COVID-19, Vespra Hills Golf Club and Essential Services
Before I begin, I would like to say that the health and safety of our members, guests and employees will always be of highest priority at Vespra Hills Golf Club.
To keep everyone as safe as possible, and to play our part in the containment of COVID-19, in compliance with the order of the Government of Ontario, stating that all non-essential businesses (including golf operations) must close as of midnight last night, we will be closing our office for the next 14 days. During this time we will have building and turf maintenance staff on site. All departments will continue to receive phone and email messages while we are closed. It is our intention to return all messages in a timely manner.
This afternoon the National Golf Course Owners Association received written confirmation from the Ontario Government that turf maintenance will be able to maintain their properties during the ordered 14-day shutdown period. All of the work on the course must be justified as essential property maintenance to preserve, protect and prevent damage to the property. All precautionary measures must be in place during this time, including social distancing, hand washing, workspace cleaning, etc. It was made clear that what staff is doing must be essential for the golf course property (for instance removal of tarps, necessary turf cutting, etc.).
As the temperatures rise and the turf begins to awaken, the maintenance crew at Vespra Hills will be allowed to maintain the course and keep it from overgrowing which could have delayed or prevented us from opening.
It is still our plan to be open on May 1 with great conditions, events and leagues. When we open, we will have new procedures and policies in place. It is important to remember that all of these new procedures will be in place for the safety of our members, guests and employees. These procedures will not be optional, and in order to function successfully will require the co-operation of members and employees alike. We will be sending out a list of these new procedures as we get closer to opening.
We look forward to better and healthier days and when the time is right to return to recreational normalcy, Vespra Hills Golf Club will be ready to welcome you back to the tee.
Stay well, hoping to see all of you soon,
Dave Caldwell
Managing Director
Vespra Hills Golf Club
