Ford Says This is Not Going to be a Typical Victoria Long Weekend in Cottage Country

Thursday, 7 May 2020 at 14:28

Premier Ford says if you do go to your cottage for the Long weekend, to bring your own supplies and don't bring your friends with you; Meanwhile you can still get fined for visiting your cottage if it is located in Haldimand Norfolk.

ONTARIO - The Premier of Ontario is telling people to only go up to your cottages to check on things.

Ford says, this is not going to be your typical May 24 weekend.

"I was on the phone yesterday, we had that conference call for about an hour and half, I had all of our Ministers on there and we had a wholesome discussion with the Mayors in cottage country and I fully understand what they are facing day in and day out. I told them we would get the message out, for Victoria Day Long weekend. When you go up north, if you want to check on the plumbing at your cottage or your heat and see what is going on up there. This isn't going to be they typical May 24 weekend, I'm asking you please, don't bring a whole whack of people with you. It's not the party weekend it has been in the past, go up there, check things out, try to bring your own supplies with you."

The Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit has issued an order banning people from visiting their cottages and that anyone who breaks that order will be fined. Norfolk Mayor Kristal Chopp said she supports that order which restricts people from visiting their cottages at Long Point and Turkey Point. Premier Ford says he understands her position, even if he doesn't agree with it.

"I understand the Mayor from Norfolk, she was one of the Mayors on the phone asking questions, I may disagree, but she has the right to make her own rules in her own town but this is about working together and we have come so far as a team, team Ontario, working together and everyone collaborating and doing the right thing."

Ford says his message to anyone planning on going to the cottage for the long weekend is to follow the rules.

"If you have to go to the cottage to check on things, bring your supplies, follow the rules, that's what it comes down to, follow the same rules as we have everywhere else in the province. Make sure we respect the rules no matter what jurisdiction you are going into. Right now, just respect the rules and I am going to work with the Mayor of Norfolk, a good person and I am going to work with our MPP for Haldimand Norfolk Toby Barrett as well up there."

Ford says every jurisdiction is different and unique in such a massive Province.