East Gwillimbury unveils recreational options during red-control zone period

Rinks, facilities able to offer programs with strict limitations

Yorkregion.com
March 1, 2021
John Cudmore

East Gwillimbury is among municipalities to announce its plans to reopen some amenities and programs since York Region has entered the COVID-19 red-control zone.

In a Feb. 26 statement, the municipality said all town-staffed recreation facilities will open March 1 for users in registered programs or with permits for limited hours.

Recreation staff is working with sports groups, including the East Gwillimbury Minor Hockey Association and the East Gwillimbury Skating Club, to provide programs for the next several weeks.

Under public health regulations activities must be restricted to training. No game play or scrimmaging is permitted.

Ice permits are subject to occupancy restrictions (10 people per pad) and enhanced safety measures.

Total capacity for sports and recreational facilities is 10 people.

For a community centre or multi-purpose facility, the maximum capacity is 20 people. Capacity per room remains at 10 people for multi-purpose facilities the maximum.

Spectators in facilities are limited to one parent or guardian accompanying each participating child under seven years of age.

Locker rooms, change rooms and showers in the facility remain closed. Washrooms are available for use.

Some limited permits and programs will be provided at Ross Family Complex and Holland Landing Community Centre.

Spring programs

The Spring Health and Active Living Guide will be available online March 1.

A separate summer and camp guide will be released in April.

Spring registration will begin on March 8.

Virtual programs will continue and in-person classes will be offered during the red-control zone period.

Drop-in programs have been scheduled but require pre-registration to participate.

There is limited availability for in-person classes and programs.

Due to game play restrictions, pickleball is not currently available.

Outdoor amenities

Due to the warmer temperatures outdoor ice surfaces are closed.

Residents are permitted to walk through parks, trails and throughout the municipality for exercise or to walk pets.

Staff will provide winter maintenance at some park and trailhead parking lots and some park pathways.

Library update

Library service includes in-library browsing, one-hour computer access per customer per day, check-in and check-out services.

Contactless pickup service remains available.

Branches will allow for five customers in the library at a time.

Spring break

During the red-control zone period, the plans continue for programs and events.

The municipality is planning to run a Home Alone and Babysitting certification course, virtual gaming tournament, and story walk along trails.

An in-person farmer’s market is also planned for this spring.

Details on these programs will be available on the municipality’s website in late March.