City of Burlington cancels all programs through June amid COVID-19 outbreak

Published March 30, 2020 at 3:20 pm

City of Burlington cancels all programs through June  amid COVID-19 outbreak

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the City of Burlington has decided to suspend all municipal-run spring programs and extend the closure of all recreat

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the City of Burlington has decided to suspend all municipal-run spring programs and extend the closure of all recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and city administration facilities to the end of June.

All bookings will be cancelled, and refunds will be given, according to the city.

“Organizations and residents are asked to please be patient as refunds may take up to two weeks to process,” according to staff.

This decision, made by the city’s Emergency Control Group, follows the guidance of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health to prepare and plan for the months ahead.

“This decision is absolutely necessary to protect the health and well-being of our employees and our community, as we plan for the best but prepare for the worst,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“We don’t know exactly how long this situation is going to last. By planning ahead, we can redirect resources where most needed, put non-essential projects on hold, and remain agile enough to open things up earlier if the situation changes.”

The City of Burlington is asking the public to avoid park facilities, including:

  • Playgrounds
  • Sports fields
  • Skate parks
  • Dog off-leash areas
  • Community gardens

The city added, “If you need some fresh air and activity, it’s okay to walk, cycle or jog through our parks, but please do not linger.”

The City of Burlington says it will continue to main its full-time staff workforce. 

“For our part-time staff, we will look at various options including evaluating government assistance programs being offered by the provincial and federal governments,” added city staff. “Once we have looked at options for our staff, as a last resort we will also consider layoffs as required.”

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