ERCA Programs and Facilities Update

Working collaboratively with the Windsor-Essex community to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with local, Provincial and Federal directions, Essex Region Conservation announces the following updates to our programs and facilities:

• All programming will be cancelled until June 1, 2020. This includes public and private school programming, festivals and events, and workshops.
• The opening date for seasonal camping at Holiday Beach Conservation Areas has been delayed until May 12, 2020, and cottage Rentals at Holiday Beach Conservation Area will be suspended until May 12, 2020, in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s State of Emergency.
• The roads at Holiday Beach Conservation Area are closed to vehicles. Visitors may, for now, continue to park outside of the gates and walk in the park, observing proper physical distancing protocols of remaining at least 2 metres from any other visitor who is not part of your household.
• Washroom facilities will remain closed at all Conservation Areas.
• The John R. Park Homestead museum, visitor centre and gift shop will remain closed.
• Hillman Marsh Conservation Area will be closed from May 1 – May 31. Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area remains closed until May 31.
• Outdoor conservation areas and trails will continue to be open from dawn to dusk for passive use. Visitors must adhere to physical distancing protocols as explained above. Visitors must carry out their own garbage. Conservation area usage is monitored to ensure these guidelines are being followed so that we can safely continue to offer these important natural areas for physical and mental health. However, if overcrowding or extreme litter becomes an issue, Conservation Areas may be required to close.
• ERCA’s tree distribution services will take place over the coming weeks with modified pick up protocols which adhere to physical distancing protocols.
• Because of uncertainties related to availability and quality of stock, increased costs and reduced efficiencies as a result of changes to operating procedures related to COVID-19, and the health and safety of our staff and our community, ERCA’s tree planting projects planned for Spring 2020 will be cancelled/postponed until Spring 2021.
• All essential services including our Flood Forecasting and Warning remain active.
• Our permitting, planning and regulatory responsibilities continue. Applications for permit can be made online.
• Staff are working from home, and will continue to review applications, issue permits, and conduct other important conservation work as efficiently as possible, under modified working conditions.
• ERCA offices at 360 Fairview Avenue West will continue modified operations. Inquiries can be made over the phone and by email. However, we will be closed to walk-in visits until further notice.

Essex Region Conservation thanks the leadership of our local communities, and extends our sincerest appreciation to all who are working to keep our region’s citizens safe, supplied and protected.