NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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Following the Province’s announcement that the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit area has moved into the Red - Control zone of the provincial COVID-19 response framework effective Feb. 16, the City of Orillia is taking a conscientious approach to reopening.
City staff are working on a phased reopening of recreation facilities with a goal to have Rotary Place reopen on Feb. 24 for user groups and the Orillia Recreation Centre reopen on Feb. 26 for user groups. It is anticipated that the Orillia Recreation Centre will reopen to the public for pre-registered drop-in programs starting on March 1.
“The City is working diligently to meet all the necessary health and safety protocols in order to reopen facilities that have been closed for more than a month. There is still work to be done behind the scenes as we ease into reopening, so we thank you for patience,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
“Like many of the businesses in our community and other municipalities, the City had made necessary adjustments to our facility operations, including staffing levels, in response to the shutdown and stay-at-home order.
"Coupled with the presence of highly transmissible variants in the region, we are taking a very measured and responsible approach to the reopening of our facilities," said Clarke. "We are excited to provide recreation and fitness programs to our citizens and user groups, but urge people to stay vigilant and follow COVID-19 safety protocols.”
The City of Orillia is working towards the following reopening dates:
- Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S) will remain open for services by appointment only. To book your appointment, please visit orillia.ca/onlineservices. Residents are also encouraged to use services by phone and via email where available.
- Rotary Place will reopen on Feb. 24 for user groups.
- The Orillia Recreation Centre will reopen on Feb. 26 to user groups such as the Orillia Channel Cats, Orillia Lakers and Orillia Suns.
- The Orillia Recreation Centre will reopen for drop-in programs on March 1.
- Online registration for drop-in programs will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Drop-in programs can be viewed and registered for online at orillia.ca/SUN.
- The online pre-registration process will look slightly different as staff have made some improvements to the system. If you require assistance, please call 705-3235-4FUN (4386).
- The Waste Diversion Site (100 Kitchener St.) remains open to the public.
- The Orillia Farmers' Market will reopen for in person shopping in the Orillia Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The virtual market will continue with curbside pick-up available. Visit orilliafarmersmarket.on.ca for details.
- The Orillia Public Library is continuing its curbside pick-up services at this time. Visit orilliapubliclibrary.ca for more information.
Please note, all visitors to City recreation facilities will be screened and required to sign a waiver. Participants must wear a mask in common areas and are permitted to show up only 15 minutes prior to their program. Additionally, enhanced cleaning measures and adjusted room occupancy limits are in place. Information regarding program safety protocols, instructions on how to sign up for a drop-in time or a FUN Pass, can be found at orillia.ca/fun.
The City also continues to review community assistance measures currently in place. At this time, all on-street parking spaces in Downtown Orillia will continue to allow free parking for a maximum of 30 minutes each. Free three-hour customer parking in municipal pay and display lots (with the exception of Lot 10, which offers five free hours) will be further extended. Fees for municipal permit parking lots remain in effect.
As updates become available, changes in City services and community assistance measures will be communicated through the City’s COVID-19 information page at orillia.ca/COVID-19 and the City’s social media channels.
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