An overview of how COVID-19 is impacting one of Mississauga’s favourite parks

• March 16, 2020
• 4 Comments
• Rasheed Clarke

UPDATED MAY 29, 2020

Parking lots at Riverwood have reopened. Buildings on the property remain closed, including washroom facilities. All events and volunteer activities are cancelled until further notice. Please continue to practice physical distancing if you visit our park, and stay home if you are sick. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

You know that right now life is far from normal because of the emergency around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Mississauga, around Ontario, and across Canada. Like most people around our community, we’re navigating the restrictions and closures as best we can. And of course, we’re incredibly grateful for the front line health care staff, delivery people, food service staff, grocery store staff, pharmacy workers, and all the other dedicated individuals who continue to serve in essential roles.

Amid the challenges of COVID-19, we’re still here for you through the work we do connect community with nature. Here’s what you need to know.

The Riverwood Conservancy’s events are cancelled until further notice, but our organization is still running

The Riverwood Conservancy’s office at Chappell House is closed and all programs and events are cancelled until further notice. We want our amazing team of volunteers to stay healthy, so we’ve cancelled their duties indefinitely as well. The essential environmental work that we do, fueled by our donors and supporters, will carry on. TRC staff will be working remotely and continually checking our email and phone messages because we’re super dedicated like that.

Riverwood High Tea and the Riverwood Garden Soiree have been cancelled

Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to cancel two of our most popular events, the Riverwood High Tea (scheduled for May 9) and the Riverwood Garden Soiree (scheduled for June 5). If you have already purchased tickets, you will be contacted with more information on a refund or converting your purchase into a donation. Your support matters now more than ever, and your gift will truly make a difference by minimizing the negative impacts of COVID-19-related revenue losses felt by our fundraising events and environmental programs. Make a donation here.

Most trails at Riverwood are open

The Riverwood trail network is open to the public, and the park remains open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. You can access the park by walking in, or by parking in one of our lots. Parking is always free. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

Some areas are off limits

The Sensory Path, which includes a number of tactile elements, is closed due to the increased possibility of contamination.

The Visual Arts Mississauga at Riverwood building is closed, and that includes the washrooms

Our friends at Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) have cancelled their events indefinitely, and the VAM building is closed until further notice. The washrooms adjacent to their offices are also closed. For updates, head over to VAM’s website, or email them.

Groups of more than five are prohibited

Public health agencies discourage public gatherings during the COVID-19 emergency, and that’s no different here. While we normally welcome groups of nature lovers, at this time groups of more than five people are prohibited, as outlined by the Provincial Government.

Social distancing and trail etiquette

The folks who frequent our trails are a friendly bunch, and we can maintain that cordiality and stay safe with these pointers:

• Keep a space of at least two metres (six feet) between yourself and others you may encounter on the trails. For reference, that’s a space of two golden retrievers standing nose to tail, the width of an average sedan, or the length of a mattress.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after your excursion.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Above all, if you’re feeling unwell, please stay at home. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance of visiting a health care facility.

Community resources

If you’re in need of food but have limited mobility, please visit the Mississauga Food Bank for information about delivery options.

For more information, guidance, and ongoing updates on the COVID-19 situation, please visit the websites of the Region of Peel or the Government of Canada.

Stay safe and healthy, friends!