By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
In a special emergency council meeting Wednesday, the Town of Cobourg codified specifics into conditions under which the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Rink may remain in use during the 28-day provincial shutdown that begins on Boxing Day.
The motion approved by council keeps the rink open with enforcement and conditions that will be phased in.
Phase one begins Christmas eve, when a rectangular fence will be erected around the rink’s perimeter. The rink will remain open with no more than 25 skaters allowed on the ice at a time.
Phase two begins Boxing Day, when the Cobourg Police Service will begin providing Special Constables as added full-time security to support contact tracing requirements. No more than 10 skaters will be allowed on the ice at a time as per the province-wide shutdown regulations.
Phase three begins Dec. 28, when all rink users will be required to pre-register for 45-minute time slots, during which they must abide by all safety protocols – physical distancing, no games of tag or team sports, and the strong recommendation to wear a face covering. The new operating hours for the rink will be noon to 8 p.m. Weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends.
Town staff will continue to monitor and evaluate the ongoing operation of the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Skating Rink and provide a report back to Council for the January 4, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting outlining options for potential sites and associated costs for additional community rinks.
“We understand and appreciate the need to have our outdoor rink operational during a time when so few activities are available for our community,” Mayor John Henderson commented in the announcement.
“Physical and mental well-being are crucial, especially during this time of isolation, and I ask that all rink users comply with the provincial and public health requirements.”
Residents are encouraged to keep physically and mentally active during the holiday and winter season safely this year by participating in virtual events or outdoor activities with members of your immediate household only. Several safe activities are available right in Cobourg.
The Mayor’s Virtual New Year’s Levee come pre-recorded this year, the video to be released at noon on New Year’s Day on the town’s YouTube channel. Festivities include music by the Concert Band of Cobourg, a reading from Poet Laureate Jessica Outram, a cry from Town Crier Mandy Robinson and Mayor Henderson speaking to the highlights of 2020.
Christmas Magic continues in Victoria Park and the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Park. Grab a hot chocolate from a local shop and stroll among the 10,000 dazzling lights.
Static parade floats are stationed in front of Cobourg Public Library and within Victoria Park for your enjoyment.
The Home Decoration Challenge Driving Tour map can be downloaded at www.experiencecoborg.ca for you to enjoy beautiful festive displays by local residents.
Cobourg businesses continue to offer curbside pick-up throughout the shutdown, so do remember to shop local.
For more information on the shutdown and affected municipal programs and services, visit the town’s dedicated COVID-19 web page at www.cobourg.ca/covid19
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
