The Ontario Government advised that the Stay-at-Home Order will cease on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and that the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, which includes Northumberland County, will be placed in the Orange- Restrict zone of the Province’s COVID-19 Response Framework. As a result, the Municipality is permitted to re-open and operate modified programs and activities at select municipal facilities.
Reservations for modified recreation programs
In response to requests from our residents, a modified recreation program schedule will be available for select programming, including lane swims, skating, the youth centre, and gymnasium programs at our Jack Burger Sports Complex and Town Park Recreation Centre.
The schedule will begin February 17 to 20, 2021. Reservations are required. Reservations will open for these programs on Tuesday, February 16 at 9:00 a.m. online, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by phone.
On Thursday, February 18, reservations will open for activities available during the week of February 21, 2021. The regular weekly reservation process, with reservations opening on Thursdays for activities taking place the following week, will continue from this date.
Aquatics programs
Registration for aquatics programs will re-open (pending space availability) on Thursday, February 18 until Wednesday, February 24, 2021 for a six-week session running from the week of March 1 to April 11, 2021.
Aqua fitness programs will run from February 22 to April 11, 2021. Patrons must register to participate.
Fitness and children and youth programs
Dry land programming, which includes fitness classes, and children and youth programs will be available through both virtual and in-person sessions.
Those registered for a program that was scheduled to start in January will be contacted by staff to determine if that program option is still available.
Ruth Clarke Activity Centre programs
Programs for members of the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre will re-start on a rotating basis, pending availability of conveners. Members will be contacted directly once the dates are established.
All programming for Ruth Clarke Members will take place at the Town Park Recreation Centre. The Ruth Clarke building remains closed.
Facility rentals
Facility rentals for existing permit holders and regular user groups will be eligible to resume on February 17, 2021, following the completion of a review of all facility procedures. Rental groups will be contacted by staff to complete updated paperwork requirements and confirm start dates.
In the interim, only rentals from existing user groups are permitted. This protocol will be reviewed in the coming weeks.
Registrations from January 2021
Staff will contact those who were registered in all programs for the session that was to start on January 11, 2021. Participants will have the option to keep their spot or request a withdrawal. For those who wish to withdraw, account credits or refunds will be offered.
COVID-19 safety protocols
The safety of our patrons and employees is a priority. Staff have reviewed all facility protocols and provide the following updates to our facility use procedures. Additional requirements for specific rentals will be communicated to all permit holders and user groups.
Face coverings are required in all recreation facilities.
These must be worn prior to entering the facility, and are recommended in outdoor settings, including line ups and rental check ins.
If patrons can not wear a face mask and require an exemption, they must wear a face shield.
Face shields are available for purchase.
If a face covering or shield is not worn, that patron will not be permitted to access the facility. There are no exceptions.
Face coverings for patrons using the pool will now be required in changerooms and while accessing the pool deck.
Face coverings may only be removed immediately prior to entering the pool.
Storage of face coverings on the pool deck will be available.
Spectators are not permitted for program participants (except for JR C hockey, where spectator registrations are required).
One accompanying guardian is permitted per participant who is under the age of 18 years for arena and pool activities.
All accompanying guardians must reserve their space in advance. Space is limited, please reserve online on Thursdays for the following week – Sunday to Saturday.
No other members of households will be permitted to access the facility.
Active screening will continue to take place, meaning staff will complete COVID-19 screening for all patrons with reservations when they check in.
Visit our COVID-19 webpage for more information about impacts to municipal services and our approach to operations during the pandemic.
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
