MINTO – The Town of Minto is closing its municipal office and recreational facilities as of Dec. 23 in response to a rise in local COVID-19 cases.
A Dec. 21 press release from the town states the municipal office will close on Dec. 23, at 12:01am and will resume regular working hours on Jan. 4.
However, the release adds, “Depending on case counts, the municipal office may remain closed to the public.”
The release, issued by CAO Derrick Thomson and Mayor George Bridge, states services such as fire, water, wastewater, and road maintenance will be the only departments with staff operating at the municipal office over the closure period.
Electronic communication is encouraged for anyone needing to contact staff. Contact information can be found at town.minto.on.ca/contact-us.
Minto will also be closing all town-operated recreational facilities to the public “with limited exceptions” as of Dec. 23.
All town-run programs such as public skating, shinny, walking groups and pickleball are cancelled as of this date.
The Fire and Ice Family New year’s Eve event scheduled for Dec. 31 is also cancelled.
The town states facilities will re-open and programs will resume on Jan. 3 “at the earliest.”
Recreation staff will continue to monitor facilities and ice plants to ensure ice surfaces remain viable so that community groups and sports organizations can resume programming, the release notes.
The Norgan Theatre will remain closed to the public from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.
The mitigation measures come amid climbing COVID-19 case counts in Minto and across the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WGDPH) region.
As of Dec. 21 the active case count in Minto was at 28, a rate of 300.8 cases per thousand population. The latter figure was the highest in the WDGPH region.
Across the county there were 152 cases, a rate of 154 per 100,000 – and the highest total to date.
On Dec. 17 there were 20 active cases in Minto and 78 county-wide.
The release states Minto staff are working with local public health officials to bring more vaccination clinics to this area.
“All residents are encouraged to book their COVID-19 booster shot as soon as it’s available to them,” the release states.
“The Town of Minto continues to keep public safety as top priority during the unique circumstances surrounding COVID-19.
“As the numbers continue to climb, the Town of Minto remains devoted to ensuring all safety measures are followed, to protect our staff and the public.”
Individuals who have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 are urged to contact WDGPH at 1-800-265-7293 or visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca/coronavirus.
“The Town of Minto wishes to thank the public for their ongoing understanding during this unique circumstance,” the release states.
