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While much of Toronto has been closed by a second COVID-19 lockdown, city officials have unveiled a list of activities that will be available for those looking forward to stretching their legs outdoors this winter.
The list includes skating, sledding, snowshoeing and other activities.
While some restrictions will be in place and officials are still urging people to participate only with their family members, the activities offer some much-needed options for downtime.
“As much as the pandemic makes things different, we are committed to giving people more things to do outside safely,” Mayor John Tory said at a news conference Wednesday.
The city will also add more restrooms in many public recreation areas.
Tory said the experience with city pools during the summer was successful and hopes that success will be replicated with winter activities.
“We had an experience of this kind over the summer at our city pools and we hope to see the same expertise but also the same patience and understanding from the public that we received at the pool so that everyone can stay safe and stay healthy, “he said.
Here is a breakdown of what will be offered:
Skating
Free skating will be available at 54 city-operated outdoor skating rinks, including Nathan Phillips Square. The tracks will start operating on November 28, weather permitting. There will be room for up to 25 participants at a time.
Those who want to skate will have to book a seat online and check online to confirm that the rink is open. A limited number of seats will be open to those who have no reservations. Each time slot will last 45 minutes.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face masks on and off the ice and masks will be mandatory while waiting in line.
It will not be allowed to skate on the rinks outside of the surveillance hours.
While the indoor toilets will be open around the rinks, the changing rooms will be closed, so skaters must come dressed to skate.
In addition to purpose-built ice rinks, the city will also authorize approximately 30 natural ice rinks and accept applications until December 31 for community-built and maintained natural ice rinks in city parks.
Other activities
Brave children and adults will be able to use 23 recognized toboggan runs in neighborhoods across the city. Eight snow loops will be available for walking and snowshoeing at five city-run golf courses.
The city will operate six disc-golf locations, as well as 45 guided walk-fit sessions each week (advance registration required).
Parks
City parks will remain open during the winter, including more than 800 playgrounds and 30 parks with outdoor fitness equipment, as well as an archery range in ET Seton Park. The city’s 68 off-leash dog areas will remain open.
The winter tennis courts, table tennis tables and outdoor chess will remain open.
Car-free weekends will be held in High Park, and the city says increased winter maintenance will be in place on many recreational trails and city park routes.
Winter camps
Just like its modified camp programs last summer, the city will offer a TO holiday camp program in 42 locations. The program will include activities with smaller groups and other modifications in order to comply with health guidelines.
City offering grants for community programs
Tory said the city will also make funds available for other programs designed to support local businesses. The “ShowLoveTO Winter Activation Grant Program” will cover 50% of the project costs such as winter lighting, marketing and additional snow clearing on sidewalks for events “celebrating art, culture and community to encourage business. “. Business Improvement Areas, community groups, nonprofits, and charities are eligible to apply, with applications opening online November 30.
The city also accepts applications for the “ShowLoveTO Partner Activation Grant Program,” for online or in-person arts activations that comply with public health guidelines. The program will support events that will last until 2021.
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