City of Toronto cancels kids’ day camps and skating lessons that were supposed to start Monday

Thestar.com
Dec. 18

The city of Toronto is cancelling all of its kids’ winter holiday day camps and skating lessons that were supposed to start Monday.

The cancellations, triggered by rising COVID-19 levels, includes learn-to-skate and instructional ski programs but does not impact residents’ leisure and drop-in skating opportunities at outdoor city rinks and park amenities.

The decision announced Thursday follows advice from Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s public health chief who on Wednesday urged Torontonians to stay home as much as possible and not celebrate holidays with people outside their households.

“While CampTO operated safely and successfully over the summer with these measures in place, Toronto’s overall COVID-19 case numbers and daily case counts are much higher now,” the city said in a news release.

The city’s holiday camps were scheduled to run at 30 sites starting Monday.

Fees will be automatically refunded to 706 participants who registered for the camps, plus hundreds who signed up for learn-to-skate programs.

While registrants do not need to request a refund, they can contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca with any questions.

The city is also reviewing the operations of its ski and snowboard hills at Centennial Park and Earl Bales Park. Decisions on whether the hills can open will be made after Toronto Public Health issues recommendations.

“Decisions to offer winter recreation registration as well as winter recreation and fitness programming are contingent upon provincial orders,” the news release states. “More information will be shared closer to January.”

Public health officials are encouraging people to stay healthy during the pandemic by enjoying individual outdoor activities, including skating at outdoor rinks. Skaters can register to ensure a spot -- a maximum 25 skaters are allowed, or drop in.

Skaters are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. Physical distancing is enforced and change rooms are closed. Rink washrooms are open.

Indoor rinks remain closed.