UPDATE: Just in time for Friday PA Day, Newmarket lifts ban on public skating, tobogganing

Town received clarification of rules from provincial government

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 15, 2021
Lisa Queen

Just hours after issuing a 48-hour ban on public skating and tobogganing due to unclear provincial rules, Newmarket is now allowing the activities after getting direction from Queen's Park.

In a statement issued the evening of Jan. 14, the town said it has heard back from the province and thanked the government for its guidance. The town had earlier banned public skating and tobogganing for 48 hourse, saying the province's rules under the stay-at-home order that went into effect Jan.14 weren't clear.

As a result of the clarification, the town will be reopening all outdoor skating, community rinks and allow for tobogganing in town with new enhanced measures to prevent against COVID-19.

Residents can register for skating at Riverwalk Commons as of the evening of Jan. at play.newmarket.ca for a time slot on Jan. 15.

“I want to thank Premier (Doug) Ford for responding to me directly and quickly with clarification related to tobogganing and skating and he has assured me that both activities are allowable," Mayor John Taylor said.

"We are able to re-open both activities immediately and in time for the PD day tomorrow.  Newmarket will add enhanced protocols and supervision to ensure that these activities take place in the safest manner possible. We are pleased to continue to provide outdoor opportunities for our residents to stay active, healthy and safe during these difficult times.”

Newmarket trails, parks and playgrounds will remain open and residents are encouraged to use them while following all health and safety measures as outlined by the province, the town said.

Residents are reminded to wear a face mask or covering when in enclosed public spaces or when physical distancing of at least six feet/two metres is not possible, both indoor and outdoor, and wash their hands frequently.

"The next 28 days are going to be extremely difficult as we try to unite as a community and bring down the COVID-19 numbers by adhering to the new regulations, " Taylor said.

"As difficult as it will be, we all must make our strongest effort possible to avoid close contact with others and adhere to the guidelines. The new data tells us that our seniors' lives are at stake and our hospitals could be overwhelmed --this is not an effort to scare people it is quite simply what the data is telling us. However, we also know that we must stay active and healthy both physically and mentally and that is why I continue to encourage people to get outdoors daily on our trails and in our parks.”

During the state of emergency and stay-at-home orders, indoor organized public events and social gatherings are not permitted, except with members of the same household.

Outdoor organized public events or social gatherings are limited to a maximum of five people so that individuals and families can enjoy time outdoors safely.

The Newmarket Public Library remains open for contactless curbside pickup. No in-person services will be available at this time. Learn more by visiting newmarketpl.ca

Indoor and outdoor dining remains prohibited and take-out and delivery options are permitted.

Retail stores can operate for curbside pick-up and delivery between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some exceptions.

The town “strongly urges” the community to continue to shop local and support local businesses through curbside pick-up, online shopping, take-out and delivery options and by purchasing gift cards when possible. Visit newmarket.ca/ChooseLocal for more info.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the town said it has been continuously adapting its business practices in alternative ways to continue to serve the community during these challenging times.

For more information on how to access these services, residents can call our Customer Service associates from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 905-895-5193 or by emailing info@newmarket.ca. For after-hours service, please call 905-895-5193 and press 3.