The Province of Ontario has announced that all of Ontario, including Durham Region will move into a province-wide shutdown effective tonight (Saturday, December 26, 2020) at 12:01 am.
Following are some of the restrictions in place in Durham.
PICKERING
Access to Pickering City Hall & other city facilities
Access to Pickering City Hall will remain by appointment only, while other facilities will close to the public until further notice – see list. Facilities remain staffed to serve customers virtually during the regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The city encourages residents to connect with the relevant department to see if their service request can be completed online or over the phone.
Customer Care is available for service requests, and to address any questions or concerns. Call 905.683.7575, email customercare@pickering.ca, or use live chat at pickering.ca/LiveChat (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).
Please note that any payments to be made in-person at Pickering City Hall should be done by cheque or debit.
Programs, events, camps, fitness & recreation
All in-person programs, events, camps, fitness, and recreation are cancelled until further notice.
Tune in to the following pages for future updates:
- Visit pickering.ca/RecPrograms for details on recreational opportunities and registered programs.
- Visit pickering.ca/GreatEvents for a full list of impacted events, some of which may take place virtually. Follow Pickering Events on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest.
- Visit pickering.ca/Fit for details on the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
Pickering Public Library
The Pickering Public Library will close for in-person service but will offer curbside service at all locations. Visit pickeringlibrary.ca for the latest information.
- View the Library’s online resources
- All dropbox locations are accepting returns (late fees are being waived)
It’s unfortunate that celebrations will look a little different this year, but we all must do our part to help keep everyone safe. Over the holidays, the safest way to celebrate with family and friends outside of your household is to gather virtually. Remember to avoid non-essential travel, follow public health guidelines, wear a face covering where one is required, wash hands thoroughly and regularly, and stay home if you have symptoms – even if they are mild,” says Mayor Dave Ryan.
Status update on City operations and programming:
- Pickering City Hall (staffed but closed for walk-in customers – service by appointment only)
- The Pickering Public Library (closed but availabe for curbside service). Visit pickeringlibrary.ca for digital services and latest information.
- Pickering Animal Shelter (staffed but closed to the public)
- Pickering Museum Village (closed)
- View the What’s On page for updates on virtual services
- Visit the virtual museum village
- Pickering Operations Centre (staffed, but closed to the public)
- Brougham Hall (closed)
- Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex & Arena (closed)
- Details online at pickering.ca/fit.
- Don Beer Arena (staffed but closed to public)
- Dunbarton Indoor Pool (staffed but closed to public)
- East Shore Community Centre (staffed but closed to public)
- George Ashe Community Centre & Library (community centre closed/Library open for curbside pickup only view details)
- West Shore Community Centre (staff but closed to public)
- Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Centre & Claremont Library Branch (community centre closed/Library open for curbside pickup only view details)
- Whitevale Community Centre (closed)
- Whitevale Arts & Cultural Centre (closed)
- Greenwood Community Centre (closed)
- Mt. Zion Community Centre (closed)
AJAX
The Town of Ajax takes provincial and regional public health recommendations seriously, as the health of our community is of the utmost importance.
Any changes to services and/or programs will be available online at ajax.ca/Covid19 – the Town’s primary information hub – as they are finalized. The Ajax Library will be issuing a separate statement regarding their plans.
For questions or concerns regarding the Provincewide Shutdown, its restrictions and impacts, please visit the Province of Ontario website Ontario.ca/Covid19 or the Region of Durham’s website Durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus.
We continue to ask you to protect your loved ones and community by staying home if you’re sick, limiting your outings to essential trips only, and following the three Ws – wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear a mask. Please heed this advice if you are celebrating Christmas this week, by connecting virtually with anyone outside of your home.
To lessen the impact of these shutdowns, we urge residents to consider shopping local and supporting local restaurants when possible.
WHITBY
Under these new restrictions, residents must limit close contact to those in their immediate household and stay home as much as possible, except for essential purposes. This includes work (where it is not possible to work from home), grocery shopping or medical appointments. Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other household.
Please continue to follow public health advice: maintain physical distancing, properly wear a mask, wash your hands, and if sick, stay home. Download the Government of Canada’s Covid Alert app on your mobile device.
Reduced gathering limits
Under these new restrictions, there are no indoor organized public events and social gatherings permitted, except with members of the same household.
In addition, gathering limits under the shutdown are as follows, where physical distancing can be maintained:
- 10 people outdoors for all organized public events and social gatherings; and,
- 10 people indoors or outdoors for religious services, weddings and funerals.
Businesses
Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars is no longer permitted. Take-out, drive-through, delivery and curbside pick-up can continue. Indoor gyms and fitness centres must close, while outdoor sports, classes and use of amenities are now limited to 10 people. Personal care services (including hair and nail salons), movie theatres and performing arts facilities must also close.
The Province is encouraging any business with questions about the impacts of the province-wide shutdown to call 1.855.216.3090 or visit ontario.ca/Covidsupport for more information.
Town facilities
Based on these new provincial restrictions, all Town facilities will close to the public effective Wednesday, December 23 at the facility’s regular time of closing. Specifically, this means:
Community Centres
All of the Town’s recreation facilities, including Iroquois Park Sports Centre and McKinney Arena, will be closed to the public effective Thursday, December 23, at the close of regular facility hours until further notice. This includes all indoor ice rinks and pools. This means pool permits, ice permits and private meeting room bookings have also been suspended until further notice. All memberships have been or will be placed on hold and pre-authorized payments suspended. For membership questions or cancellations, please contact us at getactive@whitby.ca.
Registration for the Town’s virtual session of its Winter Recreation Programming is now open at whitby.ca/getactive. To receive updates on re-opening plans and other virtual program opportunities, visit whitby.ca/subscribe.
Whitby Public Library
The Rossland and Brooklin branches of the Whitby Public Library will continue to offer contactless pick-up by appointment only. You can book an appointment at whitbylibrary.ca/pickup. The Central Library will be open for limited computer use and holds pick-up only, with no appointment necessary.
Connecting
There continue to be many ways to connect with the Town, whether it’s online, over the phone or by email. For a list of frequently used services and how to access them, visit whitby.ca/services.
For more information on the Government of Ontario’s province-wide shutdown, visit Covid-19.ontario.ca/.
For ongoing updates on what is closed, cancelled or reopening in Whitby, visit whitby.ca/reopening.
The Town thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and for continuing to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe.
OSHAWA
Arenas, Indoor Pools and Fitness Centres
As a result of the provincial orders, the following City recreation facilities are closed until further notice:
- Arts Resource Centre
- Children’s Arena
- Civic Recreation Complex
- Delpark Homes Centre
- Donevan Recreation Complex
- Harman Park Arena
- Northview Community Centre (with the exception of the services provided by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Durham for its after school program)
- South Oshawa Community Centre
- Tribute Communities Centre
As a result, all bookings and permits will be cancelled for the duration of the closure. Refunds will be issued for all bookings and leisure admissions. Refunds will be issued for all permit holders without penalty during this closure and membership holders will be compensated accordingly for the duration of the closure.
All branches of the OSCC55+ Oshawa Senior Community Centres will also be closed until further notice, including the Delpark Homes Centre and Northview Community Centre branches of the OSCC55+ Oshawa Senior Community Centres.
The Delpark Homes Centre branch of Oshawa Public Libraries will also be closed until further notice. Curbside pickup will be available at the Jess Hann, McLaughlin and Northview branches of Oshawa Public Libraries starting January 2.
Trails and Play Structures
City trails and play structures remain open to the public. Users are reminded to follow health authority guidelines and government orders. Please remember to ensure you and your family practice physical distancing from people outside your household, avoid touching your face, wash your hands after using park equipment and adhere to posted signage.
City Hall
All essential municipal services will continue to be offered. City Hall will operate by appointment only. Community members are strongly encouraged to continue to access City services online at www.oshawa.ca/online-services.
Civil marriages will not be offered at City Hall until further notice. However, marriage licenses will continue to be issued by appointment only. To learn more, call Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 or visit www.oshawa.ca/getmarried.
Service Oshawa continues to be available online, over the phone or by email from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling 905-436-3311, emailing service@oshawa.ca or by accessing online services at service.oshawa.ca.
Community members are reminded of the following holiday hours:
- Service Oshawa and City Hall will be closed Thursday, December 24 through to Monday, December 28; as well as, Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1.
- Service Oshawa and City Hall will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30.
City Council and Standing Committee Meetings
City Council and Standing Committee meetings will continue to take place electronically. Community members are encouraged to watch online at www.oshawa.ca/webcasts. For Council and Standing Committee meeting dates, dates, agendas and minutes, view the City Meetings Calendar. Delegation requests can be directed to City Clerks Services at clerks@oshawa.ca or 905-436-3311.
To receive email notifications of Council and Standing Committee meetings, visit www.oshawa.ca/subscribe.
Let’s Stop the Spread
Every action matters. Celebrate the holidays safely and we urge everyone to do their part to:
- Stay home – avoid non-essential travel. Limit trips outside of your home to only essential reasons like medical appointments.
- Stay apart – Maintain a 2 metre (6 foot) distance from anyone who doesn’t live with you or who is not your essential caregiver.
