Today the Province announced that based on the Ontario-wide vaccination rate and key public health indicators, the province will move into Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01am on Friday, June 11.

“This great news is due to the sacrifices and cooperation by each of us individuals and businesses from Kawartha Lakes right across Ontario,” said Mayor Andy Letham in a media release.

“This Friday, as we start to see things pick back up and you head out again, I urge you to do so carefully. If you’re enjoying a meal on a patio, dropping into your favourite store or meeting up at the park or on the dock, be safe and continue to follow all public health guidelines. Please continue to get vaccinated when your turn comes up.”

Letham continued, “On the weekend, in response to a complaint, our bylaw officers were called in to enforce provincial regulations as a result of some businesses going beyond curbside pick-up. During this time, a local councillor was observed having an interaction with our bylaw officers. The appropriateness of this conversation and the details of what occurred is being investigated. To those local business owners that felt the need to ‘take a stand’, I’d like to say, just hang on a few more days. We’ve stayed strong through this together and we will get out of this together. Do not jeopardize our entire summer for the sake of a few extra days. Although we’re a little late getting started, it looks like we’re going to have great summer ahead.”

Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen includes but is not limited to: