Please visit our new What’s Open? page for the most up to date information on what businesses are currently open at this time on Pelee Island.
The Township of Pelee is waiving penalties and interest on property tax accounts and accounts receivable until the period ending October 31st, 2020 in order to provide property owners with the flexibility to manage their cash flows during this time. Council will reassess deadlines on a continuous basis and will provide updates.
While financial relief may be necessary for some, property owners are encouraged to maintain their regular tax and other municipal payments.
As well, the requirement for parking passes on municipal parking lots have been suspended until April 30, 2021. The municipality respectfully reminds those using the parking lots to adhere to parking signage at the airport so that parking is available to members of the public using the airport during the winter season.
Windsor-Essex County – including Pelee Island – has moved into Stage 3 of Ontario’s Reopening Plan as of Wednesday August 12th, at 12:01 a.m.
For more information please visit: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
The Township of Pelee is waiving penalties and interest on property tax accounts and accounts receivable until August 31st, 2020 in order to provide property owners with the flexibility to manage their cash flows during this time. Council will reassess deadlines on a continuous basis and will provide updates.
While financial relief may be necessary for some, property owners are encouraged to maintain their regular tax and other municipal payments.
All municipal public washroom facilities are now open, including the West Side washroom.
Please Note: Public Washrooms may have reduced hours of operation as determined in consultation with the Windsor Essex County Health Unit;
The Township of Pelee remains committed to limiting the spread of Covid-19. In co-operation with the Windsor Essex County Health Unit, the Township has adopted COVID-19 protocols respecting the maintenance of our public washroom facilities to ensure a level of safety to all our users and our staff; however, Patrons are also advised of their responsibility to reduce the risk of transmission during activities:
- Stay at home when you are ill.
- If more than 1 person at a time is entering a washroom these individuals should be persons living in the same household or individuals considered to be low risk.
- Practice physical distancing and maintain a 2 metre distance from others when within the Public Washroom.
- Respect any Provincial Emergency Orders that prohibit social gatherings of a certain size, including when within or outside a Public Washroom.
- Users are asked to not loiter around the Public Washroom amenity to assist in physical distancing and allow others the opportunity to utilize amenity.
Practice proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
- Where possible utilize electronic push buttons or sensors to open doors, turn on sinks, and flush toilets.
- Upon entering a Public Washroom immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Try to minimize contact with frequently touched hard surfaces as much as possible.
- Prior to exiting the Public Washroom please ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, bring your own alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
- Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cloth Masks & Face Coverings
- Individuals entering Public Washrooms are required to wear cloth masks or face covers.
Washrooms will be maintained by Municipal staff, in line with the Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings guidelines set out by Public Health Ontario. The guidelines can be found here: www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-environmental-cleaning.pdf?la=en
EAST PARK CAMPGROUND OPENING JULY 15, 2020
We are excited to announce that we are open for overnight camping!
This year, we have implemented a few changes to ensure the best camping experience. We are doing our best during these unprecedented times.
Due to Covid-19 Restrictions:
All emergency orders are still in place until July 22nd, 2020 or until further notice.
Below is important information to keep in mind:
- Reservations must be made in advance and online at PELEE.ORG/CAMP-EASTPARK/
- No group camping sites available for the 2020 season;
- Group camping is defined as a group of more than 6 non-related persons per site;
- No equipment loans for the 2020 season;
- Visitors or guests are not permitted;
- Campers must adhere to provincial social gathering size restrictions and maintain two-metre physical distancing with people outside their household and when outside of their campsites;
- Washroom facilities are open – and cleaned during office hours ONLY
- Shower Facilities remain closed at this time
- Entrance into the campground office is not permitted without approval.
NEW! Office hours (Subject to Change):
- Thursday to Monday – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
After Hour Procedures:
If you are taking the 6:00 p.m. ferry to Pelee Island on your check-in day you will need to visit the campground store the following morning beginning at 11:00 a.m. to register your stay with us. In the meantime, choose one of the available, numbered campsites and enjoy your evening!
