NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
*************************
Due to the changing COVID-19 pandemic, Newmarket continues to take a modified approach to our fall programs to ensure everyone can enjoy them safely.
Safety is our number one priority and we will continue to take this cautious approach as we gradually reopen more amenities and resume some recreation programs to offer the community opportunities to safely stay active.
Fall Programs
This fall, recreation programs will be scaled back significantly to ensure that the programs we are running will be able to comply with all Public Health measures. More programs will be introduced gradually over the next few months based on demand and the current COVID-19 landscape.
Traditionally, the Town offered an extensive array of programs and services that were promoted in our Recreation Activity Guide which was mailed to all households. Due to the limited number of programs and a need for flexibility, a formal Fall/Winter Recreation Activity Guide will not be published.
For a full list of programs available and to reserve your spot in a program, visit newmarket.ca/recreation.
Pool at the Magna Centre
The pool at the Magna Centre will be reopening on September 14 for lane swim, public swim, and aqua fitness. Strict health and safety measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone. Participants will be required to reserve a timeslot for their swim session in advance at play.newmarket.ca. Please note that use of the change rooms will not be available at this time.
For more information on the health and safety protocols, new rules and regulations, please visit newmarket.ca/swimming.
Ice Rinks
By the end of September, two ice rinks at the Magna Centre and two ice rinks at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex will be ready for use by local sport organizations. At this time, public skating is not available.
Magna Fitness Centre & Group Fitness Classes
The Magna Fitness Centre reopened at the end of August and was relocated onto the Honda Ice Pad at the Magna Centre to ensure that there is ample space to accommodate individuals in their workout. Booking your workout session in advance is highly recommended. Members can book their 1.5-hour workout session at play.newmarket.ca.
By the end of September, the Town will resume Group Fitness Classes in the Tim Hortons Gym at the Magna Centre. Once the Group Fitness Class schedule is finalized, it will be posted at newmarket.ca/fitness and an e-blast will be sent to alert all subscribed members. Participants will be required to book their spot in advance at play.newmarket.ca.
For more information on the health and safety protocols, new rules and regulations, please visit newmarket.ca/fitness.
Indoor Skate Park at the Recreation Youth Centre
The indoor skate park at the Newmarket Recreation Youth Centre and Sk8 Park is open Tuesday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Individuals are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance. Reservations can be made online at play.newmarket.ca.
For more information on the health and safety protocols, new rules and regulations, please visit newmarket.ca/youth.
Newmarket during COVID-19
While the majority of our buildings remain closed to the public, Town of Newmarket staff continue to serve its 90,000+ residents through alternative and innovative ways, while working from home and in the office. For example, to date, our Planning department has surpassed its revenue generated in 2019, our Operations Centre staff continue to work in the field to ensure all essential services like road repairs, watermain repairs, parks and forestry work is conducted and our Economic Development staff continue to help local businesses navigate the changing COVID-19 landscape.
Where required, we continue to redeploy staff to different areas of the organization so that we can continue to serve the community in a cost-effective way. For example, some staff members have been redeployed to clean open facilities and to perform health screening checks.
We are continually monitoring how the pandemic progresses within the community. Further openings will be considered later this fall.
We continue to offer alternative ways to serve the community. Our Customer Service Associates are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to guide residents on how to access services remotely. Email [email protected] or by calling 905-895-5193 for more information.
*************************
