Outdoor rinks in Vaughan are open

Feb. 1, 2021 10:00 a.m.
COVID-19 Updates
 
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Book a skate time online using the new registration system

With new, enhanced safety measures in place, the City of Vaughan is reopening its five outdoor skating rinks today! This comes following the recent reopening of the toboggan hill at North Maple Regional Park and the off-leash dog park at 299 Racco Parkway.
 
These amenities closed temporarily effective Friday, Jan. 15 in response to rising cases of COVID-19and people crowding in these spaces while not following public health guidelines around physical distancing and mask usage. The decision was made following the Province of Ontario’s stay-at-home order and declaration of a second provincial emergency under section 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). The decision to close was further informed by repeated public statements by provincial officials to stay at home.
 
Below are the new and enhanced measures in effect. The City urges the public to do their part and follow the enhanced measures to ensure the maximum number of individuals can safely enjoy the outdoor amenities and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
 
Outdoor skating rinks
  • All five of the City's outdoor rinks are open every day from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. until March (weather permitting)
  • Pre-registration for outdoor recreational skating is required at vaughan.perfectmind.com
  • Skate sessions are 45 minutes in duration with a 30-minute break between sessions
  • The number of skaters on the ice at one time is limited to 25
  • Skate sessions are available for registration one week in advance
  • Waitlists and walk-ons are not permitted
  • All skaters are required to provide proof of registration and arrive no more than 10 minutes before their reserved skate time
  • Skaters are required to complete the Provincial Public Health Self-assessment prior to arriving at an outdoor rink
  • Only registered skaters are permitted within the skate enclosure
  • Skaters must be residents of Vaughan
  • There are no make-up times or scheduling adjustments for service disruptions resulting from inclement weather or maintenance delays/closures/cancellations
  • To cancel a skate session, email RecCSD@vaughan.ca
  • A mandatory mask zone is in effect for all participants and observers
  • Additional mats and benches have been purchased and spaced to ensure adequate physical distancing for each participant/family to wait and put on skates
  • On-site staff are supporting the check-in, line management and skate patrol functions at each rink
  • Additional on-site security guards are providing 24-hour coverage
  • There is an increased presence and patrols by enforcement officers
  • Watch this video demonstration on how to register for recreational outdoor skating 
These measures are in place for the outdoor skating rinks at Chancellor Community Centre, Dufferin Clark Community Centre, Father E. Bulfon Community Centre, Garnet A. Williams Community Centre and Vellore Village Community Centre.
 
For more information about outdoor skating rinks, including safety guidelines, visit vaughan.ca/skate.
 
If you require assistance registering for a skate session, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.
 
Toboggan hill
  • The toboggan hill reopened on Wednesday, Jan. 27
  • A mandatory mask zone is in effect for all participants and observers
  • On-site security guards patrol on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Additional safety signage has been erected
  • There are increased presence and patrols by enforcement officers
  • Regular inspections by parks staff continues 
Off-leash dog park
  • The dog park reopened on Wednesday, Jan. 27
  • A mandatory mask zone is in effect for all participants and observers
  • There are security guard rotations on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • There are increased presence and patrols by enforcement officers
  • Safety signage has been updated  
Natural rinks
In response to the popularity of outdoor skating, the City is working to provide natural ice rinks on the tennis courts at Maple Community Centre and North Thornhill Community Centre. The creation of these rinks is contingent on the appropriate weather required to make and maintain the ice. Once operational, these sites will be part of the online reservation system and subject to the safety measures for outdoor rinks.
 
Outdoor portable washrooms
With indoor washrooms closed at community centres due to COVID-19 restrictions, portable washrooms will be added at skate areas and select highly-used parks and trails, with enhanced cleaning services provided.
 
Citizens are reminded to do their part when visiting these facilities. To keep the community safe and help curb the spread of COVID-19, users are reminded to follow all York Region public health guidelines – including practising physical distancing, washing hands thoroughly and often, and wearing a face mask or covering, among others.
 
Enforcement and education efforts have been increased across the city in response to COVID-19. Greater attention and a more assertive, proactive approach to enforcement are underway. Public complaints, concerns and inquiries should be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 for follow up by the By-law Enforcement team.
 
Throughout the pandemic, many virtual offerings have been introduced or enhanced to offer a new, efficient and streamlined experience for residents and businesses. Essential services continue uninterrupted, traditional services have been reinvigorated, digital platforms have been enhanced and in-person programs and services have been modified or are now offered virtually – either through online, teleconference or over the phone. Visit vaughan.ca/COVID19 for further details.
 
The City continues to monitor evolving COVID-19 developments and implement precautionary measures to further protect the community. For more information on response efforts, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19 or contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
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