Service Disruptions

NBMCA SERVICE DURING COVID-19 DISRUPTION

UPDATED MAY 29, 2020*

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority continues to follow the guidance of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and respond appropriately. We continue to examine our business practices to find a balance between our social responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to deliver essential services.

*PLEASE NOTE: Beaches at Elks Beach and Eva Wardlaw Conservation Areas are now open effective May 29, 2020 with two restrictions: any persons using the beach must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres (six ft) from any other person on the beach other than those with whom they live. Further, social gatherings of more than five people on the beaches and in the conservation areas remain prohibited due to Provincial COVID-19 Restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If public gatherings on the beach become an issue, NBMCA may consider closing the beaches. The beach at Mattawa Island Conservation Area remains closed at this time.

NORTH BAY & PARRY SOUND OFFICES

The NBMCA offices in North Bay and Parry Sound are now closed to the public; however, the majority of staff are working off-site and continue to provide service by phone or email. Email addresses are available on the Staff Directory.

PERMITS AND LEGAL INQUIRIES

Temporary measures have been put in place for On-site Sewage System and Section 28 (DIA) Regulation Applications and Inspections. Please see the link in the sidebar.

For legal inquiries and reviews, we ask that all requests be submitted electronically, by email or fax listed on the sidebar.

If you are looking for information, applying for a permit, or requiring the service of NBMCA we ask you to call first to speak to a staff member. Call North Bay 705-474-5420 and or Parry Sound 705-746-7566 leave a message on a staff member's voice mail (extensions are listed on the Staff Directory) Staff are retrieving their messages regularly. You can also leave a message in the general delivery voicemailbox.

Email: North Bay Office - nbmca@nbmca.ca or Parry Sound Office- nbmca@nbmcaps.ca

FLOOD FORECASTING

NBMCA will be continuing its ongoing Flood Forecasting Program. Should conditions warrant, NBMCA will continue to advise municipalities, emergency responders and the public of any potential flooding or flood safety issues. Updates are posted on our website Spring 2020 Freshet and on social media.

CONSERVATION AREAS*

All but one of NBMCA’s conservation areas and boat launches are now open for passive use while a few amenities, such as washrooms, remain closed.

Mattawa Island remains closed to limit access to the basketball court and other recreational amenities in that particular conservation area.

Washrooms remain closed at:
Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area
Elks Family Beach Conservation Area
Mattawa Island Conservation Area

NBMCA will continue to monitor the provincial phasing approach to opening up activities in the province and guidance from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and will consider opening washrooms in accordance with public health recommendations and provincial direction.

To minimize common areas of contact in NBMCA conservation areas, NBMCA has closed its hand-release garbage containers in conservation areas and hands-free garbage containers have been provided. Garbage containers will be emptied once a week so it would be appreciated if you would take any wrappers, papers or other garbage home with you when you leave the conservation area. If you do observe a full garbage container, please notify NBMCA at 705-474-5420.

Brochures will not be stocked at conservation areas during COVID-19. Maps and information for many of NBMCA’s conservation areas are available on-line at https://www.nbmca.ca/conservation-areas-trails/find-a-conservation-area/

Thank you for your understanding. This page will be updated with any changes as the situation evolves.