At the June 11 City Council meeting, the City of Burlington’s Recreation Services department redesign plan was approved so the City can be ready when the Province announces Burlington is in Stage 2.
When announcements are made by the Province about activities and spaces that can re-open, the City’s service redesign strategy carefully determines which new policies and protocols need to be in place to prioritize the community’s health and safety.
Although there are no opening dates set, the plan includes the safe, re-designed, partial re-opening of youth programs, outdoor pools. sports fields, splash pads and some arenas. Program information and registration information will be posted on burlington.ca/play when details are finalized.
Following public health recommendations and the Province’s emergency orders, COVID-19 precautions and preparations will be in place to reduce the spread of the virus. All re-designed programs and services will look very different from pre-COVID-19 programs.
All openings and permits will be gradually staged based on provincial guidelines, lifted restrictions, coordination through sport governing body and cost implications.
Arenas
- One pad of ice and/or arena floor will be opened at a time. Facility demand will be assessed and evaluated for the need for future locations to open
- Facilities to open: Central Arena (ice)
Pools
- Outdoor pools to be prepared (filling, hiring/training staff)
Summer Youth Programming
- Summer Youth Programming will be gradually reintroduced, including a modified/smaller version of Day Camps, Student Theatre and the Burlington Teen Tour Band
- A gradual re-introduction of smaller sized (eight participants and two staff) Day Camp Programs at community centres: Aldershot, Haber, Brant Hills, and Tansley Woods. Program focus to remain outside with some inside relief.
- A micro version of Student Theatre with full-day options with no in-person shows/performances. Programming to be offered at the Student Theatre facility
- Burlington Teen Tour Section practices offered in groups of 8. No performances, tours or full band performances. Some practices may occur outside under the bandshell or in the park
- Program information and registration information will be posted on burlington.ca/play when details are finalized
Sport Fields
- Organizations that are looking to provide individual activities (e.g. track and field) and/or smaller groups (currently a maximum of 10) will be gradually staged to reopen based on provincial guidelines, lifted restrictions, coordination through provincial governing bodies/professional associations and confirmed demand
- Permits will be issued in accordance with Emergency Order at the following natural fields:
- Ireland, Millcroft, Nelson, Sherwood, LaSalle, Hidden, Valley, Orchard and Central
- Permits will be issued in accordance with Emergency Order at the following artificial turf fields:
- City View, Nelson, Norton and Orchard
- It is important to note this is a framework only and no dates have been set for openings, registrations or permitting. As each service is ready to launch, the information will be shared.
Lowville Park Update
As of June 29, Lowville Park will open with parking lot capacity temporarily limited to approximately 80 per cent to prevent overcrowding. Street parking is not permitted, parking enforcement will be in effect.
Visitors are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from others
- Gathering in groups of 10 or fewer
- Staying home if you feel sick
Washing and sanitizing hands before and after visiting the park.
Burlington is ranked as Canada’s best community and best place to raise a family. It is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and download the free City of Burlington app.
Quotes:
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“I know our residents are looking forward to getting back in our arenas, pools and camp programs, and our staff have been busy making preparations so we’re ready once the provincial emergency orders are lifted. Our services will look different - they are being redesigned to ensure health and safety precautions for our staff and our participants. I’m so pleased Council supported my motion to give staff the resources and ability to open more services if the demand is there. It’s important for us to be as flexible and agile as possible in this ever-changing environment we’re in.”
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services
“Our goal is to provide safe and fun recreational experience for everyone. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, the programs everyone has grown to know will be very different. The biggest thing people will notice is group sizes, but the care and quality of the programs will still remain high. We will also work with any local sport organization to ensure their return to sport plans meet all requirements.”
COVID-19 Links and Resources
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Communications contact:
Suzanne Vukosavljevic
Manager of Communications
Office: 905-335-7600, ext. 7841
suzanne.vukosavljevic@burlington.ca
