Town reopening playgrounds, then facilities, one at a time

NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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Beginning today, Newmarket, and fellow York Region municipalities, have Provincial approval to enter into stage 3 of COVID-19 recovery. The Town of Newmarket will continue its cautious approach to reopening with the health and safety of our community and staff as our top priority. 
 
Here’s what you should know about reopening in Newmarket:

1. A dedicated team is working to reopen our playgrounds and facilities.
   
   An internal Recovery Unit guided by leaders across functions continues to work through logistics, protocols, staffing and more to reopen Newmarket in strategic phases to best serve the community and taxpayers.
   
   We’re working to roll out a plan to offer residents across all age groups more opportunities to stay active while safeguarding our community’s health and demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
   
   Beginning as early as next week, the Town will gradually begin opening playgrounds, followed by select facilities, which will be opened one at a time from now through to the fall. 
   
   In the coming weeks, we will be opening a few smaller playgrounds spread across each Ward. The Magna Centre will be the first facility to reopen, starting with a modified Fitness Centre and an ice pad.
    
2. Health and safety precautions are being put in place
   
   Protocols have been developed and innovative modifications to our facilities will be made to ensure we can welcome back as many members as possible at a time, while maintaining physical distancing and safeguarding our patrons’ health. 
    
3. Kids and families can stay active with pop-up recreation programs all summer.
   
   Each week there are three fun activities kids and families can join to get outside and see fellow community members while following Public Health guidelines. Rather stay in? Turn every Thursday into an at-home family adventure night with easy, themed, DIY activities to make family memories! Discover the fun at newmarket.ca/summerpopups.
    
4. Physical Town office buildings are closed but most services are available online or by appointment. 
   
   The Municipal Offices remain closed to the public. However, like many residents and businesses, we’ve transitioned our services online so we can continue to offer residents support during the pandemic. Customer Service is available and waiting for your call or email.
   
   Customer Service Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   Contact: 905-895-5193 or [email protected]
   
   For municipal emergencies after hours, call 905-895-5193, press 3 and your call will be directed to our After-Hours service.
   
   Residents can also access many other Town services online, by phone or by appointment. Some examples include: electronic planning applications and pre-consultation meetings via video conferencing; building permits and inspections; purchasing recycling and green bins, paying tickets and taxes; processing marriage licences and performing civil ceremonies (under limited circumstances) and online screening or phone appointments to dispute a by-law penalty notice.
    
5. Free parking permits are available to help families with more people and vehicles at home.
   
   While parking restrictions, such as the three hour on-street parking limit, remain in effect, we are offering relief to families who may have more people and vehicles at home due to COVID-19. We’re currently offering a free on-street parking exemption and have waived the traditional 15 day limit. Get yours today at newmarket.ca/parkingexemptions.

• Keep your social circle tight – you can have close contact with up to 10 people
• Limit social gatherings – you can gather with up to 10 people if you keep physical distance
• Practice physical distancing when you’re out and about – this means 2 metres / 6 feet apart
• Wash your hands and monitor your health
• Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible outdoors
• Always wear a mask indoors, unless you are exempt (learn about mandatory masks here)
• Above all, please be kind to one another. We’re all in this together after all.

More information about what’s opening in Stage 3 will be shared as amenities reopen.
 
Stay in-the-know about what’s happening in Newmarket on your favourite social feed. Follow us on social media @TownofNewmarket on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where we’ll share the latest updates. You can also visit newmarket.ca/reopen for a complete list of what is currently open and closed.

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