Sports fields, skateboard parks, tennis and basketball courts are now closed in response to provincial directive

Following the Government of Ontario’s announcement on Friday, April 16 that it is further strengthening public health measures and enforcement in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 case rates, the City of Vaughan is taking action to support this directive.

Effective Saturday, April 17, some outdoor recreational amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, skateboard parks and community gardens, are closed in Vaughan. In light of a further Provincial announcement, playgrounds will remain open. City staff are putting up signage around these amenities and taking other steps to close them today and in the days to come – including installing yellow caution tape. Citizens are asked to keep a safe distance while City staff complete this work.

Refunds will be issued automatically to all permit holders without penalty to the original form of payment used. If paid by debit or cash, a cheque will be sent by mail. Refunds will be processed within two to three weeks.

The announcement also includes the extension of the Stay-at-Home Order for an additional two weeks to Thursday, May 20. For a full list of the Provincial restrictions and enforcements, please visit ontario.ca/covid19. For information on City services and amenities, please visit vaughan.ca/COVID19.

The City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, in partnership with regional public health officials, York Regional Police and other levels of government, remains at the forefront in applying and enforcing provincial regulations and the directions of the Medical Officer of Health. Greater attention and a more assertive, proactive approach are underway, including enforcement of the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law. Public complaints, concerns and inquiries should be reported to Access Vaughan by phone at 905-832-2281 or email to accessvaughan@vaughan.ca

Please note that all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household, are prohibited under the Provincial directive.

The City continues to take a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to COVID-19 – precautionary measures remain in place to protect everyone in the community from further transmission of COVID-19. The latest updates are available at vaughan.ca/COVID19.

City facilities remain closed, including Vaughan City Hall, the Joint Operations Centre, community centres, the City Playhouse Theatre, the Vaughan Animal Shelter (except by appointment, for adoption purposes only) and all Vaughan Public Libraries locations (although curbside pickup remains in place). Maple Community Centre will continue to operate as a vaccination site by appointment only. Father E. Bulfon Community Centre will serve as a future vaccination site.

Essential services remain intact, including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services, building inspections and the Access Vaughan contact centre, which can be reached at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca, among many others. The City also continues to offer a variety of virtual programming opportunities.

The City is urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue to abide by York Region Public Health guidelines:

• Stay home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household.
• Practise physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying two metres away from everyone else.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Practise respiratory etiquette.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Clean high-touch surfaces often.
• Download the COVID-Alert app.

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.