Strategies in place for opening of Blind River's River Marine Park

Blind River’s popular River Marine Parks reopens Thursday morning, the town’s Director of Facilities and Community Services Karen Bittner said in a press release today.

Bittner said the town is “eager” to announce the reopening, but noted the operation of the facility will continue to adhere to some restrictions social distancing put in place by the provincial government to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Boating is a great way to promote physical distancing as well as exploring our local beauty,” Bittner said in an email to ElliotLakeToday. “As many of our residents have had their summer travel plans changed, our docks are open to all boaters seeking daily, monthly, or seasonal slip rentals. If you find yourself venturing on Lake Huron frequently, we invite you to arrange for a slip to make your experience easier. All boats and boaters are welcome at our public marina.” 

Boaters can email the town at [email protected] with any questions or requests to process agreements.

The opening will take place Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., “as a soft-opening that will allow our seasonal boaters to move to their slips.”

For the month of June operating hours will be Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Hours will be extended from June 29 to August 28 to seven days per week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Canada Day will have service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the Art Gallery.

“We fully understand and love the culture of boating, chit-chat, and reminiscing with people we only see during the summer. Our request this year is that we all maintain distance and keep interactions to a minimum,” Bittner said of the reopening. “This is one of the strategies we are hoping are respected by our boating community to ensure our staff stay healthy and can serve you for the entire season.”

The strategies are as follows:

• Keep six feet apart on the docks
• Treat the docks and boardwalk like trails, giving ample right-of-way to oncoming walkers and wheelers
• When possible, purchase a punch card for ice to reduce cash/transaction contact
• Do not invite guests that do not live in your household on your boat this summer.
• If you are sick, please do not interact with staff or touch anything in The Marine Park.

“While we realize we cannot police these requests, we hope for everyone’s health and safety that they are followed,” Bittner added.

In a related matter Timber Village Art Gallery will be hosting The Summer Art Show and Sale.

The art show will feature works by artists from Blind River and area and will open on June 29 at 10 a.m. As originally planned, an official opening ceremony will not be held. 

The gallery hours are as follows:

• June 29 to June 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Last admission will be at 5:30 p.m. 
• Canada Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m. 
• From July 2 to August 3 operation will be from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5:30 p.m.

“We are opening to support our local artists this summer. As Blind River works to support its local merchants and owners, it is imperative our local artisans receive opportunities to sustain their livelihood,” Bittner said. “The town has added several tools to make your experience safer and engaging.” 

A maximum of four guests will be permitted in the gallery at one time.

You are encouraged to view art and process payment at wave to allow other guests to view. Wave will have an outdoor transaction station set up to reduce traffic in the gift shop (weather permitting).

Wave has a capacity of two guests and is fully stocked with updated consignment items from local talent.

Transactions for art can be processed via credit card and curbside pick up is promoted.

High contact areas will be sanitized regularly.

Pieces may be reserved for 24 hours to allow you to call the Gallery with a credit card payment process

Timber Village Art Gallery has requested the following of users:

• Do not visit The Marine Park or TVM Gallery if you are sick
• Please respect our capacity of four guests and plan accordingly
• Debit or credit are preferred to reduce cash transactions
• We encourage the use of masks
• Timber Village Museum will remain closed for the month of June. 

“We look forward to providing updates as we can open safely to the public.” Bittner added. “In order to support our local merchants as they re-open, it is imperative that The Marine Park, an additional gateway to Blind River, be open to serve the public and encourage users to Celebrate Local” Bittner said.  “While we are adjusting how we serve, we will do our best to deliver the best summer experience possible.” 

She is calling on all merchants in Blind River with marketing material to invite to arrange by appointment with [email protected] for drop off and complimentary promotion in wave.