City suspends indoor recreation, cultural activities, event rentals

OTTAWA – Following the Province of Ontario modified Stage Two restrictions, the city will temporarily close its recreation and cultural facilities, including recreation complexes, community centres, arenas, swimming pools, theatres, galleries and museums.

Closures take effect today, (Jan. 5) and will last at least 21 days, based on the Omicron situation at that time.

“The temporary closures will not impact the operations for respite centres, vaccination clinics, COVID-19 assessment centres, and municipal childcare centres,” city staff released in a statement. “Swims for persons with disabilities with a medical note requiring water therapy will be scheduled at the Nepean Sportsplex and Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex.”

As the result of the temporary closures, the following recreation and cultural programs will temporarily suspend operations:

• All reserved recreation drop-in activities – including indoor skating, swimming (public and lane swims), cardio-weight rooms, sports activities – team play and training, and indoor fitness classes
• Learn to swim programs
• Inclusive recreation programs
• Select cultural programs that operated by reservation only at Nepean Visual Arts Centre and Shenkman Arts Centre

“The start of winter 2022 registered programs has been delayed,” staff said. “The city will provide more information on a new start date when facilities and activities are able to resume.”

Outdoor recreation amenities – Outdoor refrigerated rinks such as the Rink of Dreams located at City Hall will continue with their capacity limit based on the number of individuals who can maintain a physical distancing of 2 metres. Their capacity limit is posted on site. Other outdoor community rinks and high traffic areas at sledding hills and trails will continue with capacity restrictions of 25 persons.  Smaller puddle rinks capacity will be further reduced to allow proper physical distancing of two metres. The Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre at Terry Fox Athletic Facility will operate with restrictions.

Residents can still sign up for many virtual recreation and arts offerings from arts, fitness, music and culinary courses. Visit ottawa.ca/virtualprograms for the list of available courses and registration.

For more information on city programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service.