As part of the Town’s phased reopening, De La Salle Park and beach reopened on July 20, 2020 with reduced capacity and new restrictions. New safety measures have been put in place to help all visitors enjoy our beaches and waterfront parks safely.
It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with Town staff on site to monitor and control the number of users permitted in the park.
The Town has made the following changes to enhance the experience for residents:
Active recreation use – The beach will be for active recreation use with swimming and water activities only. Visitors will not be able to sit or lounge on the beach, but can do so in the park. Beach users are encouraged to enjoy the water, and share the area responsibly with all other users. Coolers, chairs, umbrellas and canopies are not allowed on the beach but can be used in the park. Barbecues are not allowed in the park or on the beach.
Beach access – Visitors will use the tunnel as a single entrance point and the staircase east of the ramp as the single exit. For visitors who require accessibility access, the ramp will be made available for both entry and exit with access to the Mobi mat. Physical distancing of two metres will also be required on the sand and in the water. Town staff will be monitoring closely, however, we ask that everyone do their part in ensuring their safety and the safety of others around them.
Physical Distancing – Visitors to De La Salle Park will see social circles on the grass areas, spaced out approximately two metres (six feet) apart to help ensure visitors practise physical distancing. Visitors will be expected to stay inside their circles with members of their household/social circle.
Parking – In order to limit crowds at the beach and park, available parking spaces have been reduced. Once parking lots reach capacity, the parking lots will be closed. Georgina residents with Town issued parking passes are directed to the Chapel building parking lot accessible from Lake Drive. General parking is available in the vehicle parking lots accessible from Metro Road. Residents are reminded to obtain their 2020 resident parking pass which is now available online at georgina.ca/ParkingPass. In the interim, the Town will continue to accept 2019 resident parking passes.
Walking to the beach – For nearby residents who walk to the beach, entry points will be at the Chapel parking lot or through the main parking lot entrance at Metro Road. Reminder, once capacity is reached, the park will be closed to any additional guests (vehicular or walking) to ensure physical distancing is maintained.
If you are not feeling well, or you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or someone who has developed new respiratory symptoms, please do not visit the beach AND contact either your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000), or visit an Assessment Centre for testing.
|
Waterfront Park |
Address |
Status |
|
Bonnie Park |
1 Bonnie Blvd., Jackson’s Point |
Closed |
|
Claredon Beach Park |
9 Windy Shore Dr., Keswick |
Closed |
|
De La Salle Chapel & Park |
1940 Metro Rd., Jackson’s Point |
Open |
|
Franklin Beach |
743 Lake Drive E., Sutton |
Closed |
|
Holmes Point Park |
131 Holmes Point Rd., Pefferlaw |
Closed |
|
Jackson’s Point Harbour |
1 Bonnie Blvd., Jackson’s Point |
Closed |
|
Joy Marritt Parkette |
275 Church St., Keswick |
Closed |
|
North Gwillimbury Park |
775 Lake Dr. N., Roches Point |
Closed |
|
Riverview Park |
98 Irving Dr., Pefferlaw |
Closed |
|
Sheppard Avenue Park & Wharf |
971 Lake Dr. E., Island Grove |
Closed |
|
Willow Beach Park |
1506 Metro Rd., Willow Beach |
Closed |
Frequently asked questions
No. The beaches remain closed with the exception of De La Salle beach and park on July 20, 2020 with reduced capacity and restrictions for public use. This is part of the Town’s phased reopening plan. Those visiting the park and beach are doing so at their own risk.
The beach will be for active recreation use with swimming and water activities only. Visitors will not be able to sit or lounge on the beach, but can do so in the park. Beach users are encouraged to enjoy the water, and share the area responsibly with all other users. Coolers, chairs, umbrellas and canopies are not allowed on the beach but can be used in the park.
Park visitors will see painted social circles on the grass to show how groups should manage their spacing. These have been successful in other municipalities throughout the province and the Town is implementing them here.
For access onto the beach, visitors will use the tunnel as a single entrance point and the staircase east of the ramp as the single exit. For visitors who require accessibility access, the ramp will be made available for both entry and exit with access to the Mobi mat. Physical distancing of two metres will also be required on the sand and in the water.
In order to limit crowds at the beach and park, available parking spaces have been reduced. Once parking lots reach capacity, the parking lots will be closed.
Georgina residents with Town issued parking passes are directed to the Chapel building parking lot accessible from Lake Drive. General parking is available in the vehicle parking lots accessible from Metro Road. Residents are reminded to obtain their 2020 resident parking pass which is now available online at georgina.ca/ParkingPass. In the interim, the Town will continue to accept 2019 resident parking passes.
Yes, as long as you show something with your Georgina address on it. This can be a utility bill or legal document that shows you are a resident. Following that, you may be admitted to the resident-only parking area at the discretion of Town staff.
For nearby residents who walk to the beach, entry points will be supervised by Town staff at the cross walk beside the Chapel parking lot and the main parking lot entrance at Metro Road. Reminder, once capacity is reached, the park will be closed to any additional guests (vehicular or walking) to ensure physical distancing is maintained.
A traffic plan has been established to support traffic flow in the area, also incorporating additional safety precautions. Motorists are reminded that the three-hour on-street parking restrictions will be enforced and to be aware of parking signage that indicates no parking or stopping on nearby streets. All roads need to be kept clear to allow safe access for emergency vehicles.
You are welcome to bring a portable snack (that you can drink or eat while walking) to the beach, but coolers and sit-down meals are only allowed at the park. Again, the Town has decided to retain the beach for active recreation use only.
No. Outdoor cooking/barbecues are not allowed at the beach or park at this time.
Yes. Public washrooms will be open during park hours (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday - Sunday) and porta pottys have also been added to the park. Visitors are reminded that although the facilities will receive daily maintenance, everyone is responsible for their own health and safety, and should follow the recommendations from public health when it comes to hand hygiene.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy our beaches, and with hotter weather, we want to provide the opportunity for it to be enjoyed safely. The Town has observed successes in other communities when opening their beaches, and have incorporated into our reopening plan. This is part of the phased reopening, and if the rules are not respected, it will be shut down until further notice.
The park and beach will be closed if rules are not followed. We ask that all visitors respect the rules to ensure a positive experience for all to enjoy.
No. Park amenities are not sanitized. Use at your own risk.
Out-of-town visitors will be required to pay for parking. A pay-and-display machine is located in the parking lot for all to access. The machines are not sanitized so please ensure you put in the appropriate measures to protect yourself.
Fees
Day rates – De La Salle
2020 weekday $20
2020 weekend $35
Hourly rates – De La Salle
2020 weekday $4
2020 weekend $7
To clear up any confusion on the issue, the Town has consulted with other municipalities regarding the opening of their respective beaches. Several are offering ‘resident-only’ parking, not resident-only beaches. This is consistent with what Georgina is offering.
The Town is aware of a local municipality that has opened one of its beaches to residents only, that is attached to its boat launch.
The Town sought legal opinion in regards to making the beaches and waterfront parks resident only and were advised it does not have the authority under the Municipal Act, and could potentially be left open to a Charter challenge.
Parents supervising their children for water safety are able to sit on a towel. For those with accessibility requirements, you will also be able to sit.
Lounging or sun tanning on the beach is not allowed at this time, but you are able use the park. Town staff continue to monitor the situation educating visitors on the new guidelines and using their discretion when necessary.
The opening of the beach was done on the premise of a ‘beach in motion’ encouraging visitors to enjoy the water, cool off and share the area responsibly with all other users. We know these are new rules to get used to, we are too. Our priority is to support a safe, enjoyable experience for all of our visitors and appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we do this.