SUDBURY -- Greater Sudbury is waiting for the green light from the province before opening public boat launches, the city said Monday afternoon.

That's a change from an earlier statement to CTV Northern Ontario that said boat launches would remain closed for "the duration of the provincial state of emergency."

City spokesperson Kelly Brooks said in an email Monday that Greater Sudbury is basing its decision on provincial guidelines.

"The province continues to make announcements allowing certain businesses and services to open under strict guidelines, and the city continues to follow the lead of the province when it comes to outdoor recreational amenities," Brooks said.

"As the province releases guidelines on the proper opening of these amenities, we will keep residents updated regarding the opening of municipal boat launches."

Several communities in Ontario – including in the north – have already opened municipal boat launches, or have announced dates when they will open.

Unlike the backyard fire ban, which was imposed by the province and can only be lifted by the Ontario government, local governments can decide whether to allow the public access to boat launches. Marinas must remain closed, although the province has given them the green light to prepare to open.

At a special meeting Friday, councillors in Blind River voted to open public boat launches, following a similar decision in Sault Ste. Marie, which opened the north side of the Bellevue Marina boat launch in that city last week.

Communities that have opened public boat launches, or have announced dates when they will open, include Kingston, Belleville, Brockville, Gravenhurst, Kawartha Lakes, Picton and Pembroke.

Brooks said keeping the boat launches closed ensures "our emergency crews can continue to focus on critical COVID-19 response across the community.

"They also discourage people from visiting Greater Sudbury from other communities, to further prevent the spread of COVID-19."

In places where the launches have opened, municipalities have imposed rules around their use, including requiring residents to stay in their cars while they wait for others to launch their boats, avoid congregating with others in the launch area and maintaining a six-foot physical distance at all times.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has called on the province to open boat launches and marinas, arguing that it's a low-risk activity that would have a big benefit.

"We are confident that anglers, armed with proper guidance from public health officials, can continue to participate in a manner that does not jeopardize the progress we have made against COVID-19 and within the bounds of remaining emergency orders (e.g. the prohibition on social gatherings of more than five people)," Angelo Lombardo, the group's executive director, said in an open letter to Premier Doug Ford.

"Recreational fishing is a safe heritage activity that is suited to people of almost any age and across a range of physical abilities. Outdoor nature-based activities like fishing and hunting provide social, physical and mental health benefits. These benefits have taken on renewed importance during the unique situation we find ourselves in," said Lombardo's letter.

While the province has allowed provincial parks to reopen to hikers, camping and other activities are still prohibited and marinas still can't open for business.

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19 on April 6, which is to remain in effect and will remain in place through the duration of the provincial state of emergency. The current provincial state of emergency is set to expire on Tuesday and CTV News has learned that Premier Doug Ford will ask the Ontario Legislature to extend it once again until June 2.