To all concerned:
I have reviewed the law as it relates to continuing construction or maintenance requirements to cottages or other premises on reserve and I provide the specific reference below:
According to Schedule 2 of Ontario Regulation 82/20, of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 Last Amendment: 239/21, construction and maintenance activities are permissible with additional requirements placed upon the individual employer with respect to their employees.
Therefore, for SCOI’s interest and posting all pre-approved projects under Permit issued by SFN Lands & Leasing may continue providing work if completed within the 10days/month, or unrestricted if the leasee purchased an extension of lease for the month of April.
Furthermore, pre-approved projects under Permit issued by SFN Lands & Leasing that are scheduled to commence within the month of April, may perform such construction or maintenance within the 10days/month allowance or beyond if the leasee has purchased an extension to their lease for the month of April.
Future, unapproved projects desired within this Provincial shutdown period will be at the discretion of SFN Lands & Leasing Manager.
This will allow the continuation of critical septic projects among other pre-approved permitted projects.
To be clear, cottage owners are not allowed on site and are not exempt as a result of their construction or maintenance projects proceeding.
Keep safe,
Band Administrator
Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
I have a question. So I just came back from Nova Scotia and to enter another province they aloud it as long we can show them a negative COVID19 test completed the last 48 hours. Would that be something I can do to or the Band would consider so that I’m able to attend my cottage? I need to come and have some work done and pick up some items I need.
Dani
Cottagers, regardless of Covid19 status (negative test, vaccinated,..) you are not permitted on the Saugeen First Nation Reserves until the end of the Provincial lockdown period.
How do we get approval for spring clean up and lawn cutting done during this time, weather permitting.
Thanks.
Joan,
The Band directive, based on provincial law, only allows contractors to continue working on jobs that have already been issued a permit by the Band. Cottagers and all other contractors ie.lawn and yard maintenance, are not permitted on the Reserves until the end of the Provincial lockdown period.
Does a building permit fall into this category?
As it says in the post, if you have a permit from the Band, you may proceed.
So we can purchase April at a given rate, that’s great! We’ll pay, please advise?
Allen,
The lease is priced for six months. The lease allows you to purchase one or two of any of the remaining six months prorated at one sixth of the annual rate per month.
However, right now, the Band is only allowing those to stay at their cottages who had already paid for April and were living there full-time prior to the start of the Provincial lockdown.
Can I have Port Elgin Home Hardware deliver lumber to my cottage property and have it signed for by a Southampton contractor? I am concerned about the availability of wood and would like to have it ready when we are permitted to be on cottage property.
Betty Anne,
If you or the contractor have a SFN building permit for the use of the lumber, then you can do what you are suggesting. If not you can contact Kirk Roote at Land Management by e-mail ( kirk.roote@saugeen.org ) and see if he will issue you a permit. If this is not a permit thing then you will have to wait for the Band to allow you to return.
One other cottage owner this winter that we are aware of had lumber stolen from their cottage property because they were not able to secure it before they we required to leave. So, unless you have a secure place for your contractor to put the lumber or they are prepared to keep it safe for you, you may not want to chance it.
With Carson’s Camp opening on May 1st, would you know if this goes for cottagers as well or just the camp?
Marie,
Carson’s Camp is in the municipality of South Bruce Peninsula ( part of the town of Sauble Beach). It is not part of the Saugeen First Nation Reserve. However, the Band has expressed its hope that the current provincial restrictions will end or be reduced on May 1st so you may be be able to return then. If the current situation does not improve and the Provincial restrictions remain in place, Carson’s will not be opening and we will not be going back to our cottages.