Safety is the priority at Vaughan fitness centres

The City of Vaughan is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who walks through its doors – including patrons coming for a workout at a fitness centre. Mask requirements, controlled access, capacity limits and other steps contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone. 

Under the Provincial regulations related to recreational fitness activities, face coverings are required to be worn indoors except when engaged in an athletic or fitness activity. That means patrons must wear masks anytime they are not working out, including entering, exiting and travelling throughout facilities. For more on face covering requirements, visit the Province’s website. 

Capacity limits in the centres are strictly enforced at up to 50 per cent to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained. Fitness users are required to reserve their workout time in advance. For questions about registering for a workout session, watch the City’s easy-to-follow instructional video. 

There are controlled access and scheduled 75-minute workout time blocks with a 15-minute shutdown in between appointments. Showers and day lockers are available during the 75-minute workout time block, however, the use of these amenities must be factored within the allotted time. The City has also used the recent closures as an opportunity to enhance air filtration systems throughout all fitness facilities. 

As part of the check-in procedure, participants are required to complete the Provincial Public Health Self-assessment before arriving at the fitness centre. For safety guidelines and more information, refer to the Vaughan Fitness Service Standards or view the City’s Frequently Asked Questions. 

Since the beginning of COVID-19, the City has taken a responsible and measured approach to reopening its facilities in line with Provincial and York Region Public Health regulations and safety guidelines. Here are some of the many ways staff are adapting to public health guidelines and providing services to the community: 

Indoor fitness classes 

Indoor fitness classes are offered mornings and evenings at Al Palladini, Father E. Bulfon, North Thornhill and Vellore Village community centres. The first 15 minutes is dedicated to the check-in procedure, which includes a health screening. Classes run for 45 minutes.  

For more information, including how to register and class options, visit vaughan.ca/fitness. 

Indoor pools 

Pools are operating based on the guidance of public health authorities. This includes controlled access, capacity limits of up to 50 per cent where physical distancing permits, scheduled 60-minute pool time blocks and a 30-minute shutdown in-between swim times. Showers and day lockers are available during the 60-minute workout time block; however, their use must be factored within the allotted time. Spas and diving boards are available to use. Water slides remain closed until further notice. 

For more information, including how to register for a recreational swim or aquafitness class, visit vaughan.ca/swim. 

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 the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19. 

To receive Vaughan’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

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