Richmond Hill to begin gradual reopening as provincial COVID-19 restrictions ease

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 28, 2022

The province has announced a gradual easing of public health measures, starting on Jan. 31. As a result, Richmond Hill residents should be aware of the following:

WHAT'S CURRENTLY OPEN

• All Richmond Hill Public Library branches for in-person services, curbside pickup and virtual programs. Visit rhpl.ca/reopening for full details and hours.

• Richmond Green Skate Trail, as well as outdoor skating rinks at Mill Pond and Lake Wilcox.

• Parks, off-leash dog areas and trails, including our Winter Lights display at Richmond Green Park's heritage walkway.

• The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts for rehearsals and recording/broadcasts.

• Tom Graham and Ed Sackfield Arenas (training permits for elite athletes only).

• Virtual and outdoor recreation programs. Registration is open at RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide.

WHAT'S REOPENING JAN. 31

• The Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Rd. E.) for select in-person services.

• Oak Ridges, Bayview Hill, Langstaff and Rouge Woods Community Centres for registered and drop-in programs (schedules may be modified).

• Oak Ridges Fitness Centre (membership required).

• Ed Sackfield Fitness Centre and Indoor Track (membership required).

• All arenas, except Elgin Barrow, for permits and drop-in programs (Jan. 31) and registered programs (Feb. 7).

• Richmond Green Sports Dome for permits and programs.

• WHAT'S REOPENING FEB. 7

• The main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Rd.) for select in-person services.

• Bayview Hill and Oak Ridges Pools for recreational and lane swimming, aqua fitness and permits.

 

• Skating programs for a mini session. Participants will be contacted with details.

Recreation programs will start as soon as possible following the reopening of facilities. Participants will be contacted with details. Drop-in programs will resume on a revised schedule.

Memberships have been extended by the number of days facilities were closed. Fitness and adult 55+ memberships will be reactivated on Jan. 31 and swim memberships will be reactivated on Feb. 7.

Pre-registration is highly recommended for all recreational programs, drop-in spaces are limited and capacity is limited to 50 per cent. Visit RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide for details.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

Visitors to city facilities will still be required to fill out the screening form at RichmondHill.ca/Screening before entering. In addition, anyone aged 12 and up visiting a recreation facility will still be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption with QR code only, along with personal identification before entering.

Further easing of restrictions is expected to take place in February and March if key public health indicators allow. Additional reopening announcements will be made after those respective dates.

GATHERING LIMITS

Effective Jan. 31, the province will increase social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE

Residents are reminded that you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Get vaccinated, including a booster shot, as soon as you are eligible.

• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from others.

• Wear a mask or face covering indoors, as well as outdoors if you cannot physically distance.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.

• Stay home if you're sick, even with mild symptoms.

 

Updates and information on the city's response to COVID-19, including a complete list of what's open, closed and coming soon, is available online at RichmondHill.ca/COVID19.