be scheduled to resume on Saturday, January 16, 2021.This recommendation was presented to the Community Control Group (CCG) for feedback at a meeting on December 4, 2020 and was supported unanimously.
In speaking with surrounding counties, the Executive Director of Recreation and Culture has noted that the majority of the Windsor-Essex region has opted to close their facilities and all are considering extended closures due to COVID-19.
Should the region be moved into the grey zone, the provincial guidelines require indoor recreation facilities to be closed for sports, recreation and fitness activities. Administration will continue to monitor the status and assess the provincial restrictions for our region as we approach mid January.
Tenants at City Facilities
As the City of Windsor has a variety of tenants that lease space in recreation facilities, arrangements would still need to be made to allow them to access their space if required. These tenants would not be permitted to operate if their business is not permitted under the present (or future) restrictions. Administration is currently working with the Health Unit to determine if the Mehari group leasing space at the John Atkinson Memorial Community Centre would qualify as an essential service in the grey zone.
Outdoor Recreation Activities
At this time Administration is recommending that outdoor recreation activities, including skating rinks and tobogganing hills remain unaffected by these closures and will remain available for Windsor residents to enjoy outdoor amenities during the winter months.
Outdoor Skating Rinks
These would remain open regardless of if the region is in a red or grey zone. The maximum occupancy of those rinks would fall in line with the level of restrictions in place during operation. While skating would be free to all users, they would still be required to register in advance to ensure proper maximum occupancy and that contract tracing can be done if needed.
Park Amenities
In a lockdown situation similar to what was happening in March and April, it will be important for people to be able to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.
Some washrooms that are in winterized buildings – Malden Park Visitor Centre, Riverfront at North Assumption Park, Caron Ave, Bistro/Dieppe, Festival Plaza, Charles Clark Square and Jackson Park - all remain open. It is recommended to keep these open should the region be placed in grey zone restrictions.
Presently, playgrounds and outdoor sports courts and tobogganing hills remain open and COVID-19 safety signage has been posted at all parks. It is not recommended to change these signs.