Additional recreation services to resume as part of Brantford’s Stage 3 reopening framework

BRANTFORD, ON: In continued close consultation with the Brant County Health Unit, and consistent with the City’s gradual approach to safely reopening services to the public, today, the City announces the following additional service updates:

Swimming Lessons

We recognize the importance of safety in and around water. Due to the pandemic and continued priority to ensure the health and safety of staff and the community, we will be offering fall swim lessons with additional new protocols in place.

Online registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30 or in-person Thursday, October 1 at 8:00 a.m. (online registration is highly recommended). Please note that limited financial assistance will be available to those that qualify. Please call 519-756-9900 to have your application processed before the registration date.

Lessons run once a week for 8-weeks from October 19 to December 7 for all swim levels (including Parent and Tot 1 to 3). Parents/Caregivers of children in swim lessons level 4 and under must get into the water with their child(ren). A maximum of two children per parent is allowed in all levels excluding private swim lessons where a maximum of one child per parent is allowed. 

Detailed schedules, times, ratios and rates will be available online before registration on Wednesday, September 23 at 8:00 a.m. by visiting brantford.ca/RecConnect. All swim class descriptions are also available online for review.

Additional protocols

• Pre-screening will be in place upon entering the facility and you will be asked to use the hand sanitizer provided.
• Face coverings are mandatory when inside the building but not required in the pool during the lesson. (BY-LAW 106-2020)
• Arrive only five to 10 minutes prior to your swim lesson.
• New protocols for traffic flow and enhanced cleaning will be in effect.
• Water fountains will be available for water bottle refills only.
• Change room access is limited. Please arrive in your bathing suit. We ask that you change and shower at home after the less when possible.
• Lockers are not available for use at this time. Please leave your valuables at home. 
• Physical distancing is required at all times. 
• Stay home if you are feeling unwell or experience any symptoms of COVID-19.

Recreation Facilities

The City of Brantford Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the reopening of the following Recreation Facilities.  Reopening dates include:

Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre - Monday, September 21, 2020

The facility including the gymnasium and program rooms will be open for pre-booked rentals by user groups as well as scheduled drop-in activities. Users will be required to register and come prepared for scheduled activity. No dressing rooms will be available at this time. Users will be required to sign in when they arrive within 15 minutes prior to the activity start time. Strict sanitization and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices will be put in place with signs regarding requirements for physical distancing and face coverings.

Brantford & District Civic Centre - Thursday, October 1, 2020

The arena and auditorium will be open daily beginning Thursday, October 1 for pre-booked ice rentals and monitored auditorium use only at this time. Skaters will be required to come prepared to go onto the ice. Dressing rooms will be available for rental groups 15 minutes before and after the rental time only. Sanitization practices and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will be put in place with signs regarding requirements for physical distancing and face coverings.

Opening of other facilities pending implementation of additional preventative measures before operations can resume safely. 

To book a City of Brantford Facility, please call Parks and Recreation at 519-756-1500 or email arenabooking@brantford.ca

Previously announced City services that have resumed:

• Bell Homestead National Historic Site (starting September 8, 2020)
• Special event bookings (brantford.ca/SpecialEvents)
• Bellview Community Hall

• Running tracks Kiwanis and Bisons Alumni open for use Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m.
• Parks and trails for walking and cycling while physical distancing
• Parking lots at parks and trails
• Benches
• Northridge and Arrowdale golf courses
• Disc golf at Mohawk Park
• Tennis and pickleball at Steve Brown Sports Park (four people per court maximum)
• Running track at Steve Brown Sports Park
• Mulch bins
• Dogford Park Dog Park
• Dufferin Park Tennis courts from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (four people per court)
• Bike Park at Rotary Centennial Waterworks Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Jaycee Park half-pipe
• Skate Park at Brant’s Crossing
• Multi-use pads
• Picnic Tables and Shelters
• Brantford Splash Pads at Bridlepath Park and Mohawk Park, Harmony Square
• Park washrooms
• Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre pool, fitness and rinks 3 and 4 (rinks 1 and 2 starting September 8, 2020)
• All sports fields, lawn bowling and bocce ball

Select fields are available for booking and gameplay. To book a sports field, lawn bowling or bocce ball please visit fieldbookings@brantford.ca or call 519 759-4150 Ext. 5222.

Please visit brantford.ca/coronavirus for a complete list of service modifications and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay Vigilant

The City of Brantford stresses that all residents and businesses play a very significant role in successfully reopening our community safely. Please continue to follow these important COVID-19 guidelines to keep yourself and others in our community safe:

• Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover coughs or sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces and stay home if you are sick.
• Wear a face covering (non-medical mask), such as a cloth mask in all public enclosed indoor spaces to reduce the risk of transmission and practice physical distancing (6 ft apart from others) in public at all times.

Additional updates regarding City programs and services are shared regularly on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages and at brantford.ca/coronavirus.

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