COVID-19 Information and Updates

Durham Health expands vaccine eligibility to residents aged 60+ and those 50+ living in hotspots in Ajax and Pickering

Durham Region Health Department is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine to area residents 60 and older, or those who will be turning 60 in 2021. Eligibility for vaccine now also includes residents 50-plus living in “hotspots” in Ajax and Pickering in several postal code areas as identified by the province including L1S, L1T, L1V, L1X and L1Z. Individuals in the identified hotspots must register for appointments at either the Ajax or Pickering clinics as appointments have been reserved at these sites and must show proof of address when arriving at the clinic.

Residents in the Ajax and Pickering hotspots can book an appointment at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Individuals who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. All other eligible Durham Region residents, which now includes individuals who are 60-plus, can book appointments at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113 if assistance is needed. Bookings for both groups will open on April 8 at 6 p.m. for appointments that begin on April 13.

The Health Department is also working with multiple community partners in the Ajax and Pickering area to provide access to vaccine in numerous settings including places of worship, mobile pop-up clinics, pop-up clinics provided through Carea in both Ajax and Pickering and primary care physicians. Residents are also able to book appointments through participating pharmacies; see https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for pharmacy locations in Durham Region.

In addition to providing vaccine to the above expanded priority groups, access to vaccine will continue to be provided for individuals in the Highest-Risk and High-Risk Health conditions groups and residents in High Risk Congregate Living settings. For a full list of current priority groups visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Appointments are available at any community clinic in Ajax, Clarington, Pickering, Whitby and in north Durham in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge by visiting www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. Appointments are also available at the Oshawa site located at Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre by visiting covidvaccine.lh.ca or calling 905-721-4828. Residents are asked to book only one appointment per person. Also, if you already have an appointment and choose to book for another time or at a different clinic location, please remember to cancel the first appointment to avoid duplication, helping to ensure appointments are available for everyone. The ongoing operation of Durham Region clinics is dependent on vaccine supply which is received from the province. For a listing of all clinic locations or for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Ontario issues third state of Provincial Emergency and mandatory stay-at-home order

The Ontario Government has issued its third state of provincial emergency and a mandatory stay-at-home order beginning 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021. These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the Province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants. The Province has also outlined some added measures and restriction for non-essential retail and is expanding its vaccine program to support education workers in hot spot regions and those who provide direct support to students with special education needs.

For all the details, read the press release.

Health Department expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine to residents 65+

Durham Region Health Department is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine to area residents 65 and older, or those who will be turning 65 in 2021. While the Health Department recently expanded eligibility to individuals in the Highest-Risk and High-Risk Health Conditions groups and residents in High Risk Congregate Living Settings, it has been determined that there are available spots to now proceed with bookings for those who are 65 and older. Bookings for residents 65-plus will open on April 3 at 11 a.m. for appointments that begin on April 4. For a full list of current priority groups visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines. Individuals in these eligibility groups can book appointments at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1- 888-444-5113.

Durham Region residents are welcome to attend a clinic in any area municipality. Appointments are available at Health Department clinics in Ajax, Clarington, Pickering and Whitby. These clinics operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Clinics in north Durham – Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge – operate on a rotating basis, with one clinic scheduled for Brock and two clinics each scheduled for Scugog and Uxbridge every week. For this weekend, April 3, 4 and 5, the Health Department is providing additional appointment bookings in north Durham clinics to provide increased access for residents in these communities. Clinics in north Durham also operate from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To book an appointment for any municipal clinic, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. See www.durham.ca/covidvaccines for a full list of clinics and addresses.

Residents are asked to book only one appointment per person. Also, if you already have an appointment and choose to book for another time or at a different clinic location, please remember to cancel the first appointment to avoid duplication, helping to ensure appointments are available for everyone.

Appointments are also available for the Oshawa site located at Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North. To book an appointment for this location visit covidvaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828; this clinic operates daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

It should be noted that while the province also has a provincial booking system for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Durham Region residents who access the provincial booking system will be transferred back to the Durham Region booking system. It is recommended that area residents continue to use www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1- 888-444-5113 to book appointments. The ongoing operation of clinics is dependent on vaccine supply which is received from the province. For a listing of all clinic locations or for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Ontario announces 28-day provincewide shutdown

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the Province will enter at least a four-week emergency brake shutdown across all Public Health Regions starting Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. During the Provincewide Shutdown, Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework will be paused.

