blue background with pink spikey balls on it

COVID-19 public health measures remain in effect for all Ontarians. Municipal administrative buildings are temporarily closed for in-person services. Residents are encouraged to continue to access services online and by appointment with staff where possible. 
Note: face masks that cover your nose and mouthare required when inside all municipal facilities. 

The Municipality's response 

The health and wellbeing of residents and staff continues to be the Municipality’s highest priority. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, we are collaborating and sharing information and resources with community partners to ensure preparedness. We are also regularly assessing operations and implementing measures, where required, to protect the health and well-being of the community. 

The Municipality's COVID-19 communications strategy

We have streamlined our COVID-19 communications strategy. This will address resident expectations of the Municipality’s approach to COVID-19 response and public reporting.

We will issue statements regarding COVID-19 if / when:

  • The Province changes restrictions or mandates in our local area.
  • Changes are made to facility operating hours or operations due to COVID-19.
  • The Health Unit declares an outbreak in a municipal facility.
  • A facility must be closed to the public, per orders from the Health Unit.

We will continue to take advice and direction from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pineridge, District Health Unit staff on all matters related to COVID-19. The Health Unit staff are responsible for contact tracing and for notifying anyone who they deem a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19. The Municipality will not report these findings, unless asked to do so by the Health Unit.

Municipal updates

Vaccination information 

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is managing the vaccination roll-out in Northumberland County, which includes Port Hope. 

Click here for vaccination details

Free transportation to a vaccine appointment 

Community Care Northumberland will be providing transportation services to any Northumberland County senior who has an appointment booked. Individuals who have a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment and require transportation can phone Community Care Northumberland’s transportation team at 1-866-768-7778 to register and request a ride to their appointment.

Click and Connect 

Have a question about COVID-19? The Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit has a new system that allows you to submit your questions electronically and receive a quicker response. 

Click and Connect to the Health Unit

 COVID-19 testing centres
There are two dedicated COVID-19 testing Centres within Northumberland County:

Visit Ontario Health Team - Northumberland

Facility closures

Please note that some municipal facilities remain closed to the public. Staff are working in the buildings, safely, or remotely from home.

Municipal building closures include:

  • Town Hall
  • The Fire Administration Office at Fire Station #1
  • Development Team Office (5 Mill Street South)
  • Joint Operations Centre
  • Marketing and Tourism Office
  • Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors
  • Rural Area Public Works Yard
  • Cemetery Office
  • Jack Burger Sports Complex
  • Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Port Hope Community Hub

If you have an urgent request for a municipal service, please contact staff via email or phone during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For a quick list of what's open within the municipality, see our what's open section. 

What's open

clip art of beach umbrellaPort Hope beaches

Municipal beaches are currently open, however physical distancing and social gathering limits still apply under the current public health measures. *Please note that the West Beach is temporarily closed for swimming only. See the Public Notice for details. 

clip art of dog after ballDog park

The Baulch Road Dog Park is open. Physical distancing measures and social gathering limits are still in place. 

field clip artSports fields and amenities

Sport and recreation fields and amenities, including soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, and the fitness park are open with restrictions. Outdoor fitness, personal training, and sports training are allowed with restrictions.  

clip art of a gazebo

Benches, Gazebos, Picnic Areas and Picnic Tables

Municipal benches, gazebos and picnic areas are open, with gathering limits in effect. 

 

clip art of person on skate boardSkate Park

The Municipal Skate Park is currently open. Physical distancing measures remain in effect. 

clip art of tennis racket and ballOutdoor Courts

Municipal tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts are currently open. Lights will not be available. Physical distancing measures remain in effect.

playground clip artPlayground Structures

Play structures are open. Note that play structures are not regularly cleaned or sanitized. It is recommended that playground users avoid touching their face and wash and/or sanitize hands immediately after use. There is no limit to the number of playground users, but physical distancing measures are still in effect. 

clip art of person walking on trail in forestMunicipal Trails

Municipal trails are currently open.  

Fish hook iconFishing and Access to the River

Access to the River is open. Please refer to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry or the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority for fishing regulations.

clip art of boat launchBoat Launch

The municipal boat launch is open. 
 

clip art of busTransit

Municipal transit remains operational at reduced customer loads. The buses continue to be cleaned and sanitized regularly. 

clip art of open bookLibrary

The Mary J. Benson Branch (31 Queen Street) of the Port Hope Public Library is closed for in-person service, while continuing to offer contactless curbside service. Visit the Library website for details. 

Green Image of Municipal BuildingMunicipal buildings

Municipal administrative buildings are currently closed for in-person service. Residents are encouraged to continue to access services online and by appointment with staff, where possible. The Jack Burger Sports Complex, Town Park Recreation Centre and Port Hope Community Hub are currently closed until further notice as part of Ontario’s modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopening.   

skate icon with closed iconArena

The arena at the Jack Burger Sports Complex is closed until further notice as part of Ontario’s modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopening.   

Icon of paint set and soccer ballPrograms

In-person programming is not currently available as part part of Ontario’s modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopening. This includes skating and swimming. Please check the recreation page for future updates. 

icon of swimmer with closed iconSwimming

Swimming at the Jack Burger Sports Complex is not currently available, due to Ontario’s modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopening. Visit the recreation page for future updates. 

Ruth Clarke Logo Ruth Clarke Activity Centre

The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors remains closed. Select virtual programming may be available. For updates, visit the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre webpage. 

clip art of parking meterParking

Pay parking lots and meters are available throughout the downtown. 

Public complaints/concerns

If you have concerns that a business or service is still open when it should not be, do one of the following:

Call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006, if your complaint involves any of the following businesses/services:

  • Child Care Facilities
  • Recreational Camps
  • Personal Services Settings (including mobile and home-based settings)
  • Tanning Salons
  • Facilities Providing Indoor Recreational Programs Including Indoor Public Pools and Whirlpools
  • Food Premises, including restaurants
  • Theatres and Cinemas (including drive-ins)
  • Trailer Parks
  • Schools (Public and Private)

For any other type of business, report your concerns to your local police service using the non-emergency number. Do not call 911.

Employee concerns

If you have COVID-19 concerns or questions about your workplace, you should call the Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.

Landlord/tenant issues 

Contact the Landlord Tenant Board at 1-888-332-3234.

Proof of vaccination 

The government-mandated proof of vaccination rules are in effect. All eligible persons visiting the Jack Burger Sports Complex, the Town Park Recreation Centre, and the Port Hope Community Hub must:

  • Provide a valid vaccine passport, showing that they are fully vaccinated (has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days ago). As of January 4, 2022 the only valid vaccination receipt is the government issued enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code. Paper or digital copy of your QR code is accepted.

    • Please note: as of December 20, 2021, youth aged 12 to 17 years will be required to show proof of vaccination if participating in organized sports at recreational facilities.

  • Provide a valid identification document

  • Complete a COVID-19 health screening with our new online form

Tip: share copies of your QR code with members of your household in case you forget yours.  

 Examples of valid identification documents
Per the Province's guidance, proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt include:

  • Birth certificate

  • Citizenship card

  • Driver’s licence

  • Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card

  • Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card

  • Passport

  • Permanent Resident card

 How to get your enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code

You can get your COVID-19 enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code online or by phone

For more information about Ontario's requirement of proof of vaccination in certain settings, please visit the province's FAQ page. 

Thank you for your ongoing kindness and consideration as we adjust to these unique times and for your patience while we learn how to implement this new mandate from the government.