Markham Cancels Spring Programs and Extends Closures

Markhamstaffnews.com
April 1, 2020

Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis, the City of Markham has made the difficult decision to cancel all Spring recreation, culture and library drop-in and registered programs and extend the closure of all City of Markham facilities.

This decision was made following the guidance of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health to help break the chain of transmission of COVID-19. The City of Markham is determined to reinstate our regular programs and services to the public as soon as conditions permit.

Spring program registrations and facility bookings will be cancelled. Sportsfield permits through to June 1 have been suspended. Refunds or credits will be issued accordingly. Additional information is available at markham.ca/covid19.

To help support our community during this challenging and unprecedented time, the City of Markham will be offering a variety of online programming for free to all residents -- helping support their physical, mental and emotional well-being while practicing physical distancing.

Online programming will be available at markham.ca/covid19 and will be updated regularly.

We all have a role to play in helping flatten the curve of COVID-19. Please do your part and avoid all non-essential activities in the community.
Closure of playgrounds and park amenities have been included in the Provincial Emergency Orders and any person violating the order can be fined.  The maximum penalty is $100,000.
Do not enter or use the following park amenities:

• Playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment
• Sportsfields
• Basketball and tennis courts
• Off-leash dog parks
• Benches
• Skateboard and BMX parks
• Picnic areas
• Community gardens

The City of Markham will continue to deliver essential services that maintain public safety and fulfill legislative requirements.
The COVID-19 impact will last throughout the coming months. The City of Markham will continue to work with all levels of government, our community and local businesses during these unprecedented times.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to our healthcare workers, those working on the front lines and our own essential service staff including our team in Markham’s Emergency Operations Centre who are working to help combat and get us through COVID-19. We are all in this together.

For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.