Read Ontario implements provincewide emergency brake to get all the details of today’s announcement.

Clarington closes facilities and pauses all recreation programs

As a result of today’s announcement, the Municipality will be closing its recreation facilities for programs and general public use. Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex will be open for COVID-19 testing and the vaccination clinic. Courtice Community Complex will be open for curbside library pickup. Clarington is also cancelling all in-person spring programs and Spring Break camps. Our facilities will close on Saturday, April 2. We will continue to monitor updates from the Province and re-evaluate when we can introduce our summer programs and resume services following all Provincial guidelines.

We recognize that when the Province scales back restrictions, residents will want to remain active and rely on our safe, affordable and regulated programs and services. We will be planning our next summer program session and hope to release it shortly.

Here’s what you need to know:

• All drop-in programs, including swimming, skating, use of the fitness centre and fitness classes, are cancelled and will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
• In-person spring programs and Spring Break camps are cancelled.
• All virtual spring programs, including ones scheduled over Spring Break, will continue as planned.
• All spring programs cancelled. Refunds will begin on April 6. Due to the volume, it may take Staff several weeks to issue refunds. Residents who paid using credit cards will receive the refund on the same card, and payments over $20 made by cash or debit will be reimbursed with a cheque sent by Canada Post. Cash or debit payments under $20 will remain as a credit on the resident’s account for 24 months. We are working with our registration provider on the refund process; however, due to the volume of registrants, this may take some time.
• Memberships will be extended for the duration of the shutdown.
• All facility rentals are cancelled until the end of the shutdown.

All other essential Municipal programs and services will continue.

Support and resources

To find out all the restrictions and implications of the Provincewide Shutdown in our community, visit the Durham Region Health Department website.

What the Provincewide Emergency Brake Shutdown means:

The Ontario Government is urging everyone to stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

• Avoid contact with people outside of your household.
• If you live alone, you may have close contact with one other household.
• Limit trips outside of the home to essential reasons, including work, grocery shopping, pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise.
• Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are prohibited.
• Outdoor organized public events or social gatherings are limited to a five-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with).

COVID-19 safety measures:

• Wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly and often.
• Wear a face mask inside public spaces and outdoors if you cannot maintain a two-metre physical distance.
• Clean and sanitize all high-touch surfaces.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Health Department continues to vaccinate 70+ and current priority groups

Durham Region Health Department is continuing to focus COVID-19 vaccination efforts for residents who are 70 years and older, or who will be turning 70 in 2021. The Health Department continues to follow Ontario’s vaccination plan for Phase 1 and 2 to address the priority groups as outlined by the province. The ability to add new priority groups is dependent on vaccine supply which is received from the province.

Residents are welcome to attend any of the eight municipal clinics located across Durham Region. To book an appointment, visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. Appointments are now available at Health Department clinics in Ajax, Clarington, Pickering and Whitby. These clinics operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Clinics in north Durham – Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge – operate on a rotating basis, with one clinic scheduled for Brock and two clinics each scheduled for Scugog and Uxbridge every week. Appointments are currently available in Brock on April 7, Scugog on April 4 and 5, and Uxbridge on April 9 and 10; these clinics all operate from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Appointments are also available for the Oshawa site located at Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North. To book an appointment for this location visit CovidVaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828; this clinic operates daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

For a full listing of all area clinic locations or for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit durham.ca/CovidVaccines.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Durham Region residents 70-plus now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

