Red “Control” category impacts to City recreation programs

HAMILTON, ON – Tomorrow morning at 12:01 am, the City of Hamilton will officially enter the Red “Control” category within the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. As a result, a number of changes are required to current recreation programming in Hamilton.

Effective immediately, the City of Hamilton is cancelling the following programs:

• All fall registered programs, including swimming lessons, fitness programs, sports programs and general interest programs
• All current gym, sport, and fitness drop-in programs, including pickleball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, open gym, and waterfit

A maximum of 50 people 10 people* will be permitted in a recreation facility at one time.
*updated in accordance with current Provincial measures

Credits will be issued for registered programs and refunds will be issued by request. Residents can email at [email protected] to request a refund. Staff will contact rental users and sports groups regarding how these changes impact facilities and their current rental permit or agreements.

Some drop-in recreation programs will continue, including open swim, length swim, seniors general interest. These programs will all have additional enhanced health and safety measures, including:

• Reservations are required for entry
• Limit duration of stay to 90 minutes
• Require contact information for all patrons and attendance for team sport
• No spectators permitted (exemption for parent and guardian supervision of children)
• Further reduced program, space, and facility capacities

More information on the Red “Control” category of the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework and changes for the City of Hamilton can be found in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. 

Changes impacting local public places have also been updated at www.hamilton.ca/publicplaces.

In addition to the Framework guidance, members of the public are advised of the following:

• Restrict close contacts to your household members only and essential supports.  Those that live alone may join with another household for support.
• All in-person activities should be limited outside of the home to essential activities only, this includes work, school, fitness and exercise, access to healthcare, and the purchase of food or drink, gasoline, and automobile maintenance.
• Restrict all social gatherings to only immediate household members.
• Wear a mask or face covering when around others from another household, out in public places, or outdoors when unable to stay physically distant.
• Wash your hands often.
• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are not feeling well, stay isolated at home and get tested for COVID-19.

Additional Resources

• www.hamilton.ca/recreation
• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• www.hamilton.ca/reopens
• covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]