Vaughan’s outdoor skating rinks, toboggan hill and dog park to close effective immediately
As part of the disciplined,
responsible and measured approach to COVID-19, the City of Vaughan is closing
its outdoor skating rinks, toboggan hill and dog park effective Friday, Jan. 15
in response to rising cases of the virus. This announcement comes following the
Province of Ontario’s
recent stay-at-home order and declaration of a second provincial emergency
under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).
This latest precautionary decision impacts the following amenities: the 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; the toboggan hill at North Maple Regional Park; and the dog park at 299 Racco Parkway.
Most facilities – including Vaughan City Hall and the Joint Operations Centre – remain closed until June 2021 at the earliest. Open trails will remain available, however, users are reminded to follow all public health guidelines – including practising physical distancing – when visiting them.
This is the most recent step taken to protect the health and safety of citizens and staff. All decisions about closing and opening facilities 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 priority.
Enforcement and education efforts have been increased across the city. 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.
The City continues to work with all levels of government to implement precautionary measures to ensure public safety in response to COVID-19. To keep the community safe and help curb the spread of COVID-19, York Region is asking residents to:
- 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 outdoors, when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- Clean high-touch surfaces often
- Download the COVID-Alert app
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.
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.
MORE INFORMATION
The City continues to monitor evolving COVID-19 developments and implement precautionary measures to further protect the community. For more information on response efforts, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Citizens can also visit:
- vaughan.ca/COVID19 for pandemic-related updates from the City.
- vaughan.ca/CityUpdate to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter and receive news as it is released.
- the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels to stay up to date on the latest news.
- york.ca/COVID19 for COVID-19-related resources, online tools and more information from York Region Public Health.
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