NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF KENORA
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In a proactive effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 the City of Kenora is closing City facilities to the public effective immediately.
The seriousness of this next wave of the pandemic is significant in our community. The decision to close the facilities was not made lightly, however, it is our obligation as leaders in the community to take every precaution we can to do our part to reduce the spread.
The following facilities will be closed to the public:
- Kenora Recreation Centre
- Lake of the Woods Museum
- Douglas Family Art Centre
- Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre
- Kenora Operations Centre
- City Hall
- Kenora Public Library
- Kenora Fire Halls
The Transfer Station will remain open, however, please adhere to the social distancing and mandatory masks while using the recycle area and disposing of waste. City Hall will continue to serve customers over the telephone and service the essential business that is required during this period. The public is encouraged to use online payment options only at this time. The Kenora Public Library will move to curbside service only. Holiday hours are in effect for these departments who will continue to provide essential services.
The facilities are scheduled to reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022.
The reality of this pandemic is that with all viruses it will continue to evolve as long as it continues to spread. The more that the virus spreads, the more pressure there is for the virus to change. Simply, the best way to prevent the spread is to reduce the amount of contact that people have with other people.
“We recognize that this decision affects residents during the holiday season. It is a critical time in our community and we need to recognize the importance of these measures to keep people safe. Gathering in public spaces increases the risk for everyone and that is the basis of our decision to close our facilities. We need to reduce the risk of spread to the community and our staff.” states Chief Administrative Officer Kyle Attanasio.
As the City continues to take actions to minimize the spread of COVID-19, by closing municipal public buildings and declaring a state of emergency, residents must take responsibility to follow the advice of health experts on the best ways to stop the virus. We know that staying home as much as possible, maintaining physical distancing of two metres from others, and masking, whenever you are in contact with others outside of your own household, are important behaviours as we fight to keep our community healthy. We ask everyone to do their part during the holiday season and ensure we reduce the spread we are seeing within the community.
