Planning underway to reopen fitness centres

Nov. 5, 2020 2:00 p.m.
City of Vaughan
COVID-19 Updates
 
City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the official corporate channels on and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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City continues to take measured approach to protect citizens and staff from COVID-19


Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vaughan has taken a disciplined, responsible and measured approach, and that direction will continue to guide decision-making around reopening fitness centres in the weeks to come.
 
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Province of Ontario announced updates on restrictions for communities affected by COVID-19 called the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Under this new framework, York Region will move to the "Orange – Restrict" level as of Saturday, Nov. 7, allowing gyms – among other businesses – to reopen with additional protective measures.
 
In Vaughan, the decision to reopen facilities is informed by a risk model developed by the City with public safety always being the priority. The risk model uses Vaughan-specific COVID-19 data and reflects guidance issued by York Region Public Health and the provincial government. Based on this model, City fitness centres will continue to remain closed at this time. Citizens can visit vaughan.ca/COVID19 for the latest news on the City’s response to the pandemic.
 
As the City puts plans in place to safely reopen its fitness centres, there is no shortage of opportunities for citizens to remain active. For starters, easy-to-follow at-home workouts from Vaughan Fitness instructors are featured on Recreation Services’ Instagram TV. Full-length classes are also posted to the Recreation Vaughan YouTube channel. As well, yoga, total body conditioning, Zumba and CIRC-HIIT classes are available on Zoom and offer the opportunity for participants to interact with one another and their instructors. These sessions – which run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. – are free for fitness members who are 13 years and older and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/fitness.
 
Equipment loaner program
 
Recreation Services is also offering fitness equipment packages for loan to current Vaughan Fitness members over the age of 18 for the duration of the current facility closures. Members can choose between a light or heavy package (while quantities last, limit of one package per household) and the program is free of charge – all that is required at the time of booking is a security deposit. Equipment includes hand weights, resistance bands, tubes, gliders, aerobic step platforms and risers.
 
All equipment comes prepackaged and has been individually inspected, cleaned and disinfected. It is available through contactless curbside pickup at the community centre specified at the time of booking. Once the booking is completed, a staff member will be in contact to provide further information, including next steps, pickup arrangements and return process.
 
Short videos are posted on the Recreation Services social media channels on how to use the equipment safely:
Registration for the program is underway and available through the online Registration Portal at reconline.ca. Vaughan Fitness members who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to participate. For more information or to obtain a member barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or TTY at 1-866-543-0545 or by emailing accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 
 
Fitness amenities
 
All indoor City pools remain open. Pool and aquafitness plan holders can reactivate their pool or aquafitness plan and no longer have to pay the single-visit fee at the point of online registration. Fitness members may request the reactivation of their fitness membership to use strictly for swimming and aquafitness. Aquafitness, recreational and length swimming are available to pool and Vaughan Fitness members who keep their membership on hold, as well as the general public, for a single-visit fee of $3.25 (plus HST). Pre-registration online is required and available up to two weeks in advance of a timeslot. For details or registration, visit vaughan.ca/swim.
 
Arenas remain open by permit only with the number of people on the ice at one time limited to 10 with no spectators. Team sports are limited to training sessions only – no games and scrimmages.
 
To receive the City’s latest updates on COVID-19, check vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
 
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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