THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay will temporarily close dozens of facilities and programs as the district heads back into lockdown amid rapidly rising cases and hospitalizations.
The provincial government announced Friday it was using the so-called “emergency brake” to return the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to Grey-Lockdown as of Monday.
It’s a step Mayor Bill Mauro said the province had little option but to take.
"We've had more cases in February than we've had in all of 2020,” he said Friday. “We don't know if the trend will stabilize or if it will begin to plateau and then we'll begin to see a reduction. I don't see that you had a choice from the government's perspective."
In response, the city will suspend all in-person programming, including the Neighbourhood Recreation Program in schools, which are also moving to virtual learning for a period of at least two weeks.
The city's Youth Inclusion Program supports will continue virtually, while contactless food security programs will continue in the neighbourhoods they serve.
“While we move into the province’s grey-lockdown zone, our approach is to continue to provide services where we are able and where not restricted by the province,” said City Manager Norm Gale, while saying the health and safety of staff and users was paramount.
Facility Closures
The following facilities and associated programs will close as of March 1, until further notice:
- Canada Games Complex
- Churchill Pool
- Arenas: Fort William Gardens, Neebing, Delaney, Port Arthur, Grandview, Current River
- Older Adult Centres: 55 Plus Centre (take-out food remains available from the River Street Café for senior food security) and West Arthur Community Centre
- Community Centres: West Thunder, Current River, North End, Oliver Road, North McIntyre, Jumbo Gardens, South Neebing, Vale, Vickers Heights
- Centennial Botanical Conservatory
- Kinsmen Youth Centre
- Baggage Building Arts Centre
- Water Garden Pavilion
Transit
Public transit will continue to operate with restrictions. Those using Thunder Bay Transit and Lift+ buses are asked to avoid all non-essential travel. Masks must be worn on board, the city said, while anyone feeling unwell or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms should not ride.
Outdoor rinks, trails
The city’s outdoor rinks and trails remain open, with some guidelines for safe use.
The city reminds the public organized games are prohibited on city rinks. Capacity remains at a maximum of 25. Physical distancing of two metres between users who do not live in the same household is required, and masks are recommended.
By-law officers and Parks staff are monitoring outdoor rinks for compliance.
On trails and sliding hills, distance of two metres is also required.
“Due to the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic, services are subject to ongoing assessment and potential change,” the city release said.
Residents can find the latest updates on municipal services and other COVID-19 information at the city's website.
The city urged residents to follow basic COVID-19 protocols: Always stay home if you have symptoms, staying two metres apart from those outside your household, wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces, avoid non-essential travel.
In the release announcing the closures, Mauro also implored residents to support local during the renewed lockdown.
“We must also remember our local businesses and restaurants – please shop local and get take-out to support our small business.”
