Markham cancels summer camps, recreation programs due to COVID-19

'We have had to make some difficult decisions in the name of public safety': Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Yorkregion.com
June 2, 2020
Heidi Riedner

Markham is the latest municipality in York Region to cancel city-run summer camps and programs, dashing the hopes of many cooped-up kids and parents looking for a summer break.

"This was a tough, but necessary decision to ensure parents have time to plan for alternative activities," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti on the heels of the announcement May 29.

Affected programs include planned summer recreation, swimming, culture and library programs and camps.

Markham joins other York municipalities such as Newmarket, Vaughan and East Gwillimbury to axe traditional programs while exploring some form of modified activities in the event the province allows camps to operate this summer with strict restrictions.

Anyone who had registered for the 2020 program will receive a refund.

"Throughout this pandemic, the City of Markham’s response has been careful, thoughtful and measured," said Scarpitti. "As we slowly enter the reopening phase, we have had to make some difficult decisions in the name of public safety."

All City of Markham community centres, libraries, the Markham Museum, the Varley Art Gallery and the Flato Markham Theatre remain closed, with all large-scale city supported events cancelled until Aug. 31.

At the end of May, Markham reopened some of its outdoor spaces, including tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, skateboard parks, off-leash dog parks, benches, park shelters and picnic tables.

As of June 5, community gardens and the Markham Village Recycling Depot will open, with additional recycling centres opening the following week.

However, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people and physical distancing measures of two metres remain in place.

Residents are encouraged to check out the City’s free online recreation, culture and library programming, including: workouts and exercises, library resources, family art activities, the #MarkhamRecAtHomeChallenge, Markham Creates Community Challenge, and the Markham Cares Community Hub.

Additional information is available on the City of Markham website, or by contacting the Customer Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.