Town of Aurora cancels summer camps amid coronavirus concerns

Town looking at possibility of modified camp program, if it can be done safely

Yorkregion.com
June 3, 2020

Coronavirus restrictions have forced the Town of Aurora to cancel summer camps but officials are trying to see if a modified program could be put in place. - Brock University photo

This probably won’t come as any surprise but it’s still disappointing news for Aurora kids and parents.

The Town of Aurora is cancelling summer camps due to public safety concerns created by the coronavirus outbreak.

The camps are designed in a way that can’t be delivered in line with provincial rules for physical distancing and on social gatherings.

“I know this will be disappointing to both parents and children, but we must put the health and safety of our community first,” Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a statement.

“Staff are continuing to look into whether modified camps can be offered in accordance with provincial guidelines. We will then consider whether it's in the best interest of the community to deliver these modified camps and whether this can be done in a manner that ensures everyone's safety.”

Full refunds will be issued to all registered participants. Registrants will be contacted directly by town staff regarding refund options based on the method of payment.

The town is looking at what additional health and safety measures could be put in place to protect campers, volunteers and staff if it moves forward with a modified camp program.

“Town staff continue to look into the possibility of offering these new day camps in compliance with provincial guidelines regarding social gatherings and physical distancing,” community services director Robin McDougall said.

“The Town of Aurora will consider whether it is feasible to offer any modified summer camps and if programs can be delivered in a safe and meaningful manner while still adhering to these provincial guidelines. If the Town of Aurora decides to run these alternative camp options, a new registration process will be opened.”

Further updates will be posted when available at aurora.ca/summercamps.

For more information on the town’s response to the coronavirus, visit aurora.ca/covid19.

For updates on the status of the virus in York Region, visit york.ca/covid19.