A new raft of closures to contain the spread of Novel Coronavirus have been implemented by the Durham Region as well as the cities of Oshawa and Pickering.
Oshawa cancels Spring 2020 programs
As a further preventative measure, Oshawa has cancelled all Recreation and Culture programs scheduled for the upcoming Spring session to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
All registrants will automatically receive a full refund on their activeOshawa account. City staff will be contacting registrants in the coming days to:
- Answer questions in regards to program cancellation; and,
- Learn if the registrant would prefer to leave the balance in the account or choose a different refund option
“These are extraordinary times, and extraordinary times require extraordinary measures,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “While we apologize for the inconvenience, we know that you are aware that these decisions are being made with your best interest in mind. Each of us has a role to play; please stay at home and help stop the spread.”
City buildings, including recreation facilities, playgrounds, sports fields, ball diamonds, courts, skate parks, park washroom facilities and the off-leash dog park remain closed, said a city release.
Pickering extends closures until May
Pickering said it will be extending its closure of all facilities and suspending public meetings and open houses until May 3, 2020.
Closures include Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering Animal Shelter, Pickering Museum Village, community centres, arenas, and off-leash dog parks. In addition, all playground structures and park amenities including basketball courts, tennis courts, sports fields, gazebos, splash pads, skateboard parks, and park parking lots will also be closed.
While closed to the public, Pickering City Hall and the Operations Centre remain minimally staffed to ensure the continued delivery of essential and critical services. All Pickering Public Library branches remain closed, but virtual services can be accessed at picnet.org/digitallibrary.
Spring leisure programs (including aquatics, fitness, and leisure programs) have been cancelled, and registration for summer 2020 is on hold until further notice. All Pickering Public Library in-house programs have been cancelled until May 31, 2020.
Permits for private events at City facilities, including Library rooms, will be cancelled until May 3, 2020, and refunds will be issued. Permits for sports fields are suspended until May 25, 2020, and no permits for the Summer Ice Program will be issued until further notice.
Additionally, the following City and community-organized events have also been cancelled: Petapolooza, Artfest, Whitevale Spring Festival, Easter Parade, D-Day Ceremony & Parade, Ajax-Pickering Rotary Ribfest, Pickering Dragon Boat Festival, and the Adobo Festival.
“Pickering has been previously recognized as one of the very best places in Canada to raise a family. This is due in large part to our award-winning facilities, events, and programs. However, in this time of crisis, we are enacting unprecedented measures to protect our community and its most vulnerable members. With the support of our residents, businesses, and community groups, we will get through this together. Please do your part. Stay home. Be safe. And God bless,” said Deputy Mayor, Kevin Ashe.
City of Pickering Facility Closures and Program/Event Cancellation
Duration: March 13, 2020 – May 3, 2020
City Facilities: All public City facilities will be closed until May 3, 2020 (inclusive). This includes:
- Pickering City Hall (staffed, but closed to the public)
- Pickering Public Library (all branches), but virtual services are available
- Pickering Museum Village
- Pickering Animal Shelter
- Pickering Operations Centre (staffed, but closed to the public)
- Brougham Hall
- Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex*
- Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena
- Don Beer Arena
- Dunbarton Indoor Pool
- East Shore Community Centre
- George Ashe Community Centre & Library
- West Shore Community Centre
- Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Centre & Claremont Library Branch
- Whitevale Community Centre
- Whitevale Arts & Cultural Centre
- Greenwood Community Centre
- Mt. Zion Community Centre
- Dunbarton Indoor Pool
* Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Memberships will be extended for the full period that the facility is closed.
Programs:
- 2020 Spring Leisure Programs (including aquatics, fitness and leisure programs) have been cancelled.
- Registration for 2020 Summer Leisure Programs (including aquatics, fitness and leisure programs) is currently on hold until further notice.
- All Pickering Public Library in–house programs have been cancelled until May 31, 2020.
Public Meetings, Open Houses: All City public meetings and open houses will be suspended until May 3, 2020 (inclusive).
Facility Permits:
- Permits for private events at City facilities will be cancelled until May 3, 2020.
- All fees paid for facility bookings will be refunded.
- Please email facilitybooking@pickering.ca for parks and facility booking related inquiries.
- Library room bookings have been cancelled until May 3, 2020. Refunds will be issued.
Summer Ice Permits: Permits for 2020 Summer Ice is currently on hold until further notice.
Playground Structures & Park Amenities:
- Park playground structures and amenities will be closed to the public until May 3, 2020. This includes basketball courts, tennis courts, sports fields, gazebos, splash pads, skateboard parks etc. and park parking lots.
- Dog Parks will be closed to the public until May 3, 2020
Sports Fields: Permits for 2020 Sports Fields (baseball, softball, football, soccer, turf etc.) have been suspended until May 25, 2020.
Events:
- All City events will be suspended until May 31, 2020. Visit pickering.ca/greatevents for a full list of impacted events.
- Big Band Event ticket holders may bring their ticket to the original purchase location between May 4-8, 2020 to receive a refund.
The following community-run events are cancelled by the organizer:
- Easter Parade organized by the Royal Canadian Legion and Canadian Progress Club Durham South scheduled for April 11.
- Adobo Festival scheduled for June 20.
Durham Regional HQ, offices closed to public
As a result of the provincial declaration of emergency due to Covid-19, and its associated orders, establishments such as recreation centres; public libraries; private schools; licensed child care centres; dine-in restaurants and bars; theatres and concert venues are legally required to be closed and events are to be postponed.
Businesses and restaurants may still be offering delivery, take out and/or drive through service.