As we continue to monitor the situation we will update our website as information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued co-operation and understanding during this difficult time. We look forward to welcoming you back to Pelee Island!
Pelee Island Heritage Centre Announcement
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pelee Island Heritage Centre will remain closed to the public for the rest of the 2020 season at the direction of our Board of Director’s.
As an important attraction in our community, we look forward to welcoming back visitors in 2021 – in a way that provides both safe access to the museum as well as a healthy experience for visitors and staff.
Please stop by our window when you arrive on the island (across from the ferry terminal) to view current information regarding opening hours of other island businesses. There will also be a copy of our Eco Trail Bike Map that will help guide you along our waterfront trail.
Our online bookstore is always open and donations are greatly appreciated!!
Thank you for your patience and your support and follow us on Facebook!!”
Public access to all municipal beaches with the exception of Sunset Beach will be permitted effective Saturday, June 27, 2020:
PLEASE NOTE: The municipality is authorizing access only. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Pelee Island to Stage Two of Province’s Reopening Plan
The Provincial Government has put in place a series of closures under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Beginning June 25th, with the exception of the Town of Kingsville and the Municipality of Leamington, the Windsor and Essex County region is in Stage 2 of Ontario’s staged reopening plan. Closures under the EMCPA are enforceable by provincial offenses officers including local and provincial police.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.wechu.org/cv/guidelines
COVID-19 TOOLKIT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO OPEN SAFELY
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit has created a COVID-19 Toolkit for small businesses to re-open safely.
This can be found on the WECHU website along with other resources in the Workplaces section:
https://wechu.org/cv/general-recommendations-businesses-workplaces
Township of Pelee Penalties and Interest to be Waived until July 31
The Township of Pelee is waiving penalties and interest on tax and water accounts until July 31, 2020 in order to provide property owners with the flexibility to manage their cash flows during this time. Council will reassess deadlines on a continuous basis and will provide updates.
While financial relief may be necessary for some, property owners are encouraged to maintain their regular tax and other municipal payments.
Transfer Station Summer Hours
Change of Transfer Station Hours to take effect July 1st, 2020
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Mondays*: 11:00am – 4:00pm
*American and Canadian Holidays
Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
Note: The Township of Pelee has moved to Stage 2 and all transfer station patrons are reminded of the requirements to wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, while staying at home as much as possible and only going out for essential reasons. Members of the public not physically distancing or convening in groups of more than 10 people are subject to charges in violation of the provincial order.
These measures will continue to be important in leading to the steady decrease in COVID-19 cases required for the province to proceed to the next stage of reopening more businesses.
CLASS ORDER ISSUED FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Use of Face Coverings
On Friday, June 19th, Dr. Ahmed announced that he would be updating his recommendation on the use of face coverings in public settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain. To prepare for the reopening of more businesses in the region of Windsor-Essex and to further protect the community from COVID-19 Dr. Ahmed is issuing a class order. This new class order effective 12:01 a.m. on June 26th, 2020, requires all owners or operators of a commercial establishment in Windsor-Essex to prohibit the entry of any person who is not wearing a face covering, unless the person cannot wear one due to medical reasons or age.
For more Information please visit:
https://www.wechu.org/newsroom/news-release-june-23rd-public-health-updates-related-coronavirus-covid-19
Municipal Policy on Face Coverings
The Township of Pelee has enacted the following policy effective June 26, 2020 as follows:
Those employees directly serving the public will wear a mask at all times except when outdoor activities make it unsafe to do so; Employees shall maintain a 2m (6ft) distance from any individual at all times. All other staff are required to wear a face covering when interacting with the public at any time.
Signage will be provided for municipal facilities that members of the public must wear a face covering inside all municipal buildings and outdoor facilities including but not limited to: Transfer Station Office, Marina Office, East Park Campground Store, Municipal Office front porch, and public washrooms. The Township requests that face coverings also be worn when interacting with municipal staff in any capacity outside of municipal facilities.
