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City of Niagara Falls: COVID-19 May Update
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COVID-19 Updates to Services
As part of our ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in keeping with the Province of Ontario’s guidelines, all City facilities including City Hall, remain closed to the public until further notice.
FAQ on City Services during COVID-19
We encourage residents to visit our COVID-19 FAQ website, updated daily, providing detailed information on City services during this time.
Follow us on Social Media
Residents are also encouraged to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to stay up-to-date on City services during COVID-19.
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All City Playgrounds Remain Closed
All City playgrounds remain closed and are off limits until further notice. There are plenty of alternative ways to safely enjoy this beautiful May weather, including a physically distant walk at the Oakes Park track, a game of tennis, or even shooting some hoops at your local neighbourhood park. The City is full of trails and greenspace to get outside and stay active. For more information, visit: niagarafalls.ca/news.
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Status of Splash Pads and Swimming Pools
Pending the lifting of the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Order and with approval from the Niagara Region Public Health, the City of Niagara Falls has scheduled the opening of seven splash pads for July 1st, 2020. Due to health and safety concerns the City will not be providing learn to swim lessons and other programming including swim team for the 2020 season.
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Cemetery Guidelines in Place
The City of Niagara Falls would like to remind residents and visitors that the COVID-19 cemetery guidelines remain in place. There is currently a 10 person limit at a funeral service, and a 5 person limit visiting a grave. On behalf of the City, thank you for respecting this temporary policy, and for your understanding, continued support, and respect for the grieving families that we serve. For more information visit thebao.ca.
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Select Recreational Amenities Now Open
All City of Niagara Falls parks and trails continue to be open for walkthrough access. In addition, select recreational amenities are now open including:
- Oakes Park Track
- Skateboard Park at MacBain Community Centre
- Tennis/Basketball courts citywide
- Off-Leash Dog Parks at Firemen's Park and Niagara Falls Humane Society
- Public boat launch at Lyon's Creek Road and Sodom Road (7am to 7pm)
Getting outside for fresh air and exercise is important for our physical and mental health. When accessing the outdoors, please continue to follow the best practices outlined by Niagara Region Public Health niagararegion.ca/health/covid-19 and participate with members of your own household. By-law enforcement will continue to enforce gatherings larger than five people, and anyone using closed park amenities.
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Niagara Falls Farmers Market Opening June 6
The Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market is scheduled to open on June 6th at the new temporary location in the MacBain Community Centre Parking lot (7150 Montrose Road). The market will operate from 7 am to 1 pm with the first hour reserved for seniors. The City is working closely with Niagara Region Public Health to ensure that the market is a safe place to purchase your essential products. For more information niagarafalls.ca/living/market and follow on Instagram @nffarmersmarket or Facebook @niagarafallsfarmersmarket.
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June Activity Ideas for Families
June is Recreation & Parks Month! Access to parks and recreation is a fundamental human need that helps foster personal health, strong communities, and social inclusion. With COVID-19 measures in place, access to the outdoors for fresh air and exercise is even more important for physical and mental wellbeing. Even with social distancing protocols there are lots of ways to get outside and enjoy our local parks and trails.
Go for a walk or a hike in a City of Niagara Falls park (niagarafalls.ca/parks) or explore other open parks and trails:
Other ideas:
- Have a picnic with your family on your own blanket or the grass.
- Camp in your own yard (or living room if the weather doesn’t cooperate).
- Go for bike rides, skip rope, fly kites, play frisbie or kick a ball around!
- Create a challenge to keep your family motivated and engaged? Perhaps try to explore a different Niagara Falls Park (you’ll be amazed at how many there are) every week for the month of June (or beyond)!
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Face Coverings
On May 20th, Canada's chief public health officer made the recommendation that Canadians should wear a mask as an "added layer of protection" whenever physical distancing is not possible. The Centre for Disease Control offers instructions for Sew and No Sew Face Covering as well as detailed information about how to safely wear and care for your face covering at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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COVID-19: Provincial Government
Ontario Premier Doug Ford provides daily updates to Ontarians on measures the provincial government is taking to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Some recent highlights include:
To learn more about Ontario's response to COVID-19, visit ontario.ca
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COVID-19: Federal Government
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak. Some recent updates include:
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Niagara Falls History Museum @ Home
The Niagara Falls Museums are offering some great online experiences. Explore the Museum @ Home for videos, colouring pages, a speakers series and more at niagarafallsmuseums.ca.
Another exciting opportunity to get involved is the The Poppy Project, a collaborative community art project by the Niagara Falls History Museum in conjunction with Stick'N Needles Guild. The Museum needs your help to create a large scale installation of knit and crochet poppies to drape over the exterior of the Museum for Remembrance Day. Detailed information and instructions can be found at niagarafallsmuseums.ca/events/the-poppy-project.
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Acts of kindness
In response to COVID-19, the amount of community support and acts of kindness in Niagara Falls is outstanding! Every day another amazing act is shared in our local paper and on social media. The best part is that for every act of kindness that we hear about there are MANY more happening! People are quietly going about supporting each other by shopping for a neighbour, dropping off baked goods, and donating to those in need. Recently, an anonymous donor donated truckloads of food and distributed at locations throughout the region. On May 20th, it was Niagara Falls’ turn and over 500 people were able to access up to 50 pounds of food each!
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BBQ Fire Safety
The weather is warming up and we all are eager to enjoy barbecuing! The Niagara Falls Fire Department wants residents to remember to be safe and follow all safety rules. A reminder that BBQs are not allowed on balconies as per Niagara Falls city by-law. Be sure to check your barbecue carefully at the start of the season and follow manufactures instructions. For detailed information on safe barbecuing visit safetyinfo.ca/fuelsafety.
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Canada Day 2020 Update
Canada Day will look a little different this year in Niagara Falls. Due to the current pandemic, the decision was made to cancel the traditional festivities, including the parade. The City will provide alternative ways to celebrate, with the consideration of virtual celebrations. Stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks!
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Niagara Falls Public Library Digital Programming
The Niagara Falls Public Library @nflibrary is definitely more than books! While we have all been staying home to #crushthecurve the amazing library staff has been providing lots of free services and opportunities for the community. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and check out their website my.nflibrary.ca to experience all that they have to offer.
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Niagara 2021 Summer Games
The Niagara 2021 Summer Games Team has been busy spreading light and smiles in the community. The “Niagara Light of Hope” literally lit up the sky blue in all Niagara municipalities to spread a message of hope and solidarity and pay a tribute to front line workers. Volunteers are integral to the planning and execution of the Summer Games. There will be volunteer and experiential opportunities for all of Niagara to be involved! Applications for Lead Volunteer positions close May 30th. Get involved at niagara2021.ca.
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Waste Management & Collection Update
Curbside leaf and yard waste limits have been removed and residents are asked to please be patient as there may be delays for the collection of leaf and yard waste. Niagara Region’s landfill and drop-off depot sites are open and fully operational, although residents are still encouraged to only use the sites if necessary. Residents are asked to continue to bag their organic and garbage materials before placing in their receptacle at the curb. For more information visit niagararegion.ca/waste.
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Niagara Region Public Health
Residents are encouraged to visit Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, including public health guidelines. NRPH offers information on COVID-19 Assessment Centre, Info-Lines, FAQ's and more. Learn more.
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