SUDBURY -- Public washrooms at area beaches open Friday, Greater Sudbury has announced, as the city gradually restores services as part of the province's Phase 2 restart plans.

Washroom facilities will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily as of tomorrow at these locations: Bell Park Main Beach, Capreol Public Beach (portable washrooms), Kalmo Beach, Meatbird Lake Park, Moonlight Beach, Nepawhin Lake Park and Whitewater Lake Park.

Washrooms will be maintained by city staff, in line with guidelines set out by Public Health Ontario. The guidelines can be found here.

Municipal campgrounds at Ella Lake, Whitewater Lake and Centennial Park will open on Saturday, the city said in a news release.

"Campground operators will contact existing seasonal campers to schedule an arrival appointment to move onto the campsite," the city said. "Campers are advised not to arrive without an appointment, or outside of the time of their scheduled arrival appointment."

Seasonal campers will also be contacted by Leisure Services by email, or phone in some cases, regarding payment arrangements, fees and campground operating guidelines, including current COVID-19 protocols.

More information on campgrounds can be found here.

“It’s officially summer, and it’s refreshing to see our hard work continue to pay off with the reopening of more outdoor amenities,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger in the release. “But with three new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in our community in the past week, it’s a strong reminder that the virus is still a threat and we must continue to be safe and smart.

"Wash your hands often, keep your distance from others not in your permitted social circle and follow Public Health’s advice to wear a non-medical mask where physical distancing is not possible. Let’s make this summer a safe and healthy one.”

The city is getting back to normal in other ways, as well. Fees for on-street parking will resume July 2, including all metered parking downtown. Enforcement will resume on July 6, following a one-week transition period.

Enforcement at the 13 downtown municipal parking lots remains on hold until September. For lot locations, click here

Animal shelter services coming back July 1

In line with provincial reopening of services, the city has been in contact with partner veterinarians to ensure support for services such as spay and neuter, and expects to resume animal pickups and receipt of surrendered animals by July 1. Services at the shelter continue to be offered by appointment only.

The shelter temporarily stopped accepting healthy stray and community cats or the surrender of dogs or cats from owners to ensure the safety of residents and staff, and in response to limitations of veterinary services.

Public pools will remain closed at least until September, but 13 of the city’s 14 splash pads are now open. The remaining locations will open on Friday. Click here to check the status of the splash pad before attending

"Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas, and parents/guardians must supervise their children at all times," the city said. "These amenities are not sanitized and users are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands well before and after use, and maintain a distance of two metres from others."

Sports fields can be booked

Local sports association teams can book play fields at James Jerome Sports Complex (soccer) and Terry Fox Sports Complex (baseball) beginning the week of June 29.

As mandated under provincial orders, fields can only be used for training or instructional sessions, which adhere to physical distancing and group sizes of no more than 10. No scrimmages or games are permitted. Sports organizations are required to ensure they are following all mandated provincial orders and Public Health guidelines for their activities. For more information, call Parks Services at 705-674-4455, ext. 4578.

As previously announced, no lifeguard supervision is available at municipal beaches. Rescue equipment will be placed at beaches, however, residents who choose to swim will do so at their own risk.

Daily inspections, such as water safety checks, will not occur. Water quality testing will continue by Public Health.

For COVID-19 updates and information related to City services, click here. For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website.