Splish, splash: Georgina beaches open to residents only

Only those with resident parking passes can access Willow Beach, Holmes Point, De La Salle Beach

Yorkregion.com
May 21, 2021
Amanda Persico

In keeping with the current provincial stay-at-home order, Georgina is opening its beaches to residents with parking passes only.

“We know our waterfront parks and beaches are popular destinations for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“We will be operating at a reduced capacity to manage numbers. Last year, when we opened De La Salle Park we did not have a provincial stay-at-home order. This year we do. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we are able and when it is safe to do so.”

What beaches and parks require a parking pass?

• Willow Beach -- 1506 Metro Rd., Willow Beach;
• Holmes Point Park -- 131 Holmes Point Rd., Pefferlaw;
• De La Salle Beach and Park -- 1940 Metro Rd., Jackson’s Point;
• Bonnie Park -- 1 Bonnie Blvd., Jackson’s Point;
• North Gwillimbury Park -- 775 Lake Dr. North, Roches Point.

When are beaches open?
Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who can access town beaches?
Only those with a resident parking pass. Paid parking for non-residents, or residents without a parking pass will not be permitted.

Residents are required to display their 2021 resident parking passes to park in the beach parking lots.

How long will this restriction be in place? All summer?
Resident-only beach access will be in place as long as the provincial stay-at-home order is in place.

The town is working on various scenarios and preparing for the rest of beach season.

How will capacity limited be maintained?
In order to limit crows, parking spaces have been reduced. Once parking lots reach capacity the parking lots will be closed?

How will this be monitored?

Town staff will be on site to monitor and control the number of residents in the parks.

On weekends, police officers will be on hand to assist town staff with crowd and traffic control.

Town staff will also patrol other waterfront areas.

What can we do at the beach? Can I sunbathe?
Currently, beaches and parks are for active recreation -- swimming or walking through.

Parents supervising their children or those with accessibility requirements can sit on a towel in the beach area.

Coolers, lounge chairs, umbrellas and canopies are not allowed on the beach or in the park area.

Can I bring a barbecue?
No.

Barbecues and other outdoor cooking devices are not permitted.

Can I picnic?

Picnic tables are not permitted under provincial restrictions, but benches can be used.

Is the water at the beach tested?
Not yet. Testing by York Region Public Health starts typically starts in mid-June. But water sampling and testing hasn’t been determined for the season.

What if I don’t have a 2021 parking pass?
If you haven’t obtained a 2021 parking pass, 2020 passes will be accepted.

Parking passes are available online at www.georgina.ca/parkingpass.

Can I park on side streets near the beaches?
Recently, the town increased existing no-parking and no-stopping fees to $100 and $150.

Traffic will be monitored at each beach location throughout the summer.

For more information, visit www.georgina.ca/beaches.