New Hours for Scudder Marina
New hours at Scudder Marina to take effect Friday June 26th are as follows:
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am to 2:00pm
*Services and products available may be limited at this time*
Note: The Township of Pelee has now moved to Stage 2 and all marina patrons are reminded of the requirements to practice physical distancing, while staying at home as much as possible and only going out for essential reasons. Members of the public not physically distancing or convening in groups of more than 10 people are subject to charges in violation of the provincial order.
These measures will continue to be important in leading to the steady decrease in COVID-19 cases required for the province to proceed to the next stage of reopening more businesses.
East Park Campground Update
Although East Park Campground remains CLOSED at this time, in accordance with the requirements of Stage 1 of ‘A Framework for Reopening our Province.’, the Township is in the process of beginning the critical maintenance and park start up procedures to ensure we are ready to go when Essex County moves to Stage 2.
The Township is looking forward to opening our campground and welcoming back campers!
Ontario Government Has Extended All Emergency Orders
The Ontario government has extended all emergency orders currently in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This extension will be in effect until June 30, 2020 to ensure the government continues to have the necessary tools to safely and gradually reopen the province, while continuing to support frontline health care workers and protect vulnerable populations from COVID-19.
For more information on current restrictions please visit: https://www.wechu.org/cv/guidelines
June 16, 2020
Scudder Marina will now be offering fuel services with the addition of some safety precautions. Fuel services will be available daily from 11am to 2pm. Bottled water and select essential boat products will also be available.
June 15, 2020
With deep regret the Pelee Island Fireworks Committee has decided to cancel the fireworks for the July holiday weekend. We remain open to an alternative date in the near future where everyone can stay safe.
June 9th, 2020
Transfer Station Hours (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE)
Change of Transfer Station Hours to take effect June 14th
Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
May 22nd, 2020
SCUDDER MUNICIPAL MARINA NOW OPEN
Open 11am to 2pm daily!
Contact us @ 519-724-2377 or scudder@pelee.ca
Enquiries outside of these hours can be directed to the Township Office Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm 519-724-2931
**Wherever possible, we are asking all seasonal payments (dockage and ramp) be made to the Township of Pelee Municipal Office through e-transfers to m.feltz@pelee.ca or by credit card over the phone**
May 19th, 2020
Government’s Plan to Re-open the Economy: May 19, 2020 – Comprehensive List (click here)
Here is some new information about supports and how to open safely as the Province announces Stage 1 reopening plans.
- Reopening Ontario after COVID-19 | Ontario.ca
- FedDev Ontario – Businesses across southern Ontario unable to access existing relief measures can now apply for funding under new initiative
- The CEWS – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy – has been extended through the end of August – encouraging you to rehire, bring back and expand your workforce. As business ramps up – the 30% revenue reduction requirement will be reviewed and likely adjusted. Check this link for updates to programs.– Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- https://www.wechu.org/cv/workplaces Information for Employees and Employers from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit
- PPE – to offer or to source: www.ontario.ca/ppe and www.RRPCanada.org
- Ontario COVID related links: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus
- Ontario business support: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-businesses
May 15th, 2020
SCUDDER MARINA AND BOAT RAMP TO OPEN SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020
Pursuant to Stage 1 of the Province’s Strategy to re-open the economy, the Township of Pelee will open its Boat Ramp and Scudder Marina at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday May 16, 2020; however, fuel services will remain closed until further notice.
Boaters are reminded COVID-19 protocols continue to be enforced and should ensure they maintain the standard social distancing space of two metres, avoid group gatherings of more than five people, and only boat with members of their immediate family.
Only one vessel will be permitted to launch at a time, and boaters are expected to remain in their vehicles until the vessel ahead of them has properly launched. Only individuals actively loading or unloading their vessel should be around the ramp area.
Boat Ramp passes are available for purchase at the marina or during regular business hours at the Township Office.
A Daily Pass is $11.50, and a Seasonal Pass is $120.00 per craft.
May 11th, 2020
RE: Scudder Municipal Marina
Although the boat launch and Scudder Marina remain closed to the public at this time,
On Friday May 1st, the Province of Ontario released an updated list of essential workplaces and services and declared:
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 watercrafts must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
The Township of Pelee will begin with preparation and repair work at Scudder Marina in order to ensure the safety of the public and to provide the necessary services once boating is permitted.
