City gearing up to offer fall recreation programs in October

Registration for programs with COVID-19 safeguards will take place Sept 12 to 16

Cbc.ca
August 18, 2020

Following the launch of its recreation initiatives this summer, the City of Toronto is gearing up to offer fall recreation programs beginning in October.

Mayor John Tory told a city hall news conference on Monday that people can expect to see the return of many of their favourite programs, including swimming lessons, but with some limitations and safety measures in place aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Registration for recreation programs will take place Sept 12 to 16.

In a news release, the city says fall recreation programs will be modified to comply with public health guidelines and provincial restrictions.

The programs will run with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and to ensure that people can safely participate in indoor settings.

However, some programs won't be able to resume if they require the sharing of equipment or food supplies.

"Having greater public health resources available in schools will help us protect the progress we have made thus far while keeping children safe. This will be especially important as we introduce fall recreation programming and after-school care in September," said Tory.

"I want to thank staff for developing these programs in a timely manner while putting the health and safety of kids and parents at the forefront."

Currently, facilities in the city have enhanced cleaning protocols and screening measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When people visit the city's recreation facilities, they are required to sign in, complete a health screening and provide their name and contact information to help Toronto Public Health with contact tracing if the need arises.

Masks or other cloth face coverings must still be worn in all Toronto indoor public spaces but the city says they can be removed while swimming or exercising.

While indoors, people should continue to maintain physical distancing by staying two metres or six feet apart from others.

The city says the public can expect these measures to remain in place throughout the fall.