Ontario Closes "Non-Essential" Construction

The Ontario Government announced on April 16, 2021 that it is extending and the Stay-at-Home by two weeks (until at least May 20, 2021), and also adding new restrictions and greater enforcement measures. 

"As the latest modelling confirms, without taking immediate and decisive action COVID-19 cases will spiral out of control and our hospitals will be overwhelmed," said Premier Doug Ford. "That’s why we are making difficult, but necessary decisions to reduce mobility and keep people in the safety of their own homes. We need to contain the spread of this deadly virus, while getting vaccines in as many arms as quickly as possible."

The Provincial Government announced that beginning Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. all "non-essential" construction must close for the remainder of the Stay-at-Home order. The province has not provided a definition of "essential construction." Once the government provides a definition, the Landscape Ontario Covid-19 Task Force will update members.

The government also announced "police officers and other provincial offences officers will have the authority to require any individual to provide their home address and purpose for not being at their residence. In addition, police officers, special constables and First Nation Constables will have the authority to stop vehicles to inquire about an individual’s reasons for leaving their home. This additional enforcement tool will only be in effect during the Stay-at-Home order and exclusively to enforce the Stay-at-Home order."

The Ford Government also advised all employers to make sure any employee that can work from home, is working home for the remainder of the Stay-at-Home Order.

Other landscape horticulture sectors were not impacted by the changes.

Click the link below to find an Essential Worker Template Letter:

Template Letter provided by EIO Solutions

Here’s how the April 16, 2021 announcement impacts Landscape and Horticulture Businesses

* All information is from the government’s April 16, 2021 announcement and the Covid-19 Public Health Measures page

Construction

The latest announcement added new restrictions for construction. Beginning April 17, 2021, only "Essential Construction" will be permitted. This change is expected to last for the remainder of the Stay-at-Home Order, which was extended until at least May 20, 2021. Landscape Ontario’s Covid-19 Task Force will update members as soon as the government provides a definition of "Essential Construction"

Landscaping Services

Landscaping services are listed as a permitted service.

Garden Centres

Garden centres are permitted to be open for: in-person retail at 25% capacity between 7 am and 8 pm; curbside pick-up; and delivery. 

To calculate 25% capacity: "divide the total square metres of floor space accessible to the public (not including shelving and store fixtures) by 16 and round down to the nearest whole number."

Snow clearing

Snow clearing is listed as a permitted service.

Growers

"Businesses are allowed if they: produce food and beverages, agricultural products (including plants), including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing."

Visit the Covid-19 Resource Hub