Town to allow permits for small weddings, photography and fitness training

The Town of Oakville is moving ahead with issuing permits for some small events and gatherings at select parks, as well as for limited training or fitness programs by community sport organizations in town sports fields and indoor recreation facilities. In line with the provincial guidelines, groups will be limited to a maximum of 10, while outdoor weddings will be limited to a maximum of 50.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continued need to take action to curb the spread of the virus in our community, the town has made the decision to cancel large events until October 31, 2020, and extend the closure of the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts through to the end of this year.

“As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, my Council colleagues and I are pleased to welcome people back to our parks in safe and responsible groups. We must continue to be diligent about following public health guidelines for washing and sanitizing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining physical distance and wearing masks,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Please also remember that at this time, the Government of Ontario has set a maximum of 10 people for group gatherings. These measures will help us keep our curve flat.”

Residents can now apply for a wedding permit at the Butterfly Gazebo in Bronte, the Picnic Shelter A at Coronation Park and at Nottinghill Park. In addition, permits for wedding photography will be provided for Erchless Estate and Gairloch Gardens.

Organizations looking to provide individual or small group (currently a maximum of 10) outdoor fitness or training (e.g. boot camps) can apply for a permit online.

Community Sport Organizations (governed by a Provincial Sport Organization or National Sport Organization) may request access to a town sports field or indoor recreation facility to conduct organized sport training activities. Only training is permitted at this time, in accordance with provincial, regional and town guidelines. No games or scrimmages are to be conducted. Requests for space must be accompanied by a return to sport management plan that details attendance tracking processes, screening protocols, outbreak management and cleaning/sanitization details. For more information please contact bookafacility@oakville.ca.

The town typically issues permits for picnics at Coronation Park and Lions Valley Park for groups of 20 or more people. Given Provincial guidelines for group sizes (currently a maximum of 10) the town is not issuing permits for picnics this summer. Residents who want to picnic in our parks are reminded that gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10. We wish to remind parks users that barbeques, grills, fires, and other cooking appliances are not permitted in the parks.

Picnic tables will be spaced out to encourage physical distancing but are not sanitized. Visitors are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including maintaining 2 metre physical distance from others, gathering in groups of 10 or fewer and staying home if you feel sick. Residents should also wash and sanitize their hands before and after visiting the park.

Given the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, closure of the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts has been extended for the remainder of the 2020 season. The town recognizes the impact this closure will have on facility users and businesses, but the health and well-being of patrons and staff remains our top priority.

The town has also cancelled permits for large events and gatherings on town property until October 31, 2020. Impacted permit holders have been contacted by town staff.

There is a comprehensive COVID-19 Recovery Program Framework. in place that aligns with the province’s gradual phased-in approach. As provincial guidelines are updated, the town will continue to look for opportunities to expand programming and facility access in a safe and responsible manner.

For more information on the town’s efforts in response to COVID-19, including a list of what’s open and what’s closed, visit the COVID-19 Information page or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.