Registration for City of Toronto’s fall recreation programs begins this weekend

Extended hours are available to help residents get ready for programs by calling customer service at 416-396-7378 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 9, 10, 11 and 14.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. for the following areas:

• Saturday, September 12 for Etobicoke/York
• Sunday, September 13 for Scarborough
• Tuesday, September 15 for North York
• Wednesday, September 16 for Toronto/East York and West Toronto/York

Residents are asked to plan ahead and confirm the district for their programs before registration starts. Registration districts can be found online at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/how-to-register-for-recreation-programs/.

A New Way to Play

As COVID-19 continues to circulate in Toronto, residents can expect modifications to their favourite recreation programs based on current public health guidance and provincial restrictions. The City has developed A New Way to Play for people attending its recreation programs and facilities. A New Way to Play identifies program-specific modifications as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines what people can expect when participating in a recreation program or visiting a City recreation facility. Recreation programs will run with reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and to ensure that people can safely participate in indoor settings. Additionally, some programs won’t resume if they require sharing of equipment or close physical contact. Information on A New Way to Play, including restrictions, is currently available online at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/a-new-way-to-play-recreation-during-covid-19/. Tip sheets will also be posted in the City’s community and recreation centres.

Currently, City facilities have enhanced cleaning protocols and screening measures. When people visit the City’s recreation facilities, they are required to sign in, complete a health screening and provide their name and contact information to facilitate Toronto Public Health contact tracing, if needed. Masks or other cloth face coverings must be worn in all Toronto indoor public spaces but can be removed while swimming or exercising. Patrons should maintain physical distancing – staying two metres or six feet apart from others – while indoors. The public can expect these measures to remain in place throughout the fall.

How to register

Step 1: Get account numbers

Residents need a family number and client number to sign up for recreation programs. Those looking to register are encouraged to get their numbers before registration day by calling the customer service line or by speaking with staff at a City community centre.

Step 2: Choose programs

Residents are advised to have a few backup choices prepared in case their preferred program is full. A listing of programs can be found online at https://www.toronto.ca/funguide. A program wish list can be created with the online FUN Guide.

Step 3: Register

Residents are encouraged to have all information and payment options ready before registration starts. There are three ways to register:

• online at https://efun.toronto.ca (online is the easiest and fastest way to register)
• by telephone with help from staff at 416-396-7378
• in person at select locations

Although Civic Centres remain closed to the public to reduce the spread of COVID-19, one location per district will be open on that district's registration day for in-person support from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. as follows:

• September 12 for Driftwood Community Recreation Centre (Etobicoke York): https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/maps/centres/index.html?marker=575
• September 13 for Centennial Community Recreation Centre (Scarborough): https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/maps/centres/index.html?marker=537
• September 15 for Dennis R. Timbrell Recreation Centre (North York): https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/maps/centres/index.html?marker=1056
• September 16 for Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre (West Toronto/York): https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/maps/centres/index.html?marker=89
• September for 16 Wellesley Community Centre (Toronto/East York): https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/maps/centres/index.html?marker=451

Wi-Fi will be available and staff will be on site to assist with the registration process. Many residents bring their own devices to in-person registration sites, however, staff will register those without their own devices.

Free recreation programs Many community centres offer free recreation programs, including leisure swimming and drop-in programs for children, youth and older adults. More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/lowcostrecreation.

Quote:

"After a successful summer featuring a variety of recreation initiatives with COVID-19 precautions, I’m pleased the City will once again offer fall recreation programs. We’ve learned how to quickly adapt our recreation programs to meet public health guidance and have established protocols which have contributed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 while allowing people the opportunity to enjoy recreation activities across Toronto."

- Toronto Mayor John Tory