City closes facilities, cancels programs in response to province-wide shutdown

As the Province moves Ontario into a shutdown, effective April 3, several City facilities will close alongside program cancellations.

“The additional measures announced by the province are an unfortunate but necessary measure designed to protect the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik. “As cases of COVID-19 including the more transmissible variants of concern continue to surge, we must take steps now to protect our residents and our hospitals from being overwhelmed. As vaccinations continue, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I encourage all residents eligible to get their shot as soon as possible, remain vigilant and to continue listening to our health experts.”

In response to a province-wide shutdown the City is focusing on limiting contact where possible and enhanced safety protocols while continuing to deliver essential services and responding to the social, mental and physical needs of the community.

Based on direction from the Province several facilities will be closed. In-person programming has been cancelled. Virtual programs will continue to be offered, visit http://www.stcatharines.ca/VirtualExperiences for more information. Please continue reading for further information on the impact to City facilities.

City Hall

• Closed to the public
• Remote delivery of services continues

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

• Closed to the public

St. Catharines Farmers Market

• Open Saturdays only, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Enhanced safety measures in place including increased facility monitors to ensure physical distancing and occupancy limits
• Masks required
• One patron per vendor

Arenas

• All arenas closed to the public
• Niagara Health vaccination clinic continues to operate at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre

Russell Avenue and Port Weller Community Centres

• Closed to the public

Older Adult Centres

• Closed to the public
• Seniors’ Centre Without Walls telephone programming will continue, visit http://www.stcatharines.ca/OAC for more information

St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre

• Closed to the public

St. Catharines Public Library

• All branches closed to the public
• Curbside holds pickup available

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

• Restrict close contacts to your household members only and essential supports. Those who 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.
• 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.

A complete list of closures and program disruptions can be found at http://www.stcatharines.ca/COVID19.

Attachments

• News Release - City closes facilities, cancels programs in response to province-wide shutdown