ELORA – Centre Wellington Township has revealed details about what local facilities will reopen next week as part of the province’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions.
On Jan. 20 Premier Doug Ford announced public health measures introduced on Jan. 5 would “cautiously and gradually” ease starting on Jan. 31.
Some of the changes include increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors (currently five and 10, respectively) and reopening restaurants, bars, gyms and recreational facilities with capacity limits.
Ontario officials have said the province will follow a phased reopening approach over the next few months, with 21 days between each step.
“We are delighted to invite our residents back into our facilities following the recent provincial closure,” stated Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton in a Jan. 26 press release from the township.
“This has been yet another difficult and challenging time for all of us, and I am pleased that we can offer valued programming at our facilities that will bring our community back together in a safe way.”
Starting Jan. 31, the following changes will be put in place at Centre Wellington facilities, with capacity limits:
- ice surfaces will re-open at both the sportsplex in Fergus and the Elora Community Centre;
- aquatics programs at the Fergus sportsplex will resume (Fall 2 swimming lessons resume the week of Jan. 31 while winter lessons will be delayed until the week of March 31);
- the weight room at the Fergus sportsplex will reopen and Mossa Fitness classes will resume;
- pre-registration is required for recreational programs (swimming, pickleball, fitness, skating, shinny, etc.) to ensure capacity limits are maintained (for more information visit centrewellington.ca/indoorrecreation); and
- the Elora Fergus Tourism office will reopen (11am to 4pm) on Feb. 2.
Outdoor winter rinks in the township remain open and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health will continue to run a vaccine clinic at the Fergus sportsplex.
Still closed
Centre Wellington officials say the municipal office in Elora will remain closed to the public. Staff can assist residents by electronic means only and phones will be answered on weekdays between 8:30am to 4:30pm at 519-846-9691.
General email inquiries can be sent to clerks@centrewellington.ca. Purchasing of dog tags and burn permits are available at www.centrewellington.ca/permits.
Cemetery services will be provided by appointment only (519-846-9691 ext. 240 or cemeteries@centrewellington.ca), while building services will be conducted online, by email at building@centrewellington.ca or by calling 519-846-9691 ext. 907. Building inspections will continue to take place with strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.
Planning applications continue to be accepted and processed during this time, with preference to electronic submissions. Inquiries can be directed to planning@centrewellington.ca or by calling 519-846-9691 ext. 241.
The Fergus Grand Theatre will also remain closed. For more information about the theatre visit www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus is scheduled to reopen on Feb. 22. Until then virtual programs will continue as scheduled.
Proof of vaccination
Township officials are reminding residents that proof of vaccination (enhanced QR code and identification) is required for those aged 12 and over to enter the Fergus sportsplex, Elora Community Centre, Victoria Park Seniors Centre and Fergus Grand Theatre.
“The enhanced vaccine certificate is a more secure and convenient way to have your proof of vaccination verified,” states the release.
“Vaccine receipts without a QR code are no longer accepted. You can save the electronic version of your enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code to your phone or print a paper copy; both electronic and paper QR code versions will be accepted.”
