Update: Outdoor maintenance during COVID-19

May 5, 2020 3:00 p.m.

​More seasonal businesses and services allowed to resume operations

Following the Ontario government’s recent decision to allow certain workplaces to reopen, some businesses – including seasonal and essential construction projects – can now operate in accordance with strict public health and safety measures.  

 
According to the updated Ontario Essential Business list, the following businesses and services can continue:
  • Lawn care and landscaping services
  • Garden centres and plant nurseries, through curb-side pickup or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances
  • Residential construction, subject to Ontario Regulation 82/20, as amended, section 30
  • Golf courses, for the purpose of maintaining and preparing the course for a future reopening to the public 
Ontario Regulation 82/20, as amended, section 20 would permit the following:
  • Fence installation and repairs, with proper permits
  • Emergency repairs to outdoor decks, with proper permits
  • Pool openings so stagnant and standing water can be removed, limiting mosquito breeding 
For a full list of permitted services and businesses, see the Ontario government’s news release.
 
Renovators, pool and fence companies, and lawn care services and landscapers require a Vaughan business licence to offer or provide services within the city. Operating without a valid licence is a violation and a chargeable offence. For more information about licensing, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
 
In enforcing these provincial regulations and the City’s Emergency Measures By-law, the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team will address and take all necessary steps to prevent any unsafe operation from continuing. Appropriate investigation and action will be taken for every reported instance to ensure that residents and their properties remain safe. For additional information, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
 
To learn more about the provincial list of essential businesses and related services, businesses can continue to call the Province’s ‘Stop the Spread’ Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Additional resources on the virus, including an online self-assessment tool, are also available at ontario.ca/COVID19.
 
As the City of Vaughan continues to respond to the virus, precautionary measures are introduced and re-assessed to help protect the health of all citizens. To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate, and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
 
-30-
 
All News