Whitby, January 28 2022 – The Ontario government announced steps to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures. As a result, the Town of Whitby is reopening a number of its facilities, starting with the following changes:

Connecting with the Town

There are many ways to connect with the Town, whether it’s in-person, online, over the phone or by email. As of Monday, January 31, appointments will no longer be required to access in-person services at Town Hall or the Garden Street Branch. Before entering a Town facility, residents must follow all public health requirements, like wearing a mask and completing the health and safety screening. Learn more about accessing Town Services.   

Community Centres

Effective Monday, January 31, the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex (CRC) Health Club and Anne Ottenbrite Pool at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre will open at 50 per cent capacity. Pre-booking of work-out and swim times is not required – first come, first serve. Learn more about how to become a Health Club Member at whitby.ca/healthclub.

Pre-registered Aquafit classes at Anne Ottenbrite Pool resume on Monday, February 7 and swim lessons will start on Wednesday, February 23. Pool schedule information will be available at whitby.ca/swim. All change rooms will be open and available for use. The CRC pool remains closed for renovations.

Effective Monday, February 14, the Brooklin Community Centre and Library will reopen to the public. Pre-registered programming will also resume at the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre that day.

Arenas

Effective Monday, January 31, public skating and shinny programs will resume at 50 per cent capacity limits at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre, McKinney Centre and Luther Vipond Memorial Arena. For the full schedule of public skating and shinny programs, visit whitby.ca/skate.

Spectator areas will be allowed at 50 per cent seated capacity.

Arena Rental Permit applications are also now being accepted at 50 per cent capacity and will be reviewed based on availability. Submit a permit request online.

Outdoor Rinks

The Town has opened two natural ice skating rinks for community use: one at Peel Park (in the lacrosse box) and the other at Brooklin Memorial Park (in the tennis courts). The rinks are open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Priority use for shinny is Tuesday and Thursday after 4 pm and all day Saturday. Each rink is limited to 50 per cent capacity – first come, first serve. Rink users are required to follow all posted safety signage and COVID-19 public health guidelines. For more information, visit whitby.ca/skate.

Meeting and Event Spaces

Starting Monday, January 31 private bookings for meeting and event space at Whitby’s community centres will be available at 50 per cent of the room’s capacity. Groups interested in booking a space can email facilities@whitby.ca or call 905.668.7765 to learn more about availability.

Vaccination Proof and COVID-19 Screening

Proof of full vaccination using an enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code, along with identification, will still be required of all patrons 12 years and older to enter a Town recreation facility at every visit. A COVID-19 pre-screening must also be completed and presented before entering the facility. Health and safety measures will continue to be in place and must be followed by all who enter the facility.

Community Impacts

Effective Monday, January 31 social gathering limits are 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.

The Town continues to review updates from the Ontario government to assess their local impact. For ongoing updates, visit whitby.ca/COVID. For more information on the Town’s recreation programs and how to access them, visit whitby.ca/GetActive.