COVID-19: Reopening Middlesex Centre

Date

April 17, 2021

Last updated on April 17, 2021.

In March 2020, the municipality closed all municipal offices, parks and facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs including recreational skating and those offered by our partner organizations like the Middlesex County Library and YMCA were cancelled. Core municipal services (water and wastewater delivery and treatment, roads maintenance, building inspections, waste collection and yard waste drop-off, etc.) continued to be offered despite these closures.

The Project Restart Plan was developed to allow for a gradual reopening of municipal services and amenities.

MXC Project Restart

Reopening Middlesex Centre is taking place in three phases:

Phase 1 - parks open for walk-through, arenas, community centres and other recreation services closed, municipal office closed to public, with most staff working from home
Phase 2 - sports fields and courts open, limited opening of Wellness Centre and services such as the library and YMCA, expanded materials accepted at EnviroDepot, municipal office open by appointment only, with limited staff in the office
Phase 3 - playgrounds and all park amenities open, all facilities open, municipal office open

As you'll see in the full "MXC Project Restart" Plan below, there are no timelines associated with reopening. Rather, the plan offers a road map to reopening, with timing based on guidance and direction from the province and Middlesex-London Health Unit. We may find ourselves moving up-and-down through the reopening phases as the impacts of COVID-19 change.

"MXC Project Restart" Plan

The reopening plan includes steps for increased safety in response to COVID-19. For example, there will be enhanced cleaning and sanitizing and glass barriers at customer service counters. These steps are in place for the safety of both residents and municipal staff.

Where are we NOW?

Please see our main COVID-19 information page for updates on the status of all municipal services.

For information on what businesses are open, please visit the Government of Ontario's website.

Status of Municipal Facilities & Programs

Facility or Service	Current Status	Notes
Municipal Office	Open - Most services are by appointment only	The municipal office in Coldstream is open for bill payments and front desk services; all other services are by appointment. As staff may be working remotely during the office closure, we encourage residents and businesses to take advantage of our online services where possible (billing, building permits), or to contact staff via phone or email. We also ask for your patience during this time, as we may require longer to respond to your emails and phone calls. If you have an emergency situation, please use the emergency numbers listed at the top of our staff list.
Parks - General Use (walking, hiking, dog walking, biking)	Walking through the park is permitted	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, all Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice. This closure includes park amenities such as sports courts and fields, skateparks, pavilions, etc. Playgrounds are permitted to be open. Under the regulation, walking through the parks is permitted. The Province has limited outdoor gatherings to only members of your household (the people you live with) and you must comply with public health advice on physical distancing and wear a mask or face covering. Note that washrooms are closed at all parks. Remember: Keep your dog on a leash and clean-up after it ("poop & scoop"). Please obey all posted signs.
Parks - Playgrounds	Open - Special Rules Apply	The Province has amended the Stay-at-Home Order regulations to allow playgrounds to remain open. Note that washrooms are closed at all parks. While enjoying the playgrounds, please do your part and stay apart! Practice physical distancing (keeping 2m / 6ft apart). Do not gather with groups outside of your immediate household. Obey all posted closure signage. Please stay home if you feel unwell.
Parks - Splash Pads	Closed for the season
Parks - Pavilions	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Ball Hockey Rink	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Basketball Courts	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Skate Parks	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Sports Fields: Soccer Pitches & Ball Diamonds	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Tennis & Pickleball Courts	Closed	In response to the Provincial stay-at-home regulations issued on April 16, 2021, Middlesex Centre park amenities are closed until further notice.
Parks - Dog Off-Leash Areas ("Paws in Parks")	Open - Special Rules Apply	Remember: Keep your dog on a leash and clean-up after it ("poop & scoop"). While enjoying the parks, please do your part and stay apart! Practice physical distancing (keeping 2m / 6ft apart). Do not gather with groups outside of your immediate household. Obey all posted closure signage. Please stay home if you feel unwell.
Facilities - Arenas	Closed	The Komoka Wellness Centre is closed until further notice in response to the Ontario-wide shutdown. Ilderton Arena is closed for the season. Contact Facility Booking staff for details.
Facilities - Community Centres	Closed	Community centres are closed until further notice in response to the Ontario-wide shutdown. Contact our Facility Booking team for details about future bookings.
Facilities - Komoka Wellness Centre	Closed	The Komoka Wellness Centre is closed until further notice in response to the Ontario-wide shutdown. Please contact our Facility Booking team for details about future arenas and community rooms bookings. Please contact the YMCA for information on their hours and service availability (including access to exercise equipment, the gym and the walking track). Please contact the Middlesex County Library for information on their hours and service availability.
Waste & Recycling - EnviroDepots	Open	The EnviroDepots at Denfield and Longwoods will open on April 17, 2021, but in light of the Provincial stay-at-home order we ask that you attend only for necessary trips. Please store materials such as extra waste and yard waste as long as possible, and make use of your regularly scheduled waste collection, before coming an EnviroDepots. If you must attend an EnviroDepot, please note the following the COVID-19 protocols are in place: Practice physical distancing Masks required when dealing with staff Debit card payment only (if required) For locations, hours and a list of accepted materials, please see our Waste and Recycling page. Try-Recycling (Clarke Rd) is open and available for residential use.
Waste & Recycling - Household Special (Hazardous) Waste	Open	Middlesex Centre residents may bring their household hazardous waste to the City of London's Household Special Waste Depot. Confirm hours of operation prior to visiting.

Your thoughts & comments

Responding to the challenges of responding to COVID-19 is new for everyone. We welcome your thoughts and comments on how we can improve our response.

Please use our feedback form to share your ideas.