Stouffville closes rinks, toboggan hills, dog park as part of new measures to fight COVID-19

All town trails, including those at Stouffville Reservoir, will remain open

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 13, 2021
Simon Martin

The Rupert Park hill has been bustling with sledders in recent weeks, but that appears to be coming to an end for the next four weeks, at least.

Whitchurch-Stouffville is closing skating rinks, toboggan hills and and the off-leash dog park as a result of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s announcement Jan. 12 of expanded COVID-19 lockdown measures.

To help further stop the spread of the virus, Whitchurch-Stouffville Town Hall remains closed, and services requiring appointments have been suspended.

All town trails, including those at the Stouffville Reservoir, will remain open and residents are reminded to please adhere to social distancing practices. Please note that not all town trails are maintained during the winter months.

"It is imperative that residents help stop the spread of COVID-19 and adhere to these new guidelines," Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said. "Please stay at home unless absolutely necessary."

The Library will continue to offer curbside service on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit wsplibrary.ca.

The Leisure Center will continue to offer virtual programming that can be found at townofws.ca/wsplay.

As part of the provincial announcement, Ontario declared a state of emergency effective immediately and will institute a "stay-at-home" order effective Jan. 14.

Essential businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers, will be allowed to operate under greater restrictions. Non-essential businesses can continue to offer curbside pickup.

Under the declaration of emergency, the town will provide enhanced enforcement and officers will continue to issue tickets to individuals who do not comply with the stay-at-home order, those not wearing masks when required and those retail operators who do not adhere to the regulations.

"We ask that everyone please play your part and only venture out for essential reasons," Lovatt said. "Get some exercise, get some sunshine, walk the dog and enjoy time with your family. We will get through this."