COVID-19 Stage 3 Update: Playgrounds, Libraries and Other Updates

As the Province’s COVID-19 restart plans continue to move forward, the City of Greater Sudbury has been identified as one of the regions permitted to move into Stage 3, as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17. This stage permits the safe reopening of additional municipal amenities and the majority of private businesses.

When the Province announces services that can reopen, the City must review new restrictions and guidelines and develop plans that consider staff resources, Public Health requirements and financial implications. This, combined with group size limitations, additional sanitizing/cleaning protocols, training and other requirements, means there is a gap between when the Province makes an announcement and when municipal amenities can reopen safely.

“We are moving into Stage 3 thanks to the ongoing diligence, compassion and respect demonstrated by our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “As we enjoy the safe reopening of so many additional businesses and services, we shouldn’t let down our guard. Continue to make safe, smart choices – maintain physical distancing, wash your hands often, and wear a mask or face covering in public facilities. Let’s continue the great work. I want to thank our local business owners, who have done so much great work to help keep our community safe.”

New Services Opening in Provincial Stage 3
Playgrounds and Play Structures
Restrictions on the use of playgrounds and play structures will be lifted as of Friday, July 17. Parks staff will remove any remaining caution tape, install signage and perform seasonal maintenance over the coming weeks.

These amenities are not sanitized and users are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands well before and after use, and maintain a distance of two metres from others.

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres
Work is underway to prepare the six major library branches for reopening. These branches – Main, New Sudbury, South End, Lively, Chelmsford and Valley East – and the Citizen Service Centre counters within them, will reopen in early August. More details will be provided as dates are finalized.

Other Updates Related to Provincial Phase 3
Arenas
The City is reviewing the provincial announcement as it relates to the reopening of arenas. Countryside Arena is the only arena that is typically open during the summer months, and more information on Countryside will be available in the coming days. The City is also reviewing the demand for other arenas, in line with provincial direction, and will share that information when the review is complete.

Sports Fields
The City is evaluating the provincial announcement as it relates to the reopening of sports fields for regular use. More information will be shared over the coming days.

In the meantime, local sports association teams can continue to book play fields at James Jerome Sports Complex (soccer) and Terry Fox Sports Complex (baseball). Sports organizations are required to ensure they are following all mandated provincial orders and Public Health guidelines for their activities. For more information, call Parks Services at 705-674-4455, extension 4578.

Fitness Centres
Due to the more extensive safety protocols that must be in place, as well as uncertain demand and traditional lower usage during the summer months, further evaluation is required on the potential reopening of these facilities. More information will be shared in the coming weeks

Reminders: Closed Services
• As a result of the cancellation of the summer student program, museums will remain closed for the summer and all City-run summer camps and programs are cancelled, including neighbourhood playground programs.
• Community centres and field houses will remain closed.
• Due to the extensive COVID-19-related safety protocols required for reopening, and traditional low usage during the summer months, the R.G. Dow, Gatchell, Nickel District, Onaping and Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre pools will remain closed until at least September 7. Further updates will be shared closer to that date.

Reminders: Safety Precautions
• In accordance with instructions by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, residents are required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask when visiting any indoor City facility or when using GOVA Transit. The City has a limited number of disposable masks available for visitors who forget to bring their own.
• As of July 17, the permitted size for a social gathering will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Physical distancing rules remain in effect and residents must stay two metres away from people who are not part of their household or social circle or “bubble.” To report violations, call 311.
• City by-law officers and contracted security will continue to patrol the use of municipal spaces, and signage will be in place to remind users of rules.
• Where there are concerns that people are not practising physical distancing, or where the number of users creates a situation where it is not manageable, the City will further review and implement changes.

For COVID-19 updates and information related to City services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.