City officials have some answers in terms of what’s accessible during the stay-at-home order.
Manager Norm Gale says many services will continue but changes will be made to reduce the need for people to leave their homes to access services.
“We continue to review the Provincial Orders in full, and are making adjustments on the specific impacts to municipal services, amenities and facilities where required,” adds Gale.
In-person services will only be offered where they are legislatively required or in extenuating circumstances. Appointments will still be offered virtually or over the phone whenever possible. Appointment bookings for service at other City facilities such as City Hall and Victoriaville Civic Centre remain available, with specific instructions in the City’s A-Z Directory.
If you take things outdoors
- When using any outdoor facility, residents must maintain a distance of two metres from people who are not part of their household. A mask or face covering is recommended on outdoor rinks and other park areas as an additional measure during the lockdown extension, especially when physical distancing is a challenge.
- Outdoor rinks will remain open, with certain restrictions. Residents are asked to obey signage at the rinks and maintain physical distancing of at least two metres. Washrooms, if present, may be used by one person at a time upon request, and masks are required. Indoor benches and change rooms remain closed.
- The outdoor skating rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing has a maximum capacity of 57 users on the ice, which must be adhered to. Other outdoor rinks do not have listed maximum capacities, but users must maintain recommended physical distancing. Organized games or practices are not permitted, but if nets are present they may be used.
- Dog parks remain open
- Parks, including sliding hills, remain open. However, organized sports or practices are prohibited on playfields and ball diamonds.
- Recreational trails remain open
- No changes to curbside garbage collection or landfill procedures, but residents are reminded to bag all garbage and not put loose items in cans or containers.
All registered recreational programs have been cancelled for the duration of the Orders.
Under the order, outdoor public gatherings are restricted to a limit of five people.
Facilities that are closed during the order
- Canada Games Complex
- Churchill Pool
- Arenas: Fort William Gardens, Neebing, Delaney, Port Arthur, Grandview, Current River
- Older Adult Centres: 55 Plus Centre and West Arthur. Take-out food service (curbside pick-up) will continue for seniors’ food security
- Community Centres: West Thunder, Current River, North End, Oliver Road, North McIntyre, Jumbo Gardens, South Neebing, Vale, Vickers Heights, West Arthur (includes volunteer-board operated community centres)
- Kinsmen Youth Centre
- Baggage Building Arts Centre
- Water Garden Pavilion, (Prince Arthur’s Landing rink will remain open)
- Conservatory
If you have concerns about businesses and individuals who are not following the COVID-19 related orders can phone (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1 (888) 294-6630.
The phone line will be monitored between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
