TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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On Jan. 13, the Town of Newmarket temporarily closed all outdoor skating and community rinks and suspended tobogganing for 48 hours in order to seek further clarification from the Province of Ontario about the stay-at-home order. The Town has heard back from the Province of Ontario and would like to thank them for their guidance. As a result, the Town will be reopening all outdoor skating, community rinks and allow for tobogganing in Newmarket with new enhanced measures to prevent against COVID-19. Residents can register for skating at Riverwalk Commons tonight (Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021) at play.newmarket.ca for a time slot on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.
“I want to thank Premier Ford for responding to me directly and quickly with clarification related to tobogganing and skating and he has assured me that both activities are allowable. We are able to re-open both activities immediately and in time for the PD day tomorrow,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Newmarket will add enhanced protocols and supervision to ensure that these activities take place in the safest manner possible. We are pleased to continue to provide outdoor opportunities for our residents to stay active, healthy and safe during these difficult times.”
Outdoor Skating in Newmarket
New measures for outdoor skating at the Tim Hortons Skating Feature at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Dr.):
- All skaters must register in advance at play.newmarket.ca to participate in outdoor skating
- NEW! Residents can book their spot online one day in advance starting at 9 a.m.
- NEW! No walk-ins or stand-by spots will be available in an effort to limit crowds gathering at Riverwalk Commons
- NEW! All skaters must wear a mask while waiting in line and while skating on the ice
- All skaters must maintain at least 6ft./2m apart from others outside of their household at all times
- Hours of operation remain at 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Capacity limits remain at 25 people per skating session
New measures for outdoor skating at community rinks:
- Follow the rules posted at Lions Park
- NEW! All skaters must wear a mask while waiting in line and while skating on the ice
- All skaters must maintain at least 6ft./2m apart from others outside of their household at all times
- Capacity limits remain at 25 people per skating session
Newmarket staff will be monitoring the community rinks to ensure rules set out by Public Health are followed and adhered to.
Tobogganing in Newmarket
The Town of Newmarket does not have any designated hills for tobogganing and does not maintain any areas for winter activities. Please use outdoor areas at your own risk and follow these guidelines.
Users must:
- Check the hill. Make sure it is free of hazards (trees, rocks, fences, bumps)
- Avoid ice-covered areas
- Make sure there is room at the bottom of the hill to stop – away from roads, or bodies of water
- Use proper sliding equipment and wear a helmet (ski helmets are recommended)
- Make sure your route is clear before sliding
- All children should be supervised by an adult
- Only toboggan with members of the same household
- Maintain 6ft./2m. at all times from others
- It is recommended that users wear a mask when tobogganing
Newmarket’s bylaw officers will be patrolling all parks to educate residents on the above noted safety tips and to ensure residents practice safe physical distancing at all times.
Newmarket trails, parks and playgrounds are open and residents are encouraged to use them while following all health and safety measures as outlined by the Province. Residents are reminded to wear a face mask or covering when in enclosed public spaces or when physical distancing of at least 6ft./2m. is not possible (indoor and outdoor) and wash your hands frequently.
The Newmarket Public Library remains open for contactless curbside pickup. No in-person services will be available at this time. Learn more by visiting newmarketpl.ca.
The Town continues to adapt its business practices in alternative ways so that we can continue to serve the community during these challenging times. For more information on how to access these services, residents can call our Customer Service associates from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 905-895-5193 or by emailing [email protected]. For after-hours service, please call 905-895-5193 and press 3.
COVID-19 Resources:
For more information on the what’s open and closed in Newmarket, visit newmarket.ca/reopen. For more information on COVID-19 in York Region, visit york.ca/covid19 orontario.ca/coronavirus.
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