Ontario Announces Stay-At-Home Order effective April 8, 2021
The Ontario Government announced a State of Emergency and a four week provincewide Stay-at-Home Order, starting April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
Landscape and horticulture professionals continue to be permitted to work, subject to health and safety protocols. Garden centres are also allowed to operate, with a 25% capacity limit for in store shopping and hours restricted to 7 am to 8 pm.
The fact that our profession is permited to operate is a testiment to the diligence the community has shown this year in following public health measures. Let's all continue to do our part to limit the spread of Covid-19. Don't let your guard down!
Read the full government announcement
Here's how the order impacts Landscape and Horticulture Businesses
* All information is from the government's April 7, 2021 announcement as well as the April 3, 2021 announcement: COVID-19 shutdown: enhanced public health and workplace safety measures
Landscaping Services
Q: Are landscaping services permitted?
A: Yes, landscaping services are listed as a permitted service.
Garden Centres
Q: Are garden centres permitted to operate?
A: Yes, 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."
Construction
Q: Is construction permitted?
A: Yes, "Construction activities or projects and related supporting services, including demolition and land surveying, are allowed."
Snow clearing
Q: Is snow clearing permitted?
A: Yes, snow clearing is listed as a permitted service.
Growers
Q: Are nursery growers permitted to operate?
A: Yes, "Businesses are allowed if they: produce food and beverages, agricultural products (including plants), including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing."
Template Letter for Essential Workers
Covid-19 contract tracing questionnaire
Visit the Covid-19 Resource Hub