Durham Region Health Department is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to residents who are 70 years and older, or those who will be turning 70 in 2021. Appointments for the 70-plus eligibility group will begin at 1 p.m. on March 29. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. In addition to residents 70 and older, the Health Department will continue to provide vaccinations for the current priority groups including adult recipients of chronic home care and health care workers in the High Priority level, as outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Health. For a full list of the current priority groups see www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Durham Region residents are welcome to attend a clinic in any area municipality. Appointments are now available at Health Department clinics in Ajax, Clarington, Pickering and Whitby. These clinics operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Clinics in north Durham – Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge – operate on a rotating basis, with one clinic scheduled for Brock and two clinics each scheduled for Scugog and Uxbridge every week. Appointments are currently available in Brock on April 7, Scugog on April 4 and 5, and Uxbridge on April 9 and 10; these clinics all operate from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To book an appointment for any municipal clinic, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. See www.durham.ca/covidvaccines for a full list of clinics and addresses. Residents are asked to book only one appointment per person. Also, if you already have an appointment and choose to book for another time or at a different clinic location, please remember to cancel the first appointment to avoid duplication, helping to ensure appointments are available for everyone.

Appointments are also available for the Oshawa site located at Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North, To book and appointment for this location visit covidvaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828; this clinic operates daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

It should be noted that while the province also has a provincial booking system for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Durham Region residents who access the provincial booking system will be transferred back to the Durham Region booking system. It is recommended that area residents continue to use www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or call 1-888-444-5113 to book appointments.

The Health Department is still experiencing a shortage of vaccine. The ongoing operation of clinics is dependent on vaccine supply which is received from the province. For a listing of all clinic locations or for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Health Department announces opening of COVID-19 vaccination sites in Ajax and north Durham

Eligibility for vaccine now includes all residents 75 and older

Durham Region Health Department is announcing that COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Ajax and communities in north Durham will be opening within the next two weeks. The Ajax clinic, located at Audley Recreation Centre, 1955 Audley Road North, Ajax, will open on March 24; residents 75 years and older, or who will be turning 75 this year, can begin booking appointments on March 22 at 11 a.m. This clinic will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113.

Three sites will be opening in the north Durham area. Clinics will open at the Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge, on March 29, followed by clinics at Scugog Arena, 1655 Reach Street, Port Perry, on March 31, and in Brock at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre Arena, 91 Elliot Street, Cannington, on April 3. These clinics will operate on a rotating basis; every week there will be one clinic scheduled for Brock and two clinics each scheduled for Uxbridge and Scugog. All clinics will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Residents 75 years and older, or who will be turning 75 this year, can begin booking appointments starting at 11 a.m. on March 22. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113.

Residents 75 and older, or who are turning 75 this year, can book appointments at any municipal clinic site. In addition to the above sites, appointments are also available in Clarington, Pickering and Whitby by visiting www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or calling 1-888-444-5113. For appointments at the Oshawa site located at Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North visit covidvaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828; this clinic operates daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

It should be noted that while the province also has a provincial booking system for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Durham Region residents who access the provincial booking system will be transferred back to the Durham Region booking system. It is recommended that area residents continue to use www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment to book appointments.

The Health Department is still currently experiencing a shortage of vaccine. The ongoing operation of clinics is dependent on vaccine supply which is received from the province. For a listing of all clinic locations or for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

View this press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine activity

Some Durham Region residents are receiving fraudulent calls requesting money to reserve COVID-19 vaccination spaces. Please be aware that the Durham Region Health Department will never request any form of payment with vaccination appointments. If you receive a fraudulent call, please report it to DRPS at 1-888-579-1520.

Assistance available at COVID-19 clinics

When you are visiting a Durham Region COVID-19 vaccination clinic, staff ambassadors are on-site to assist seniors if additional supports are needed.

Durham residents to continue using local booking systems for COVID-19 clinics

Durham Region Health Department is advising area residents to continue using the local COVID-19 vaccination booking systems for appointments at local COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Appointments for clinics located in Clarington, Pickering and Whitby can be booked online, www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or through the Call Centre Booking Line at 1-888-444-5113. To book appointments at the Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre clinic visit covidvaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828.

Although the province has launched a provincial COVID-19 online vaccination booking portal, area residents do not need to use the provincial system to access local clinics. Area residents who access the provincial portal to book appointments will be redirected to the Durham Region appointment booking systems for appointments to be booked for local clinics.

Residents are also urged not to access the local appointment booking systems unless they are included in the current groups eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine; presently, seniors 80 and older, or who are turning 80 this year, are eligible to book appointments. With both the local online portals and phone lines experiencing very high user and call volumes, it is important that the booking systems remain available to ensure that eligible seniors can book appointments to receive their vaccine.

