Georgina axes summer camps, redeploys staff to Georgina Ice Palace vaccine clinic

But what does that mean for beaches, swimming and library services?

Yorkregion.com
March 23, 2021
Amanda Persico

As the Georgina Ice Palace is now running as a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, hosted by York Region Public Health, there are a number of impacts to recreation services in the town.

The town redeployed recreation staff to support the operation of the vaccine clinic.

And that means changes to a number of regular programs, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“This is being done on a temporary basis,” she said in a statement.

“I ask residents to focus on the big picture -- everyone who wants a vaccine will get one. And you can do that right here in our community.”

Here’s how the town’s recreation programs are impacted:

Summer camps: All in-person summer camps are cancelled for 2021. There may be virtual sessions as staffing resources become available.

Sports fields: Sports fields will open with limitations and restricted use, depending on the COVID-19 colour-coded category for York Region.

Georgina Leisure Pool: The pool will remain closed, and the York Region District School Board is working to retrofit the roof starting June 30, which is expected to last about a month.

Special events: All public events are suspended until July 2, including all e-waste and swap and sell events held at the Georgina Ice Palace parking lot. The Sept. 11 e-waste event will be re-evaluated in August.

Beaches, waterfront parks: All waterfront parks will be open this summer, pending provincial guidelines. The town is currently hiring seasonal staff.

The ROC: The high ropes challenge course will remain closed. The bike park is set to open once pre-season maintenance is complete, which is weather-dependent.

Parks, trails and playgrounds: All parks, trails and playgrounds remain open.

Jackson’s Point Harbour Marina: The marina will be open and operate with limited services.

Georgina Public Library: Curbside pickup continues at all three branches.

Georgina Civic Centre: The centre remains closed to the public. Many services are now available online, including applying for permits and paying fees. Residents can still call customer service, 905-476-4301, and town staff can be reached Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/COVID-19.