Should the current Province of Ontario restrictions limiting the use of the marinas extend beyond June 1st, 2020 the Township will provide further updates.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Township of Pelee at 519-724-2931.
May 6th, 2020
Ontario Emergency Orders Extended until May 19
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, emergency orders that have been put in place to-date have been extended until May 19 for the Province of Ontario. Protecting the health and safety of people across the province is the Ontario Government’s top priority. To learn more visit covid-19.ontario.ca
April 20th, 2020
NOTICE OF MEETING: Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A meeting of the Tourism, Economic Development Advisory and Hunt Committee will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. The purpose of the meeting is to engage business owners on the island in meaningful dialogue on economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Public comments and suggestions will be used by Township Council as we move forward, during and after, these unprecedented times to develop proactive strategies to ensure the economic sustainability of our community.
To effectively manage the meeting, all participants who would like to speak to one of the agenda items will be required to pre-register and may do so by emailing info@pelee.ca no later than NOON on April 22, 2020.
Questions with respect to the agenda items will be received at info@pelee.ca and will be addressed as time permits during the meeting.
This meeting will take place through electronic means only and will not be physically open to the public. Members of the public may view the meeting live at the link below:
If you wish to join the electronic meeting, please remember to test out your connection ahead of time. You may need to download Zoom on your laptop or the Zoom app on your phone to join.
AGENDA ITEMS:
- Current status of Provincial and Federal Covid19 Emergency Orders and Restrictions;
- 2020 Post COVID-19 Tourism Strategy – Proactive approach
- 2021 Pheasant Hunt – Planning for Next Year;
- 2021 Tourism Strategy – Recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
- Closing Comments and Questions
April 17th, 2020
REPORT TO COUNCIL – 2020 – 05 – JH: MUNICIPAL RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
To read the full report on Municipal Response to COVID-19, please click the link below:
April 15th, 2020
NOTICE: 2020 PELEE ISLAND PHEASANT HUNT CANCELLED
Due to public health and safety concerns and in response to the uncertain future circumstances related to COVID-19, on April 14, 2020, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Pelee made the difficult decision to cancel the Annual Pelee Island Pheasant Hunt for 2020.
We appreciate your patience as we work to process refunds and/or transfers for licences already purchased. Please allow up to eight weeks for information to complete your refund.
Urgent inquiries can be directed by e-mail to peleehunts@pelee.ca (link sends email automatically).
The Township of Pelee would like to thank everyone for their continued support for our annual tradition and we hope to see you again in 2021.
April 6th, 2020
NOTICE: EAST PARK CAMPGROUND: CLOSED
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, on April 3, 2020, the Ontario Government has ordered the closure of all outdoor recreational amenities, which includes THE EAST PARK CAMPGROUND effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
The Township of Pelee will continue to follow directions from the Ontario Government; however, at this time, there has not been a decision to close the campground for the remainder of the 2020 season.
For Ontarians whose only Canadian residence is at one of these seasonal trailer parks or campgrounds, they are permitted to continue their occupancy and complete their mandatory self-isolation as required by the mandatory isolation order made by the federal government under the Quarantine Act which took effect on March 25, 2020.
The Municipality will provide further communication as it becomes available.
April 5th, 2020
April 3rd, 2020
NOTICE: SCUDDER MARINA: CLOSED TO NON-ESSENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, the Ontario Government has ordered the closure of all outdoor recreational amenities, which includes Scudder Municipal Marina and boat ramp on Pelee Island.
The Township of Pelee will continue to follow directions from the Ontario Government; however, at this time, there has not been a decision to close the Marina for the remainder of the 2020 season.
In the event it is determined that the Marina will not be opening on May 1, 2020 as scheduled, the Municipality will provide further communication at that time.
March 31st, 2020
Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
March 30th, 2020
Message from the Mayor – Pelee Island Ferry Services in Response to COVID-19
Click Here For Full Message from Mayor – Ferry News Release
As we are all aware, the MV Pelee Islander will begin service between Pelee Island and Leamington, ON. on April 1, 2020.
