A World Apart

by On The Bay | Jun 29, 2020 | Summer 2020

Documenting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across Southern Georgian Bay, from isolation to the first signs of reopening

photography by Doug Burlock

The Rowbotham family on their front steps in Nottawa (l-r): Elliott, Adam, Meghan, and Hunter.

the drive-through COVID-19 assessment tent in Collingwood

grocery shoppers line up at Sobeys in Collingwood

arts and culture venues such as the Simcoe Street Theatre were among the first to close.

the closed playground at Sunset Point Park

The Town of Collingwood commissioned local artists to paint inspirational murals on the wall of a local construction site

disinfecting grocery carts became the new norm

a woman self-isolates at Collingwood Harbour

CCI high school closed to the public.

Thornbury became a ghost town overnight

The Collingwood Library and municipal offices closed to the public

Collingwood became a ghost town overnight

Wasaga beachfront closed to the public

Wasaga beachfront closed to the public

a woman takes in the view of Georgian Peaks from Thornbury Harbour

Ontario Provincial Police patrol the Georgian Trail to ensure users are distancing

Ador Alfonso waits for customers at Burger King in Wasaga Beach

Personal support worker Leslie Fiegehen takes a break from a shift at the Collingwood Nursing Home

Collingwood General & Marine Hospital puts out an urgent call for donations to help purchase equipment and supplies.

a sign with heart on the closed 1858 Caesar Bar in Collingwood

registered veterinary technician Tori Spence cares for a cat at Mountain Vista Veterinary Hospital

Messages of support cropped up everywhere, from sidewalks to windows

some families went all out with costumes

Boden Mills (above, in red shirt, flanked by dad Derek, brother Kolten and mom Jenna) enjoyed a drive-by birthday party featuring a Collingwood fire truck

Leigh Gallant played the bagpipes for her Collingwood neighbours every evening to support frontline workers

Leigh Gallant played the bagpipes for her Collingwood neighbours every evening to support frontline workers, with daughter Minka and son Jet on drums.

Messages of support cropped up everywhere, from sidewalks to windows

Boden Mills (above, in red shirt, flanked by dad Derek, brother Kolten and mom Jenna) enjoyed a drive-by birthday party featuring a Collingwood fire truck

Nancy Czerny kept others safe by wearing a home-made face mask in public.

boaters were finally able to launch their boats

the Collingwood Trails reopened

the Collingwood Trails reopened

Hannah Oakley was able to walk her dog, Ivy, at the Awen’ Gathering Place in Harbourview Park

Isaac Mussell played a round of golf at Duntroon Highlands

Click on the image to browse through the slideshow.