SUDBURY -- Greater Sudbury will open all public boat launches on Wednesday, the city announced Tuesday afternoon.

The move is a quick turnaround, just a day after the city said it was waiting for word from the province before deciding whether to follow communities such as Elliot Lake and the Sault that already opened their facilities to the public.

In a news release Tuesday, the city said its decision "aligns with recent directives from the province for the reopening of some seasonal and outdoor businesses and services, including permitting private marinas to allow people to access their properties."

"Please note that information on the opening of city landfills will be issued in the next few days," the release added.

Mayor Brian Bigger is quoted as saying in the release that this is a "positive first step" toward reopening the city.

“It’s been just over three weeks since we closed boat launches,” Bigger said in the release. “After monitoring this ever-evolving situation, consulting with our partners at public health, and aligning with recent announcements by the province, we have decided that the time is right.

"While this is a positive first step, we’re not out of the woods yet, and it’s important that people continue to make smart decisions and practise physical distancing.”

Boaters will have to observe physical distancing rules, the release said, and the decision to open the launches could be reviewed if people don't follow safe practices.

"Where there are concerns that people are not practising physical distancing, or where the number of users creates a situation where it is not manageable, the city will perform further review and implement changes as necessary," the release said.

City staff will be preparing boat launches for the season in the coming days. While boat launches will be open, the release said residents are reminded that parks amenities, playgrounds, and other outdoor recreational amenities remain closed as part of the province’s emergency orders.

For COVID-19 updates and information related to city services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid, or on social media at www.facebook.com/GreaterSudbury and www.twitter.com/GreaterSudbury.

For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & District's website.