Parks Canada Update May 28 2020

Parks Canada Update

An update from Parks Canada regarding reopening:

Starting on June 1, Parks Canada places on Cape Breton Island and Canso will begin to offer limited access and services. Being in nature provides important physical and mental health benefits. Going outdoors is a great way to maintain health and wellness, so long as everyone follows physical distancing practices.
Access and services will be focused on day use of some trails, grounds, and other outdoor settings. The health and safety of our employees, our visitors, and all Canadians is of the highest priority for Parks Canada. The Agency is following the advice of public health experts in resuming visitor access and services. Only places and activities where health and safety risks can be managed will be available for visitation.

As of June 1, visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities*:

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
- Green spaces including Lighthouse trail, Old Town trail, Royal Battery trail and Kennelly’s day use area
(Kennington Cove beach will open later in June to ensure safe access and safety measures are in place.)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- All look-offs
- Trails including Franey, Fresh Water Lake, Clyburn, Broad Cove Mountain, Jack Pine, Jigging Cove, Mica Hill, Aspy, Lone Shieling, MacIntosh Brook, Benjie’s Lake, Bog, Corney Brook, Le Vieux Chemin du Cap-Rouge, Le Buttereau, Le Chemin de Buttereau, Salmon Pools and Acadian
- Day use areas including North Bay Beach, Warren Lake Beach, Big Intervale, La Grande Falaise, La Rigouèche, and Neil’s Brook and Grande Anse picnic areas
- All beaches
- Fishing with permits (purchased in advance at participating locations)

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
- Rooftop terrace, green spaces and walkways

St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
- Operation of locks and swing bridge, green spaces and walking trail

Marconi and Canso Islands National Historic Sites
- Green spaces

*Note that there will be limited washroom facilities available in select areas.

All camping facilities will remain closed until at least June 21, 2020, while Parks Canada assesses whether and how these services might resume. Group activities and public events are suspended until further notice. There is also a park-wide fire ban in Cape Breton Highlands National Park until further notice.

The visitor experience will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the site specific website before they travel. We are asking our visitors to be cautious and conservative in their use of these places, to observe travel restrictions, to respect the guidance of public health experts, and to help flatten the curve and keep our families, friends, and neighbours healthy and safe.

Safe Work Guidelines

Safe Practice Guidelines for Work Places

As businesses prepare to reopen, here are some guidelines for best practises provided by the NS government: Safe Practise Guidelines for Work Places.

From the Province

From the Province:

Effective June 5, most businesses required to close under the public health order can reopen. Businesses must follow protocols in the plan that is tailored to their sector.

This includes following public health protocols to ensure physical distancing, increased cleaning and other protective measures for staff and customers.

The following can open if they are ready and choose to do so:

• restaurants for dine-in, as well as takeout and delivery
• bars, wineries, distilleries and taprooms
• lounges are not permitted to reopen at this time
• personal services, such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments
• fitness facilities, such as gyms, yoga studios and climbing facilities
• veterinarians

Other health providers can also reopen on June 5, provided they follow protocols in their colleges’ and associations’ plans, as approved by public health. These include:

• dentistry and other self-regulated health professions such as optometry, chiropractic and physiotherapy
• unregulated health professions such as massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy

Nova Scotians are encouraged to continue to:

• wash their hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable
• cough or sneeze into their sleeve
• avoid touching their face
• limit non-essential travel
• clean high touch surfaces frequently
• wear a non-medical mask when it may be difficult to maintain two metres distance

May 16 Covid Update

VFD delivery contacts

Shopping in the time of COVID

Victoria County Stores

Wondering if your local grocery store is open? Do they have a special time for seniors? Check out the latest Shopping in the Time of COVID-19 poster: