The City of Guelph has announced it will begin reopening more recreation facilities, including the Victoria Road Recreation Centre.
Swims, skates, and drop-in and registered program activities will all be resuming to various degrees.
“We’re excited to see everyone again for an awesome fall season! We know it’s not quite the same as previous years, and you’ll notice it looks different inside our buildings, but these changes are in place to help keep customers and employees healthy and safe when using our facilities,” says Heather Flaherty, general manager of the City’s Parks and Recreation department, in a news release.
The Victoria Road Recreation Centre will reopen to pool and ice user groups on Sept. 20 and to the public on Sept. 28 for drop-in swim programs. Meeting room rentals start Nov. 1.
On Oct. 18, community rentals at the Guelph Sports Dome will resume and the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre will reopen for rentals and registered programs, but the dining room remains closed.
Earlier, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association announced it is not running any in-person activities until September 2021. This doesn’t impact seniors programs offered by the City.
The West End Community Centre reopened to the public on Aug. 4; however, the fitness room remains closed. Meeting room rentals start Nov. 1.
All facilities have updated health and safety measures in place. These measures include hand sanitizer stations, spaces to allow physical distancing of at least two metres (6.5 feet), plexiglass barriers, and enhanced facility cleaning of high-touch areas. Masks or face coverings are required except in the pool or on the ice.
“Return to play protocols are in place and we’ve been working within the provincial guidelines and best practices to reactivate our public spaces. We remind our customers to follow signs posted in the facility and to use the correct door for entry into our buildings,” adds Flaherty.
People can preview programs at guelph.ca/guide, starting on September 23. Registration begins on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 a.m. Customers are encouraged to register online at recenroll.ca or call 519-837-5699. For people paying with cash, in-person registration is available at West End Community Centre or Victoria Road Recreation Centre. Fall recreation programs start October 18.
Due to COVID-19 indoor capacity limits, people must register and pay in advance using Rec Enroll or call the registration line 519-837-5699. Walk-ins are discouraged unless the customer needs to pay with cash. Drop-in programs are available for online registration up to 72 hours in advance. People should register early to avoid disappointment.