Local clinics now open in Durham Region are located at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, 2440 Durham Regional Hwy. 2, Bowmanville; Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex,1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering; Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa; and, McKinney Centre, 222 McKinney Drive, Whitby. All clinics are open from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Although additional clinics were scheduled to open in other area municipalities, the Health Department received confirmation from the province for vaccine supply up to March 28 which indicates there is insufficient vaccine supply to open other clinics as planned. Therefore, the opening of the Ajax Audley Centre clinic site, as well as the north Durham clinics sites in Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock, will be delayed. While the Health Department has been told by the province that vaccine supply is expected to increase, the opening of additional local clinics is dependent upon vaccine delivery dates which have not yet been confirmed by the province.

Residents should also note the phone number for the Call Centre Booking Line to access the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, and the McKinney Centre clinics has changed from 1-800-841-2729 to 1-888-444-5113. For a listing of current and upcoming community-wide vaccination clinics, as well as more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

New COVID-19 vaccination site to open in Whitby and vaccine call centre number changes

Durham Region Health Department is announcing that the COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at the McKinney Centre, 222 McKinney Drive, Whitby, will begin operating on March 15. Appointments at the clinic will run from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. This clinic is now accepting appointments for individuals 80 years and older, or those who will be turning 80 this year, to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. To book an appointment for this clinic, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Seniors who are unable to use the online booking system are invited to call 1-888-444-5113 for assistance to register by phone.

With the opening of the Whitby vaccination clinic location, there are now four locations in Durham Region offering COVID-19 vaccinations including, Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, 2440 Durham Regional Hwy. 2, Bowmanville, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex,1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering and Durham College/Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa. All clinics will now operate from 10:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Information on booking appointments for Garnet B. Rickard Recreational Complex and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex is www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. To book appointments at Durham College Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre visit covidvaccine.lh.ca or call 905-721-4828 for assistance to register by phone.

Although additional clinic sites were also scheduled to open in other area municipalities starting the week of March 15, the Health Department recently received confirmation from the province for vaccine supply up to March 28 which indicates there will be insufficient vaccine to open other clinics as planned.

As a result, the opening of the Ajax Audley Centre clinic site, scheduled to open March 16, as well as the north Durham clinics sites in Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock, scheduled to open March 15, will be delayed. The Health Department has been told by the province that vaccine supply is expected to increase the week of March 22, which will help to support the opening of the remaining sites. However, the opening of these sites is dependent upon vaccine delivery dates which have not yet been confirmed by the province.

Community residents are also advised that the booking phone number for three clinics has changed from 1-800-841-2729 to 1-888-444-5113. This phone number should be used to access the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, the Chestnut Hill Developments Complex, and the McKinney Centre clinics. It should also be noted that while the province will be launching a new provincial booking system on March 15, Durham Region residents who call the provincial booking system will be transferred back to the Durham Region booking system. It is recommended that area residents continue to use www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment to book appointments.

For a listing of current and upcoming community-wide vaccination clinics, as well as more information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Ontario pharmacies and primary care settings to begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations

The Ontario government is expanding the delivery channels available to administer COVID-19 vaccines to include pharmacies and primary care settings. As of Friday, March 12, over 325 pharmacies will be offering the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to eligible Ontarians aged 60 to 64, by appointment only, as part of the vaccine delivery pilot program in specific regions.

Select pharmacies will begin administering the vaccine in three public health unit regions: Toronto, Windsor-Essex, and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. The vaccine rollout will be expanded to more pharmacies in other regions of the province as supply increases.

Read the full press release to learn more about the vaccine rollout.

Diane Hamre Recreation Complex to open for lane and public swimming

Diane Hamre Recreation Complex has passed its Durham Health pool inspection and will be reopening on Monday, March 15, 2021, following all Provincial COVID-19 protocols.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Pre-registration for lane swims and public swims will open today (March 10) at 9 a.m. from time for swim time slots starting March 15.
• New time slots will open each Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the upcoming Friday to Thursday.
• Public swims are limited to 20 swimmers, and lane swims have six spaces available.
• To pre-register for a swim time, visit www.clarington.net/BeActive or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2552

Please review the guidelines for swimming during COVID-19 before registering for a swim time.

