Today a member in Sarnia sent us the following response from MPP Eric Nixon. The letter references a call to the Premier’s office. The latest guidance from the Province is that lawn care is an essential service. Landscape Construction is still not allowed. We are hoping that all sectors of horticulture will be on the next Essential Workplaces List.
This is good news just in time for good weather. Please work safely. There are some g
reat resources for you here.
From: Nixon, Eric
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 3:32 PM
Subject: RE: Landscaping Services
Good afternoon, Dave.
Thank you for contacting MPP Bailey's Constituency Office regarding your questions about Lawn Care and Landscaping being essential services.
During a video meeting last Friday with the Premier's Office, it was brought to our attention that the latest guidance from the Province is that lawn care IS an essential service.
The guidance that we have received is that it falls under the following:
The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services for Ontario has clarified that lawn care services are considered essential:
“Landscaping, including lawn care, is an essential business under O Reg,119/20, Schedule 2 and Section 20 for the maintenance of existing features (no new construction) as they provide safety, sanitation and security to residential and commercial buildings to maintain proper day to day services”
Yesterday, I contacted the City of Sarnia regarding the above. As per a tip from a constituent, I also made the City aware that London had issued a clarification on their website on Friday, April 17th regarding these services, which you also mentioned in your email. The indication I received this morning was that Sarnia plans to update its website regarding this matter, which will provide some clarification about what is permitted.
In the correspondence that I have had with other business owners, I have advised anyone doing work or having work done to ensure that all social distancing guidelines are being followed whenever possible. Additionally, I have advised businesses to carry a copy of the current Essential Workplaces list with them at all times (or have one posted in their workplace) with the relevant sector(s) highlighted that pertain to their business.
I hope that provides you with some helpful information. If you have any questions about the above, please contact me directly and I'll try to get some further clarification for you.
Warm regards,
Eric
Eric Nixon
Office of Bob Bailey, MPP
Sarnia-Lambton
