As part of the phased-in approach to the re-opening of municipal facilities and amenities, the Municipality of Port Hope is pleased to announce that, following the guidance and advice of the local health authorities, additional access to facilities and resumption of select programming will take place in September.
Additional staff transition back to workplaces
The Municipality continues to monitor the current COVID-19 health emergency as it relates to municipal staffing and is hopeful to advance the Return to Work Staffing Plan to Phase 3 of a four phase process in the coming weeks. Phase 3 would see the full staffing compliment begin to transition back into their workplaces from their residences on September 21, 2020. Although a date has not yet been determined to welcome the public back into all municipal facilities, staff have begun taking the necessary steps to prepare municipal buildings for re-opening to the public when it is most safe to do so.
Currently, staff are accommodating appointments with members of the public for municipal services on an as-needed basis. This includes services such as obtaining marriage licences and building permits. Residents who require staff services are encouraged to contact staff directly, or to call 905-885-4544 for assistance.
Municipal beaches closure reminder
A reminder that municipal beaches remain closed on the weekends. On Labour Day weekend, the closure will be extended, beginning on Saturday, September 5 at 7 a.m. until Tuesday, September 8 at 10 a.m. The closure on long weekends includes the holiday Monday.
Program and swim registration
Summer day camp will conclude on September 4, 2020, and the staff at the Town Park Recreation Centre will then begin to implement a limited number of registered programs and drop-in style activities in the gymnasium, program rooms and youth centre, on a reservation basis only. This will include select group fitness and cultural programs, with a limited number of participants in each program; an approach that replicates the process undertaken when the pools re-opened in July 2020.
Aquatics activities at the Jack Burger Sports Complex will continue with a six-week registration option for all levels, as well as reservations for lane, public, family, and adult swims.
All activity schedules have been modified to accommodate reduced facility capacities, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation guidelines outlined by the government and health authorities. Shorter program sessions will allow for ongoing review of schedules and operational impacts.
Registration will open on Monday, August 31 for the registered programs, including swimming lessons, children and youth programs and fitness programs. Programs will begin during the week of September 14, 2020 and will run for six consecutive weeks.
Program schedules can be found at porthope.ca/recreation-and-leisure. With frequently changing schedules, a Leisure Guide will not be published at this time.
Participants who would like to make a reservation for non-registered activities may do so on the recreation portal or by calling the Jack Burger Sports Complex 905-885-2474 or Town Park Recreation Centre 905-885-7908.
In order to implement the increase in activities and programs, patrons can expect the following adjustments:
· Shorter program sessions, reduced program options and schedule changes to ensure that physical distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation guidelines outlined by the government and health authorities are being met
· Reduced capacity and access to programs by registration or reservation only
· Potential for lineups outside of the facilities as screening and physical distancing measures are being adhered to
· Weekly communication and schedule releases for reservations on Thursdays each week
· Screening upon facility entry and new check in processes
· New protocols for managing traffic flow and access to facilities, including limited use of changerooms
· Removal or limitations on some equipment to ensure health guidelines are being met
Facility rentals
Rentals are being considered for all multi-purpose spaces and staff are working with all requests to develop a COVID Operational Plan for each rental request. These include addressing room capacity changes, physical distancing considerations, food service, and more.
To inquire about booking a multi-purpose space at a municipal facility, please contact Lisa Filce at prcbooking@porthope.ca
Jack Burger Sports Complex Arena and Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors
Careful considerations are ongoing for programming at the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre for Seniors and for the Arena at the Jack Burger Sports Complex. Details will become available at a later date.
Splash Pad opening at Wladyka Park
The new splash pad at Wladyka Park is now open for public use daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Due to the ongoing global pandemic, there is a limit of 20 people on the splash pad, in an effort to comply with the government guidelines to continue to observe physical distancing. Splash pad users are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands before and after visiting the facility. For additional details about the splash pad, visit: //porthope.ca/parks-and-playgrounds
As always, the health and wellness of our staff and patrons is our top priority. To work within the regulations and to uphold safe hygiene protocols, the following additional measures are being taken at all recreation facilities:
· Increasing our cleaning and disinfection protocols, especially in high touch areas
· Placing signage with public health reminders
· Encouraging contactless payment methods (use of debit or credit, instead of cash)
· Complying with all public health guidelines and updating our procedures as changes are made
· Ensuring staff is wearing the necessary personal protective equipment related to COVID-19
· Changing workstations/facility areas to ensure physical distancing of at least 6 feet / 2 metres is being respected.
· Requesting that patrons arrive no earlier than five minutes before their registered or reserved activity
· Restricted access, changes to daily schedules, breaks between activities and reduced hours of operations
Please refer to our dedicated COVID-19 webpage for additional details about municipal business continuity, contact information, and for a list of the municipal facilities and amenities that are open.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
