Port Dover beach to remain closed on Friday

In the continued effort to protect the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors, the private owners of the Port Dover beach have announced that they are not yet in a position to safely open the area.

The decision comes after considerable consultation with the community and the Port Dover Board of Trade.

The popularity of the beach – which the owners have graciously allowed the public and Norfolk County to use for many years – means proper social distancing would be extremely difficult, putting visitors at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.

Norfolk County owns a small, 66-foot portion of the beach at the end of Walker Street, and will also keep this area closed.

“We’re extremely pleased to be moving to the next stage of re-opening,” says Mayor Kristal Chopp. “But the re-opening of area businesses, services and public spaces should only happen when it is safe to do so and when the parties involved are fully prepared. That’s why we fully support the owners’ decision to delay the opening of the Port Dover beach.”

County staff will continue to prepare the beach for a full opening at a future date.

Now that the Province has moved Norfolk County into the second stage of re-opening, piers – including the one in Port Dover – will also re-open.

Bylaw officers will be on patrol throughout the County this weekend, ensuring everyone is practicing social distancing and following the rules set out in the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The public is reminded that everyone must remain at least six feet away from anyone who is not a part of their “social bubble.”

Norfolk County owns very little beach area, but beaches at Turkey Point Provincial Park and Long Point Provincial Park will open Friday with measures taken to enable physical distancing.

The public is encouraged to check with Ontario Parks for more information.

Long Point Provincial Park details can be found here.

Turkey Point Provincial Park details can be found here.