Beginning Friday, Ontario’s entire legislated fire region is classified as a Restricted Fire Zone.

This designation is being made so that emergency responders are able to focus their efforts during COVID-19 on where they are needed most.

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says that means dealing with the pandemic and not with outdoor fires.

He says they’re banned and this restriction also means no burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit.

For more information go to www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions.

North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whiteley says the City of North Bay is issuing a fire ban on all outdoor burning as well.

He says the fire ban will be in effect until such time that the ministry can determine that emergency response capacity will not be impacted by COVID-19 and rescind the fire ban in the restricted zone.

(Hot Line)

The City of North Bay is operating a community hotline for residents looking for information and services on those impacted by COVID-19.

Call 705-474-0400 and then press 2.

You can also send an e mail customerservice@cityofnorthbay.ca

The Customer Service Centre is operating Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

(Victim Services)

A reminder from Victim Services of Nipissing District during COVID-19.

Executive Director Kathleen Jodouin says being self isolated can make difficult situations at home even harder.

She says Victim Services of Nipissing District is available for support during this challenging time even though their employees are working remotely.

She says phone messages and emails are being returned promptly and police as always can dispatch VSND during an emergency any time of day and for urgent matters call 911.

Their phone number is 705-472-2649.

(Callander)

Callander has decided to cancel the annual FunFest event due to COVID-19. The event was slated to take place on June 27th.

Also, the Family Board Games meeting, Arbour Day and Evening of Appreciation, all scheduled to take place in April, have been cancelled.

Council per the province’s recent mandate has passed a resolution to close all Callander outdoor recreational amenities.

 

(Food Bank)

The Callander and District Food Bank is still serving clients.

You can phone ahead for your order at 705-752-0777 every Monday between 9 am and noon.

That order can be picked up the next day during similar hours.

As well, monetary donations are being accepted as well as donations of potatoes, carrots, onions, apple or oranges.

Call the above number for drop off.

(photo by station staff)

 

 

Filed under: Callander, hot line, Victim Services of Nipissing