The City of Peterborough is providing an update, as it moves into Stage 2 of re-opening beginning on Friday.
City officials say that even with changes, the guidelines set out by the Province remain in place, including limiting your group to a maximum of 10, and physical distancing.
Beaches, wading pools, splash pads
Beaches are open to the public now. However, lifeguards are expected to start at the beaches at Beavermead Park and Rogers Cove on Saturday, June 27, 2020 and Peterborough Public Health will begin monitoring water quality at the two beaches. Public Health posts signage to show when it’s not safe to go in the water. The water quality testing results are available on the health unit’s website at peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
The City is making arrangements for the opening of wading pools. A date for the opening of the wading pools will be posted when it’s set.
The City is planning to open its splash pads after the Province eases or lifts its Emergency Orders to allow playgrounds to open. While the Province’s Stage 2 re-opening allows for the opening of splash pads, the City is not opening its splash pads at this time because the water isn’t chlorinated to the extent that it is at pools and wading pools, which affects the cleanliness of the high-touch surfaces on the play structures in the splash pads. The City considers its splash pads to be similar to the situation with playground structures, with high-touch surfaces for children that aren’t regularly sanitized. The City looks forward to opening its splash pads for the community in the future based on public health and operational considerations.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
While the Province’s Stage 2 re-opening allows for the opening of public pools, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre pool will remain closed at this time.
With the fitness centre portion of the Sport and Wellness Centre currently required to remain closed under the Emergency Orders, the City will plan to reopen the facility when overall facility is able to open.
Staff are working with Peterborough Public Health to create a plan to safely re-open the Centre. When further information is available, it will be shared through public communication, emails to members, the website, and social media updates.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Based on the guidelines provided by the Province this week, the City is putting necessary protocols in place for the safety of visitors and staff. One option being explored is an online booking system for time slots to visit the museum in order to limit the number of visitors in the museum. The museum is reviewing its exhibits and layout to support physical distancing. The current estimate is that the museum could reopen to the public in early July. When the opening date is set, it will be announced and posted on the City’s website and through social media.
Peterborough Public Library
The Peterborough Public Library continues to provide pickup and drop-off services, but the facility remains closed to the public at this time. The current provincial guidelines that would allow for the re-opening of libraries includes significant restrictions, such as no touching of books or DVDs. Due to the layout of the library, it is not possible to re-open under the current provincial restrictions. The Peterborough Public Library is continuing to review the provincial restrictions and its operations to plan for re-opening. When services can be adjusted, they will be announced and posted on the Peterborough Public Library website and through social media.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The Province’s Stage 2 re-opening allows for the opening of art galleries; however, the Art Gallery of Peterborough remains closed at this time. The provincial guidelines are being reviewed to put in place protocols for the safety of visitors and staff. In addition, renovations are currently underway at the gallery, which would affect the opening of the gallery. When a date is set for the re-opening of the gallery, it will be announced and posted on the Art Gallery of Peterborough website and through social media.
Sport fields
Sport fields are open for casual use, following public health guidelines on physical distancing and restrictions under the Province’s Emergency Orders, such as the prohibition on social gatherings larger than 10 people. The City is not issuing permits for the reservation of sport fields at this time.
Arenas
Arenas remain closed under the Province’s Emergency Orders at this time.
Child care services
The City’s municipally operated child care programs at Pearson Child Care Centre and Peterborough Day Care Centre are currently delivering the Province’s Emergency Child Care Plan program for essential workers, which the Province announced would continue until June 26, 2020. With the provision of the Emergency Child Care Plan service, Pearson Child Care Centre and Peterborough Day Care Centre will not be resuming regular services at this time. The City is reviewing recently announced health and safety protocols for Child Care and when arrangements for the re-opening of the day care centres are ready, it will be announced and posted on the City’s website. Parents with children in the programs will be contacted directly when more information is available.
City municipal administration buildings
City Hall and most other City administration buildings remain closed to the public at this time. The City is planning for the re-opening of the facilities for in-person services, putting in place protocols for the safety of residents and employees, and providing direction and training to staff, as needed.
The Social Services office provides limited access for clients; however, clients are encouraged to contact their case managers through email or phone when possible.
City staff remain available working either on site or remotely. Residents can contact the City by phone at 705-742-7777 or by email at cityptbo@peterborough.ca or by contacting the division or department directly.
