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Markham cancels spring recreation programs, bookings through to June

Residents not following physical distancing directives at public parks face fines up to a maximum of $100,000

Yorkregion.com
April 3, 2020
Heidi Reidner

The City of Markham has cancelled all spring recreation, culture and library drop-in and registered programs.

It also extended the closure of all City of Markham facilities, including playgrounds and parks.

The 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.

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, according to the city.

To help mitigate the impact of the cancellations, the city is offering a variety of free online programming in support of the community's "physical, mental and emotional well being while practicing physical distancing."

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

The City is also reminding residents they each have a role to play in helping to flatten the curve of COVID-19 by avoiding 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 up to a maximum penalty of $100,000.

Do not enter or use the following park amenities:

The City of Markham will continue to deliver essential services that maintain public safety and fulfill legislative requirements.