City of Burlington redesigns some services as province eases COVID-19 restrictions

As the Ontario government eases some of the COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Burlington said it’s

As the Ontario government eases some of the COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Burlington said it’s redesigning its services to ensure they can resume safely for staff and residents.

“We ask for your patience and understanding as the City works to ensure it has resources and procedures in place that align with Provincial regulations and the latest guidance from Halton Region public health to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said city staff in an official release.

“The resumption of City services is something everyone is looking forward to, but we must continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions.”

Over the coming days and weeks, as more announcements are made by the province, the City of Burlington said it will update the public on its new services. Residents can get information on what’s opened, what’s closed, and what services look like, at Burlington.ca/coronavirus.

What’s re-opened?

Amenities and spaces that have recently re-opened, include:

• Basketball hoops in parks
• Benches and picnic tables in parks – please note these amenities are not being sanitized
• BMX cycling area at Nelson Park
• Community gardens – open to residents to have reserved a plot for 2020
• Leash-free dog parks
• Multi-use sports fields – open for use by members of the same household (fenced/locked fields are not available for use)
• Parking lots in City parks (Lowville park continues to be closed)
• Skate parks at Maple Park, Nelson Park, and Norton Park
• Tennis courts at Leighland Park, Optimist Park, Brant Hills Park, Millcroft Park, and Palmer Park
• Tyandaga Golf Course

At re-opened amenities, residents are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from anyone you don’t live with
• Gathering in groups of 5 or fewer
• Staying home if you feel sick
• Washing and sanitizing hands before and after using these areas

“The way we operated our facilities and offered programs in the past has been permanently changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic – our Burlington will be a different one when we are through this, and many of these changes will be positive ones,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“It’s important to note, as the Province continues to announce re-openings and the easing of restrictions, it’s not a one size fits all for municipalities.”

The city also recently launched an online Community Resources Data Hub to provide the public with open access to the latest COVID-19 information, data, and interactive maps; including daily case updates, locations for local grocery stores, restaurants, food banks, and more.