The Township of Pelee, the Province of Ontario and the Owen Sound Transportation Company’s top priority is to continue to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
I reach out to you to encourage everyone to work together as a community, to think of the best interests of your neighbours on Pelee Island or on the mainland and to follow the protocols put in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Ferry users are asked to limit their travel for essential needs only.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, physical distancing measures will limit the number of MV Pelee Island passengers that can be accommodated on each crossing.
Priority service will be given to Pelee Island permanent residents and essential service providers.
Information is included below on additional measures being taken to ensure the safe transportation to and from the mainland and while on the ferry vessel.
Please be assured that we are continually monitoring and working collaboratively with all parties to address the spread of COVID-19.
Additional information is also available at:
http://www.ontarioferries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/200323_OSTC_Bulletin_Pelee-Island_v09.pdf
March 25th, 2020
Message from Windsor-Essex County Health Unit:
“Recent travel increases the risk for COVID-19. It is important for those travelling out of the country, [or returning to Canada/Ontario] to understand the risk of travel and follow the guidelines. Every level of government are consistent in their strong recommendation for the current suspension of all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
It is recommended that any resident that has travelled outside of Canada recently to self-isolate and monitor for symptoms for 14 days upon return for their protection and those around them. Individuals who are self-isolating should not go to work.
At any time during self-isolation if symptoms develop residents should contact their healthcare provider or the WECHU at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 to determine next steps.”
The Township of Pelee strongly encourages residents and/or visitors of Pelee Island to follow these WECHU recommendations.
For daily updates & additional information please visit: https://www.wechu.org/cv
March 23rd, 2020
TOWNSHIP OF PELEE – STATE OF EMERGENCY
“The Council of the Township of Pelee today [March 23, 2020] declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My Council will do whatever is necessary and required to ensure the safety of our residents and work collaboratively with our municipal partners in Essex County.
We are working diligently to ensure the municipality is protected to the best extent possible from the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to provide timely information as it becomes available to us.”
Raymond Durocher, Mayor
March 18th, 2020
The Township of Pelee Municipal Office will be closed to the public effective March 19th, 2020. However, municipal staff can still be reached by phone at 519-724-2931.
Given the rapidly changing public health situation, and based on recommendations from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) to move to essential services to mitigate risks and slow the spread of COVID-19, the Township of Pelee is expanding COVID-19 precautions with the following service level changes:
- The Township of Pelee Municipal Office will close to the public effective 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Although the building will close to the public, municipal staff will be available to assist and service residents by telephone or electronic means only. Please contact us by phone at 519-724-2931 or use our website at www.pelee.org to access municipal information and services. Phones will continue to be answered during regular business hours between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM from Monday to Friday.
- Members of the public who need to make a payment are encouraged to use electronic options (bank, online, etransfer), or mail in their payment or use the drop box located on the front porch of the municipal office located at 1045 West Shore Road.
- The Transfer Station will remain open as per seasonal hours of Wednesday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The municipality asks that you consider the health and safety of the transfer station attendant and other members of the public and do not come to the facility if you are showing symptoms.
- The Airport building will only be open when a scheduled flight through the regular Canadian carrier is scheduled.
These service level changes are being undertaken out of an abundance of caution to help mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our community.
Updates will continue to be posted on the municipal website and social media pages as the situation evolves.
The health and safety of our residents, staff and visitors remains a high priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the WECHU, going forward.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL MUNICIPAL SERVICES UPDATE – MARCH 18 NOTICE
March 17th, 2020
The Corporation of the Township of Pelee’s response to COVID-19 is led by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) and Emergency Services. We’re working closely with them to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 public health situation.
For more information on COVID-19, its potential impact on the community and tips on how best to protect yourself in your daily activities, please visit the WECHU special web page: Novel Coronavirus 2019 https://www.wechu.org/cv
For updates on municipal operations in light of COVID-19, please watch our social media pages and this site.
Facebook: Pelee Staff
Twitter: @TownOfPelee
Website: pelee.org
