Connect virtually this holiday Monday
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Physical distancing measures continue to be enforced
With the arrival of Victoria
Day, the City of Vaughan is urging citizens to avoid social gatherings and to
connect virtually with friends and family to help break the chain of
transmission of COVID-19.
Traditionally,
this long weekend is considered the “unofficial” start of summer – a time that
brings people together to celebrate. However, in response to the pandemic, citizens
should continue to physically distance from others by keeping two metres away
and postpone or cancel in-person gatherings with loved ones outside their
household and reach out by phone or video instead.
As a reminder, all
facilities within parks – including playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and
basketball courts, dog parks and benches – remain closed in Vaughan to curb the
spread of the virus. Congregating in parks and other public spaces while
physical distancing measures are in effect is not permitted.
The City’s Emergency Measures
By-law
provides authority, subject to the Municipal Act, to Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
and City staff to further enforce physical distancing measures, in addition to
other orders during this state of emergency such as limiting access to public
property. Failure to comply with this by-law is an offence and subject to
fines ranging from $500 to $100,000.
While the City allows family fireworks
to be lit without a permit on Victoria Day, citizens must limit backyard
celebrations and firework displays to those living in the household. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is also urging residents to make firework
safety a priority and follow tips, including:
- Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
- Onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
- Fireworks should not be lit close to combustible materials like homes, buildings, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.
- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground in a bucket of sand. Never try to light a firework in your hand.
- Ensure the firework will stay above your property once lit. Fireworks cannot be set off on private property not owned by the person setting off the firework or on City property, including roads, parks and fields.
- Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can.
In addition to adhering to physical distancing
guidelines, a valid fireworks sales licence is required for all qualified businesses
selling these items in Vaughan.
Although disruptions
and cancellations are in place, many City services continue to be offered
online throughout the pandemic. For updates, contact Access Vaughan
at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. To receive the latest news as it happens,
sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell
and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region
Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional
information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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