The Province of Ontario is Allowing a Few More Businesses to Open on May 4th

Friday, 1 May 2020 at 13:37

Most of the businesses that will be allowed to open starting on May 4th are seasonal. Golf courses and Marinas can start to get ready for the season, but will not be open to the public just yet.

ONTARIO - The Province of Ontario is allowing a few businesses to open starting on Monday May 4th.

Premier Ford says most of these businesses are seasonal.

"We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment. While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely."

Ford says they are hoping to announce more businesses soon.

"If we stay vigilant and take a measured approach, we can keep moving in the right direction, we can keep moving ahead with the opening of the economy but we still have a long way to go. Today is a glimmer of hope and it couldn't come soon enough. I am very pleased that we are here today and I know we all are. In the coming days and weeks I am very optimistic that in the near future, additional businesses will be able to open up safely, people are eager to get back to work and when the time comes, we will regain what we have lost and more. My friends, we will get there, we will get there together and we will get through this."

Here is the complete list of businesses that will be allowed to open on Monday May 4th.

- Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
- Lawn care and landscaping;
- Automatic and self-serve car washes;
- Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
- Additional essential construction projects that include: Shipping and logistics; Broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure; Any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services; Municipal projects; colleges and universities; Child care centres; Schools; and site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;

Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public and Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

Yesterday the Province released a framework on how businesses can reopen and all of these businesses will need to following those guidelines.