Oshawa has added Harmony Valley Off-Leash Dog Park to its list of temporary closures. Whitby, too, announced a similar measure, to further mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
“The city is closely monitoring the evolving situation and implementing preventative measures to protect our community,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “We appreciate your cooperation in helping to flatten the curve.”
Dog owners are still welcome to walk their pets on-leash on city trails; however, if heading out, we ask you to follow the recommendations of health authorities on distancing and limiting gatherings, said a city statement.
The following outdoor facilities are closed to public use until further notice:
- Playgrounds
- Sports fields and ball diamonds
- Courts (including Pickle Ball, Tennis and Basketball courts)
- Skate parks
- Park washroom facilities
- Harmony Valley Off-Leash Dog Park
Other municipalities across Durham have announced similar closures to limit public gatherings.
Gap Committee launches new website
The Gap Committee has launched a new website, www.gapcommittee.ca that features an emergency supports calendar, as well as information and resources on food banks, warming options, transit updates, phone, online and street outreach services, and other supportive services.
The website is updated daily.
The Gap Committee facilitates collaboration between people with lived experience, service providers and community members to help fill in the gaps in services and find shared solutions to help those who are not sheltered and the vulnerable in Durham Region,
Durham Region’s new Community Resources webpage
Durham Region Social Services Department has launched new webpage, www.durham.ca/CommunityResources. The webpage compiles local resources available for vulnerable individuals, including those who are concerned about income, shelter, food security, mental health or transportation.
The webpage also includes information on community agencies that are actively seeking volunteers to help support fellow Durham Region residents during this challenging time.
Ongoing outreach
Through a collaborative effort, outreach workers continue to connect with vulnerable and unsheltered individuals in the Oshawa community to offer connections to services and shelter and provide essential supplies, including hygiene products.
Additionally, various social services agencies in Oshawa provide warming stations and centres and offer washroom facilities and meals.
Oshawa’s www.oshawa.ca/warmingcalendar webpage is updated regularly with information on options for relief from the cold, food and meal options and other important amenities. The calendar also includes details for overnight warming station options.
To learn more about programs and resources offered in Oshawa to help our vulnerable community members, visit www.oshawa.ca/unsheltered.
Food and Monetary Donations
Oshawa city thanked all who have contributed through the supervised food donation ‘drive-thru’ benefiting Feed the Need in Durham.Donations will continue to be accepted on Friday, March 27 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm at Delpark Homes Centre parking lot (1661 Harmony Rd. N.). Residents who missed the drive-thru can phone ahead to 905-571-3863 to arrange a time for the drop off of non-perishable food items at the organization’s main warehouse located at 371 Marwood Drive in Oshawa. Community members will be asked to unload their donations and maintain physical distancing. Additionally, monetary donations to Feed the Need can be made online to support the bulk purchase of non-perishable food items.
Additional organizations that are in need of the community’s support include:
Salvation Army Oshawa is accepting food and donations at its Thrift Store’s rear door at 45 King St. E. Monetary donations can be made online at www.oshawa-temple.org.
Simcoe Hall Settlement House is accepting non-perishable food items at 387 Simcoe St. S. in Oshawa. To learn more, including how to make monetary donations, visit https://simcoehall.com/cause/donate.
Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty is accepting food donations. Community members can drop off food donations at 66 Simcoe St. S., behind the church. Community members can also make monetary donations online.