TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK

MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES CONTINUE TO BE MASK-FRIENDLY

Orillia's mayor is encouraging residents to be mindful of others' choices as the city returns to prepandemic operations.

"City of Orillia facilities and services continue to be mask-friendly, and we remind patrons to please be respectful of each other's choices and comfort levels," Steve Clarke said.

While the city no longer requires masking on Orillia Transit — a change in line with provincial COVID-19 legislation — resident Erica Ravn insists on continuing to wear hers while riding the bus.

"It's not exactly fun wearing them — it's annoying, some of the masks are tight and all of that," she said. "But if I can avoid getting (COVID), so it helps my family and it helps everybody else, then I'll put up with some discomfort."

Ravn said some of her fellow riders are also continuing to mask up and that "people have been nice and respectful."

The local woman said she experienced an altogether different attitude toward mask wearing during a recent visit to New York state.

"If you wore one, they looked at you like you had some kind of weapon with you," she added.

With the local state of emergency lifted and restrictions related to gathering or travel within Ontario no more, the city has also returned to pre-pandemic parking requirements at the waterfront.

At this time, there are no fees for parking at waterfront parks or using municipal boat launches.

Officials noted that a downtown/waterfront study now underway will include recommendations for the future related to parking in the area, such as the number of lots, spaces and their locations.

Pricing, timing and availability are among the other considerations to be explored.

Residents are being advised that parking at the waterfront will be impacted by the Centennial Drive Phase 2 reconstruction project starting later this summer.

While the city is allowing visitors to local waterfront parks to barbecue this year, grillers are reminded to take their cooking oils and charcoal when leaving the property.

Clarke is additionally encouraging residents and visitors to keep COVID-19 in mind, adding that, while regulations have expired, "we must remember that COVID-19 is not going away any time soon."