Aurora Seniors' Centre reopening after shutdown during COVID-19 pandemic

Pre-registration required for all programs, no drop-in programs available

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 23, 2020

Aurora seniors will soon be able to get together again at their meeting place for registered programs.

The Aurora Seniors Centre will reopen its doors on Sept. 28 after being closed down for months during the COVID-19 pandemic, the town has announced.

The centre will be open with limited capacity, modified programming and new safety protocols.

Programs and activities will include fitness classes, art classes and more.

“Town staff have worked closely with the Aurora Seniors Association, the Older Adults Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) and York Region Public Health to develop procedures and guidelines in accordance with provincial and regional health department regulations,” Mayor Tom Mrakas said in a statement.

“This pandemic has impacted everyone, especially our seniors in the community who may be experiencing social isolation. Staff have taken every precaution to ensure the Aurora Seniors Centre is a safe place to return to and to provide programs and activities geared toward getting them back to being active and social once again.”

Facility cleaning and sanitization will be a priority and all shared program equipment will be cleaned after each use, the town said.

Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the facility. Participants will be required to practise physical distancing and wear a face mask or covering. Exceptions will apply to those participating in physical activity.

Pre-registration will be required for all programs and activities and members are strongly encouraged to register online at aurora.ca/eplay, by calling 905-727-3123 ext. 3610 or by dropping off the application form at the drop box available at the centre’s entrance.

Drop-in programs will not be available at this time.

Members are encouraged to book a facility tour ahead of the opening to view the facility and familiarize themselves with the new safety protocols implemented. Family members are welcome to attend. Facility tours will have a maximum of four participants per time slot and are available from Sept. 21 to Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To book a preopening tour call 905-727-3123 ext. 3610.

Registration for the Fall Older Adult programs will begin on Sept. 28 for residents.

Nonresident registration will begin on Oct. 1.

For more information on the centre’s reopening, visit aurora.ca/activeseniors or call 905-727-3123 ext. 3610.