists in Niagara-on-the-Lake and other municipalities is to do it at the same time, “soon, hopefully.”

The following provincial changes to public health and workplace safety measures are in effect as of March 1.

• capacity limits have been lifted in all indoor public settings

• proof of vaccination requirements have been lifted, but businesses and organizations may choose to require proof of vaccination upon entry

• other protective measures, such as mask/face covering requirements and passive screening of patrons remain in place

• businesses and organizations that are open must continue to have safety plans in place

Aligning with provincial regulations, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter town buildings. 

In the town announcement of the lifting of restrictions, Lord Mayor Betty Disero said, “after two very long years, the province and chief medical officers of health have determined it safe to remove and ease the majority of public health restrictions.” “I know that a great deal of sacrifice, determination, and cooperation has brought us to this place,” she added.

“On behalf of Town Council, thank you to Niagara-on-the-Lake residents and businesses for working together for themselves and others throughout this pandemic. The road has been long, but the end is finally near.”