- Mask up – Wear a non-medical mask when it’s difficult to maintain physical distance and where masks are mandatory.
- Lather up – Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Stay alert – If you have a smartphone, download the Covid Alert app.
SCUGOG
The Township of Scugog follows the guidelines and recommendations of Durham Region Public Health and the province of Ontario and will be taking further steps to support the government’s efforts to curtail the spread of Covid-19.
The 28 day shutdown provides additional restrictions in many workplace and business facilities including fitness, recreation and restaurant areas. The municipal office is closed over the holidays and will reopen on Monday, January 4 under the new shutdown guidelines. Below are highlights of what you can expect at Scugog facilities.
Municipal Office (181 Perry Street)
- All services are available by telephone, email or virtual meetings. Please email or phone the department contact to make arrangements
- Online payment options remain available
- Drop-box option is suspended over the holidays and will be available again on January 4
- The municipal office including lobby washrooms are closed
Fire and Emergency Services
- Emergency calls will be responded to providing resources are available
- Non-emergency calls maybe handled without a response
- Both stations are closed to the public
- Legislated code enforcement inspections to be scheduled only. Inspections must take into consideration occupancy risk, inspector safety prior to scheduling an appointment. Virtual inspections are preferred
- Meeting rooms are closed
- Visitors must have an appointment and are limited to contractors providing maintenance or service
Scugog Community Recreation Centre and Halls
- All Community Centres including the Scugog Community Recreation Centre will be closed to the public
- Winter Break Camps scheduled on December 28-30 have been cancelled
- Ice rentals and recreation bookings have been cancelled
- A refund cheque will be mailed to you. Due to the quantities of refunds, please allow for 4-6 weeks for refunds to be processed.
- The following Township of Scugog outdoor recreational amenities may open if they comply with Covid-19 health safety measures such as physical distance of at least 2 metres must be maintained. Maximum of 10 people for any organized activity:
- Parks and recreational areas
- Baseball diamonds
- Soccer fields
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Skate parks
- Disc golf course
- Playgrounds
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Team sports may not be practiced or played except for training (no games or scrimmages)
- Other sports or games that are likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other may not be practiced or played
Scugog Memorial Public Library
- Library building will be closed to the public
- Contactless pickup service is available in the lobby area
- Returned materials are quarantined before recirculating
As of January 4, services will remain available through drop-box, telephone, email and virtual meetings. We all have to do our part as we continue to fight the spread of Covid-19. Public Health advises to restrict non-essential travel from areas of high-transmission to areas of low-transmission. Residents and business owners are reminded to remain vigilant with maintaining protocols, following limits for gatherings, keep a 2 metre (6 foot) distance between yourself and others, always wear a mask or face covering and wash your hands often.
Due to the evolving nature of the situation, protocols and guidelines may change. Please visit scugog.ca/Covid19 or follow @TwpofScugog on social media for updates.
CLARINGTON
Clarington recreation facilities to close during Provincewide Shutdown
The municipality will be closing its recreation facilities and postponing our winter programs for at least 28 days beginning Saturday, December 26 or until the shutdown ends. We will continue to monitor updates from the Province and re-evaluate when programs can resume following all Provincial guidelines.
Clarington is not cancelling the entire winter session. We recognize that when the Province scales back restrictions, our residents will want to remain active and rely on our safe and regulated programs and services.
The following is our plan for winter programs:
- All drop-in programs, including swimming, skating, use of the fitness centre and fitness classes, are cancelled and will resume on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
- Registered programs will resume beginning Saturday, January 23, 2021.
- Program registration will continue throughout the shutdown and is available online at www.clarington.net/BeActive. You can also register by phone at 905-623-3379 ext. 2552. Phone registration will not be available during statutory holidays.
- Memberships will be extended for the duration of the shutdown.
- All facility rentals are cancelled until the end of the shutdown.
If participants want to withdraw from a program, please email communityservices@clarington.net. If we don’t hear from you, we will be processing applicable pro-rated refunds in mid-January.
All other essential Municipal programs and services will continue. The Municipal Administrative Centre, located at 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville, will remain open until Thursday, December 24, 2020, at noon. The building will then close over the holiday season, reopening on Monday, January 4, 2021.
Support and resources
To find out all the restrictions and implications of the Provincewide Shutdown in our community, visit the Durham Region Health Department website.
Additional information and resources are available to small businesses at www.ontario.ca/covidsupport, including details on the Ontario Small Business Support Grant.
What the Province-wide Shutdown means:
- Avoid contact with people outside of your household.
- If you live alone, you may have close contact with one other household.
- Limit trips outside of the home to essential reasons, including work, grocery shopping, pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise.