Lockdown: Richmond Hill responds to coming of the Grey zone

This is particularly difficult during the holidays,” says Mayor Barrow

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 14, 2020
John Cudmore

Nobody wanted the Grey zone to seep into York Region.

But COVID-19 has brought out its paint brush.

The City of Richmond Hill is heading for a grey Monday as the municipality joins the rest of York Region in a 28-day lockdown imposed Dec. 11 by the Ontario government.

As of 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 14, the latest and toughest measures in the battle against COVID-19 come into effect.

Here are some of the key points from the order:

Except in rare circumstances, facilities and municipal programming are closed. The order includes pools and recreational swimming, community centres, and Tom Graham and Ed Sackfield arenas.

Residents impacted by cancelled programs and closed facilities will be contacted directly. All user fees charged for cancelled swims and programs will be refunded.

The operations centre will be closed for in-person purchases of waste bins and garbage tags. Residents can may purchase the items online for curbside pickup or delivery by mail (garbage tags only) until Dec. 22 and again in January.

While the main municipal offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Road will remain closed to the public until at least June 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents can access many city services online or by phone.

“I recognize that this has not been an easy year and the pandemic is only adding to the stress of the holiday season,” said Mayor Dave Barrow, in a statement released Dec. 11. “I can’t thank residents and businesses enough for stepping up over these past months and supporting one another.

“Unfortunately, we know the lockdown will further impact our business community. Thank you to all our residents for all the support you’ve shown our Richmond Hill businesses during the pandemic. Please continue this support for our local restaurants, shops and services throughout the holiday season.”

Residents can visit RichmondHill.ca/ShopLocal for holiday guides created by the Village BIA and Board of Trade.

Barrow urged residents to continue doing their part to help in the fight against COVID-19 despite the approach of the holiday season.

“I know this is particularly difficult during the holidays,” he said. “I am also missing time spent with family and friends, and the many traditions that usually make the holidays so special.

“This sacrifice is needed now so we can enjoy future holidays with friends, family and community.”

Here is a list of services that will continue to be available:

The Access Richmond Hill contact centre is available to respond to general inquiries by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800.

Parks and trails remain open for walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities. Select tennis courts will also be open when conditions are favourable.

For local attractions and things to do, visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun for details.

Ongoing Virtual Fall Recreation Programs will continue.

Virtual Winter 2021 Recreation Programs will continue. Registration is now open at RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide.

The Richmond Green Skate Trail is expected to open Dec. 19 weather permitting.

Pre-registration will be required and capacity will be limited. Registration opens Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at RichmondHill.ca/SkateTrail.

The Holiday Donation Drive runs until Dec. 15.

Non-perishable food items and new toys (no stuffed animals), books, gift cards, toiletries and new clothing for children and especially teens by curbside drop-off at the Operations Centre.

Visit RichmondHill.ca/DonationDrive for details and drop-off hours.

Residents can visit RichmondHill.ca/StayHome for resources to help keep their body and mind active at home.

Updates and information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including a complete list of what’s open and closed, are available online at RichmondHill.ca/COVID19.