Temporary closure of Vaughan’s recreation facilities and Community Libraries

Dec. 28, 2021 9:00 a.m.
City of Vaughan
​City takes a responsible, measured approach to ensure the safety of patrons and staff in response to Omicron spread

 

As the global COVID-19 pandemic evolves and the Omicron variant spreads quickly across Ontario and Canada, the City of Vaughan remains focused on monitoring and responding to the situation to protect citizens, businesses and the greater community.

The City is currently experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19. To ensure the safety of patrons and staff, effective Thursday, Dec. 30, the City is temporarily cancelling in-person recreational programming and service offerings at all community centres until further notice. In-person recreational programming will continue until end of day on Wednesday, Dec. 29. Refunds will be issued automatically to all registered participants and permit holders without penalty.

Fitness centres and swimming pools will also close effective Thursday, Dec. 30, and memberships will automatically be placed on a temporary hold and extended for the duration of the closure. Virtual recreational programming will continue uninterrupted. All outdoor amenities, including skating rinks and the City’s snowshoe loaner program, will continue to operate.

Decisions around in-person winter recreational programming have not been made at this time and will be dependent on Omicron data and staffing resources. The City will offer virtual programs live streamed via Zoom beginning on Saturday, Jan. 15. Programs include: web development, Roblox, coding, programming and STEM programs; cooking; filmmaking and organizing digital photo collections; and education and music series for individuals with special needs, featuring one-on-one support. Pre-registration is required and can be done at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

In addition, Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) will temporarily close all Community Library branches as of Thursday, Dec. 30. Curbside pickup will be available every day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. except on Friday, Dec. 31 and Saturday, Jan. 1. VPL’s three Resource Libraries – Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton – will remain open with all safety protocols in place. Visitors are reminded to stay vigilant and follow public health guidelines, including physically distancing at least six feet (two metres) from others, wearing a mask, and thoroughly washing and sanitizing hands. Citizens can still access VPL’s many free digital items – including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more – through VPL at Home. Virtual programming is available for all age groups to safely enjoy from home, and a full calendar is available in the Library’s What’s On Magazine. For more information on VPL services, please visit vaughanpl.info.

All decisions about closing and opening facilities and amenities continue to be informed by Vaughan-specific data and reflect guidance issued by York Region Public Health and the provincial government – with public safety being the top priority. The City of Vaughan remains committed to continued collaboration with all levels of government as the pandemic evolves, which allows the City to make well-informed, responsible and measured decisions to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Essential services remain uninterrupted, including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services, and the Access Vaughan contact centre at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 

CITY WASTE BIN PURCHASES

The City is temporarily pausing the purchase of new blue boxes, green bins and garbage tags from community centres during the facility closures. To purchase blue boxes, green bins, kitchen containers or garbage tags online, visit vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan. Sign up and pay through Service Vaughan and schedule a delivery for the bins or garbage tags to arrive right to your door. Home delivery fees are $2.50 per bin. 

#SLOWDOWNVAUGHAN

#SlowDownVaughan signs are still available for curbside pickup at community centres and the three Resource Libraries – Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton. Visit vaughan.ca/SlowDownVaughan for more details on this campaign, which encourages the public to slow down while driving on City roads.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

To keep the community safe, York Region Public Health is asking residents to follow this advice:

  • 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.

VACCINATIONS

Every eligible individual is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Many convenient options and locations are available within York Region to receive a vaccine by walking in or booking an appointment. Visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for the latest information. 

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.

For more information, visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage at vaughan.ca/COVID19.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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