City provides update on additional available services as gradual reopening continues

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

Pool Reopenings

New protocols will be in place for visiting City pools including the requirement of reservations for swim times, reduced pool capacity and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Reservations are required in advance of the use of each pool and regular swim admission fees will apply. Please note that all swim visits will be offered in 45-minute increments at the following locations and times:

Woodman Park Pool – Reopening effective Friday, July 10, 2020

• Woodman Pool will be open Wednesday to Sunday 
• Open swims will be offered from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
• Family swims will be offered from 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Woodman Pool reservations can be made for open swims, family swims and private lessons beginning TODAY, Wednesday, July 8th. Please visit brantford.ca/RecConnect or call 519-752-3343 to reserve a time. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed per session including parents and guardians.

Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Pool – Reopening effective Monday, July 13, 2020

• Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre pool will be open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for length (lap) swims only

Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre pool reservations can be made for length swimming or water walking beginning Thursday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m. Please visit brantford.ca/RecConnect, email wgsc@brantford.ca or call 519-756-9900 to reserve a time slot. To ensure physical distancing measures can be accommodated, a maximum of 16 people will be permitted per session including parents and guardians.

Visitors to both Woodman and Gretzky should be aware of the following:

• Time slot availability will open up weekly each Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. for the following week (Monday to Sunday) beginning Monday, July 13
  
• Please stay home if you are feeling unwell or are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID–19
• Please shower before coming to the pool and arrive only 5 to 10 minutes before your designated time in your swim attire and wear a face covering
• Use the directional signage and follow staff instructions to ensure the proper flow of traffic during your visit
• Water fountains will be available for water bottle refills only
• Designated washrooms will be made available and customers will be asked to change and shower at home after their swim where possible

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

• Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre Arenas Rink 3 and 4

The City recognizes the popularity of these services and amenities and is working very closely with the Brant County Health Unit to ensure they are safe for public use as soon as possible. Further information regarding this facility will be announced shortly.

Previously announced reopenings/available City services:

• 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 (12-person maximum, 30-minute time limit)
• Dufferin Park Tennis courts from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (four people /court; 25-person maximum)
• Bike Park at Rotary Centennial Waterworks Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (15-person maximum, 30-minute time limit) 
• 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 location has been reopened but is currently being repaired) 

The following sports fields remain open for bookings for recreational/training use:

• Jaycee Sports Park (softball)
• Steve Brown Sports Park (softball)
• Mayfair Park (baseball)
• Cockshutt Park (hardball, excludes stadium use)
• Kiwanis Field (football, running track)
• Bisons Alumni North Park Sports Complex (football, running track)
• Daubigny Creek Park, George Campbell, Steve Brown Red/Blue and John Wright Soccer Complex (soccer)
• Rotary Centennial Waterworks Park (cricket pitch)

All other sports fields remain closed, with limited washrooms facilities at the fields that are open.

 Remaining closed/unavailable until further notice 

• Park play equipment
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Select washroom buildings
• Lawn bowling 
• Bocce
• Earl Haig Family Fun Park

Please visit brantford.ca/closures for a complete list of City closures, cancellations and service modifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Provincial Offences Court
The Provincial Offences Act (POA) Court Office will reopen with new safety measures in place beginning Monday, July 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to provide services including fine payments (cash accepted) and other court administrative functions. All court proceedings have been postponed/adjourned until at least September 14, 2020.

 In person visitors to the POA will be asked to practice physical distancing, and to delay their visit if they are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms or have or may have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Wayfinding, distancing markings and other safety measures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of the public and POA staff.

 Payments can also be made online at www.payfines.caor by phone at 519-751-9100 using VISA or MasterCard and questions regarding POA services can be directed to 519-751-9100 or brantfordpoa@brantford.ca Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 Parking Operations and Enforcement

 The City is moving towards the gradual resumption of regular parking operations and enforcement beginning August 1, 2020. Free parking at Municipal Lot No. 3 (Darling Street) and Municipal Lot No. 4 (Dalhousie Street) will end on July 31, 2020, and payment will be required beginning August 1, 2020. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Market Centre Parkade at 59 Icomm Drive where parking will remain free until August 31, 2020. Payment at the Parkade will be required beginning September 1, 2020.  Parking regulations will also be fully enforced across the city, including downtown beginning on August 1, 2020 to ensure the safe and orderly movement of vehicles in the city.

 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.
• Practice physical distancing (6 ft apart from others) in public at all times and wear a face covering (non-medical mask), such as a cloth mask to reduce the risk of transmission when physical distancing is a challenge.

 Any additional updates regarding City programs and services, and the continuity of essential services will be shared regularly on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages and at brantford.ca/coronavirus.

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