You may have to change your summer plans as more activities are being cancelled due to COVID-19.
Now that the province has extended its emergency order until next week, City Council voted unanimously to shut down or delay re-opening some services and facilities.
Some will be shut down for the season, like outdoor pools, campgrounds, indoor group fitness at the Canada Games Complex, and Adventurers’ Camp summer day camp.
Rides at Chippewa Park and the Muskeg Express won’t run this summer because the city says it’s not possible to maintain two metres of distance between riders and operators.
Canada Day celebrations will be held virtually, and the city is cancelling its Quest Tech and Gaming, Kite Festival and Teddy Bear’s Picnic events this year.
Other activities and facilities are closed for now, but the city says there’s still a possibility to open splash pads, campgrounds, community events after July 31st, summer ice, Sandy Beach, and other day camps.
City Manager Norm Gale explains that even if the province lifts its emergency order on June 9th, many facilities and programs would need two to six weeks to get ready to open again.
McIntyre Councillor Albert Aiello says there are also concerns about physical distancing and limits on gatherings. He’s seeing these issues in his position as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay.
“Do you go through all the expense to maybe have 20 kids [attend]?” Aiello asks, adding the lack of programs will create a “huge void” in childcare once school finishes and more parents go back to work.
The city expects the cancellations will save $554,155 in costs and staff wages.
