People will be able to visit community recreation centres and make use of lounges, meeting and multi-purpose rooms, computer labs and washrooms. Opening these locations will provide more recreation opportunities and help increase Torontonians’ options for relief from the summer heat and prevent heat-related illnesses.
When the centres open, the following amenities will not be available:
- gymnasiums
- fitness or active areas (including walking tracks)
- kitchens and studios
- saunas and whirlpools
At this time, the City’s community centres cannot offer or facilitate indoor sports, fitness and wellness activities, singing and dancing programs as well as food preparation, distribution or dining activities where equipment or supplies are passed or shared amongst participants. This includes activities like card games, chess or dominoes. The City anticipates that some of these amenities and activities will resume when Toronto reaches Stage 3 of reopening.
Visitors to the City’s community centres should expect changes similar to those that they have experienced at other City amenities and indoor public spaces. Visitors will be screened upon entry and will be asked for contact information for contact tracing, should it be required.
These locations will also feature line management and barriers at service counters. People must wear a mask or cloth face-covering (except when swimming) when visiting a community recreation centre. Visitor capacity will be limited, and a maximum of ten people will be permitted in any community room. Capacity at indoor pools will also be reduced to 25 per cent, similar to outdoor pools, to ensure space for physical distancing. To give as many swimmers as possible the opportunity to cool off, swimmers will be limited to 45-minute sessions followed by enhanced cleaning.
Community centres that offer CampTO will have limitations and restrictions on access and use during camp hours, including drop-off and pick-up periods, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Signage and wayfinding are being installed to reinforce physical distancing and admission rules and regular cleaning of common facilities such as washrooms and water fountains will take place.
The City of Toronto continues to safely and gradually reopen amenities for people to enjoy this summer as Toronto moves towards Stage 3 of reopening. Residents visiting community recreation centres should continue to follow Toronto Public Health’s advice to stay home when they are ill, wash hands often, practise physical distancing and wear a face covering or mask in all indoor public spaces.
Quote:
“Community centres have played a vital role in the communities they serve by providing a safe space, and a space for families, youth and seniors to socialize and keep active. Although, the centres will look different once they open, they will continue to provide the same services and amenities that residents have come to enjoy. I want to thank City staff for working hard to reopen community centres and indoor pools across Toronto in a quick and safe manner with an emphasis on the health and safety of our residents.”
- Mayor John Tory
