COVID-19 - Update 16

COVID-19 - Update 16

For Immediate Release

Monday, September 28, 2020 - Port Hope, ON

The Municipality continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and staff meet regularly to assess operations, provide updates on COVID impacts, and discuss ongoing planning and response measures. The Municipal Emergency Control Group is still active and continues to work with all partners regarding the COVID-19 response.

Provincial guidelines for private gatherings

On Saturday, September 19, 2020, the Provincial Government limited gathering sizes province-wide at private residences. Private, unmonitored gatherings are now limited to 10 people inside or 25 people outdoors, for a period of 28 days. These guidelines are enforceable by the Port Hope Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and our Municipal Law Enforcement Officers.

Staff transition back to municipal buildings

Municipal staff have transitioned back to municipal facilities as of Monday, September 21. While staff are in the buildings, they are required to wear masks, unless they are at their own workstations and are a minimum of two metres apart.

The Municipality’s Return to Work committee is working on a plan to welcome the public back to all municipal facilities later this fall. Recreation facilities are currently open to the public for reservation-based programs and activities. Staff in all facilities continue to conduct business with the public through email and telephone. Residents requiring staff assistance may call 905-885-4544.

Municipal beaches

Municipal beaches are open Monday to Friday and remain closed on the weekends from Saturdays at 7 a.m. until Mondays at 10 a.m. This closure will be re-assessed after the Thanksgiving weekend in October. Note that on long weekends, the closures extend to the holiday Monday. The beaches will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 12, 2020.

Re-Opening of Town Park Recreation Centre

In keeping with the gradual re-opening of facilities and amenities, the Town Park Recreation Centre is now open to the public with modified schedules and programs. Reservations are required for participation in all activities and programs. Available activities include: pickleball, badminton, shuffleboard, and walking in the gym.

Reservations can be made beginning on Thursdays for the upcoming week. Residents can call 905-885-7908 or reserve online.

Youth Centre

The Youth Centre in the Town Park Recreation Centre is now open. The Youth Centre has undergone a refurbishment, with fresh paint, a new arcade machine, an air hockey table, a ping-pong table, a new flat screen TV, and all new furniture. Youth ages 12 to 17 years old are invited to reserve the date and time of their visit:

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Jack Burger Sports Complex – Skating

Recreational skating resumed at the Jack Burger Sports Complex arena on September 21, 2020. Skaters can reserve and pay for their spot in advance online or by calling the customer service staff at 905-885-2474. Registration will open on a weekly basis beginning Thursdays at 7 a.m. for the following week.

Public skating:

Wednesdays from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m.

Adult skating:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12:30 to 1:20 p.m.

Parent and Tot skating:

Monday and Friday from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m.

Dressing rooms are not available, but benches in the arena are available for participants to put on their skates. Shinny programs are not being offered at this time.

Jack Burger Sports Complex – Swimming

Swimming at the Jack Burger Sports Complex continues on a reservation basis only.

Ruth Clarke Activity Centre

The Ruth Clarke Activity Centre remains closed until further notice. Proper physical distancing is a challenge to implement in this building, however staff are working towards a plan to re-open in the near future.

Select Ruth Clarke programs are temporarily being offered at the Town Park Recreation Centre. Available programs include Tai Chi, Colouring Club, Knitting Circle, and Bingo. These programs will be offered until October 25, with a goal to continue to add more programs to the schedule that can be modified to incorporate physical distancing measures.

All Ruth Clarke memberships dated to expire on September 1, 2020 have been granted an extension to be valid until December 31, 2020. We are unable to provide refunds for memberships and we hope members can enjoy the programs currently being offered. Please visit our webpage for program schedules and reservation details.

Visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage for additional details about municipal business continuity, staff contact information, and for a list of the municipal facilities and amenities that are open.