Petawawa closing municipal office for public access as Ontario's stay-at-home order comes into effect

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PETAWAWA — With the Province of Ontario having declared a state of emergency and its stay-at-home order coming into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 14, the Town of Petawawa is closing its municipal office for public access.

Town staff will be available by email or by phone to respond to inquiries and maintain service operations. All council and council-in-committee meetings will take place virtually, until such time, as in person meetings are permitted.

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Petawawa closing municipal office for public access as Ontario's stay-at-home order comes into effect Back to video

On Tuesday, Jan. 12 the Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the declaration of the state of emergency and the stay-at-home order in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This order requires the public to remain at home, reducing the number and frequency of external contacts outside your immediate household. Obtaining essential supplies such as groceries or pharmacy items, accessing health care services, for exercise, or for work, which cannot be accomplished remotely, are exceptions to this order. The full details of the order can be found in the provincial communique at https://bit.ly/2LueLNm .

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“We all must do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet. “While local numbers are lower than those seen in other urban communities, the volatility of this virus cannot be understated. We need to restrict our outings, limiting our contacts and possibility of exposure to this virus, in order to keep our families and our community safe.”

In a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, the Town said its public works department will continue to deliver winter control operations, water and wastewater utilities and waste management services.

“Residents can be assured that the Fire Department will continue to provide emergency response services,” the release stated.

In addition, the Community Services Department will remain closed to the public with staff available by email or by phone to respond inquiries from the public. The Petawawa Public Library will maintain curbside services.

Under the order, exercise is permitted and some outdoor recreational amenities are allowed to remain open. In Petawawa this includes all parks and, subject to weather conditions, the outdoor ice rink off Pineridge Crescent and the sliding hill at Centennial Park. The public is asked to adhere to rules of use, posted signage and COVID-19 protocols at these public locations.

Based on communications with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, the Scentral Bark Dog Park will close until further notice.

In the news release the Town of Petawawa thanks the public and community businesses for their continued patience and understanding.

Resources and information is available on the town’s municipal website at www.petawawa.ca.