With Victoria Day almost here, the City of London is wishing Londoners a happy long weekend, and taking this opportunity to remind residents to keep safety top of mind as efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community continue.
Provincial Orders and the restrictions that are in place will mean that celebrations and plans may need to be altered. While the restrictions are difficult, they remain important for your health, the health of your family, and the health of our community as we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Victoria Day Virtual Fireworks
Gather your household and find a comfy spot on the couch to enjoy a free virtual fireworks show with Tourism London this Victoria Day holiday. The show officially begins at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 18 and is free for all to view. Download the app and celebrate the holiday together, virtually.
Fireworks safety precautions
Individual household fireworks displays are permitted. Families are asked to respect all of the health precaution measures that are in place, including limiting gatherings to no more than five people, unless every one lives within one household, and physical distancing of no less than 6 feet between people. Neighbourhood displays are discouraged, but live streaming on social platforms or meetings apps could be a way to share the fireworks experience beyond individual households.
Now, more than ever, following all fire safety precautions as well as all measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community, is critical.
Consider the path less travelled
Londoners can continue to enjoy parks and pathways to walk or bike through only, but should consider less busy spaces and pathways to help maintain physical distancing. With major parks seeing high levels of pedestrian and cyclist activity, residents are encouraged to explore their own neighbourhoods and choose the path less travelled, when possible.
Use the CityMap to find a list of pathways and parks close to home that may be less busy.
Delay yard or garage sales
Spring weather and warmer temperatures may turn thoughts to yard or garage sales. To avoid gatherings of more than five people, as well as the need to maintain physical distance, the City is asking residents to hold off on hosting garage sales until restrictions are lifted.
Reopening of additional community amenities
Following the Provincial announcement permitting the reopening of certain outdoor spaces, two municipal golf courses, Fanshawe Golf Course and Thames Valley Golf Course, will reopen on Saturday, May 16. River Road Golf Course will remain closed until further notice. Physical distancing measures and new COVID-19 policies and procedures will be in place at all golf courses to a continued effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. You can find additional information in this Public Service Announcement.
City-managed community gardens will also open to registered gardeners beginning Saturday, May 16. Gardeners will be expected to abide by self-assessments, maintaining physical distancing), and follow all updated public health guidelines at all times which using these spaces. Additional information can be found in this Public Service Announcement.
Preparations are underway to reopen off-leash dog parks, tennis and pickleball courts. These spaces will remain closed over the weekend. More information will be shared as soon as these spaces are ready to open.
Continue to follow COVID-19 health precautions
The City of London continues to ask for full and continued cooperation in following all of the precautions identified by the Middlesex London Health Unit including:
- Stay six feet away from each other (physical distancing)
- Avoid all non-essential gatherings of any size
- Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick
- Self-isolate if you have travelled outside of Canada
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (for at least 20 seconds)
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or cough and sleeve into your elbow
- Clean and disinfect high touch areas frequently
City of London facilities and office closures during the Victoria Day weekend
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, all City facilities including City Hall, arenas, community centres and senior’s centres, pools, libraries, golf courses and Provincial Offences Court, Tourism London offices and social services offices remain closed to the public until further notice.
City of London services that have continued during the COVID-19 situation will be closed on Monday, May 18 in observance of Victoria Day.
Contact Us
- Media Inquiries: Phone: 519-661-CITY (2489) ext. 2422 E-mail: cocc@london.ca