Norfolk County is preparing to safely re-open its recreational and cultural facilities once the Province’s stay-at-home order is lifted.
The order will be lifted for the Haldimand-Norfolk area at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 16, at which time the region will be placed into the Orange – Restrict category of the Province’s COVID-19 re-opening plan.
The County’s plan includes the re-opening of arenas, the pool and the Port Dover Harbour Museum, with a range of COVID-19 safety protocols in place at each facility. These include the mandatory wearing of masks, physical distancing, frequently disinfecting touch surfaces, limited capacity and more.
Details below:
Arenas
Staff have returned to County arenas and are preparing the facilities for re-opening. Ice rentals will begin on Feb. 17. If there is sufficient demand, ice may be left in at some arenas until April 17.
Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre
Staff are expected to return from their redeployments to other County operations in early March to prepare for a re-opening on March 9.
Museums
The Port Dover Harbour Museum will open Thursday and Friday afternoons as well as Saturdays on March 11 using a timed entry system. Staff will assess the situation after a number of weeks and consider further museum openings.
Halls and community centres
County-operated halls and community centres will remain closed until May 1.
Programming
Virtual programming at County museums continues, and virtual recreational programming will be available soon. In-person camps, if possible and permitted, will also be offered for the expected “March Break” in April.
Staff continue to work with members of the Simcoe Seniors Centre to prepare space at the Simcoe Recreation Centre for opening.
Norfolk’s re-opening plan is subject to Provincial safety protocols and guidance from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.