Ontario announces that select pharmacies will be able to offer vaccine on March 12 to people aged 60 to 64

As of March 12, over 325 pharmacy sites, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and independent pharmacies, will offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible Ontarians aged 60 to 64 years in Toronto, Windsor-Essex, and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. To book an appointment, eligible Ontarians can visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a participating pharmacy and can contact the pharmacy to book an appointment.

Read the provincial announcement for more information.

Health Department launches #RollUpYourSleevesDurham to provide COVID-19 vaccine for area residents

Beginning Monday, March 8 at 8 a.m., residents of Durham Region can begin registering for appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine—beginning with individuals over the age of 80—via an online booking system or a central telephone booking line.

• Monday, March 8 at 8 a.m.: Online and phone registration is open to Durham residents over the age of 80 (born in 1941 or earlier).
• Tuesday, March 9: Appointments begin at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Clarington; or the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex in Pickering.

Individuals over the age of 80, born in 1941 or earlier, can begin registering through the online booking system at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment on Monday, March 8 for appointments that start on Tuesday, March 9. Seniors who are unable to use the online booking system are invited to call the Call Centre Booking Line at 1-800-841-2729 to register.

The Oshawa clinic site, at Durham College and Ontario Tech University, is currently completing vaccination for health care providers and is expected to transition to individuals 80 years and older early next week, at which time the community will be notified.

The Health Department is also planning to offer mobile clinics to provide vaccine to populations and individuals who may have difficulty accessing larger clinics. More details regarding mobile clinics will be available in the coming weeks.

The Health Department has also identified locations for future community-based vaccination clinics, based on the province’s vaccine distribution implementation plan. Working with local area municipalities, locations have been secured in all Durham Region municipalities—providing access to vaccinations in the community where the individual lives.

A listing of all community-wide vaccination clinics is available at durham.ca/covidvaccines. Access to these vaccination clinics will also be through the above-noted online and call centre booking system. Details regarding these clinics and pre-registration will be available in the coming weeks, once vaccine supply starts to increase from the province.

The provincial government is leading the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario through a three-phased distribution implementation plan. Currently, the province is in Phase 1 of the plan. For information on the province’s plan and designated priority groups, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario. More information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Durham Region is available at durham.ca/covidvaccines.

For more information, please contact the Durham Region Health Department.

View this press release on the Region of Durham's website.

Clarington spring recreational programs are back

The Municipality of Clarington is pleased to announce the start of our spring recreation programs and activities. Registration begins on March 10, and we hope that residents participate in an 'active March' with our safe, affordable and reliable programs.

We are reintroducing drop-in adult leisure skating programs beginning on March 2; with flex registration, participants can sign up weekly. Adult leisure skates will be available every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at South Courtice Arena for those 18 years and older. Participants must pre-register in advance to book a skate time. Registration opens each Thursday at 9 a.m. for the following Friday through Thursday. Change rooms remain closed, but chairs will be provided for tying skates.

Child and parent programs ages 2 to 4 include:
 ABCs 123s, It's a Spring Thing, Lil' Artists, Dino Discoverers, and Path 2 Math. 

Youth programs include:
Virtual Home Alone, Virtual Babysitting, Active Play, Fit Kids, Virtual Parent & Child Tasty Critter Creations, STEAM Club, and Soccer Kicks. 

Active Adult 55+ programs are also back and include a mix of in-person and virtual programs focused on fitness, general interest, recreation and social activities. 

You can preview the programs on March 3 online www.clarington.net/BeActive. Registration opens on March 10, 2021.

Public swimming and lane swims to resume in March

Clarington is reopening its pools for public swimming and lane swims in March. The Municipality is following all Provincial COVID-19 regulations and working with Durham Public Health to obtain pool inspection and approval.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Starting Monday, March 1, 2021, public swimming and lane swims will be offered at Courtice Community Complex.
• Pre-registration begins on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, with new time slots opening each Wednesday at 9 a.m. for the upcoming Friday to Thursday. The first week we will offer Monday to Thursday time slots.
• Public swims are limited to 20 swimmers, and lane swims have six spaces available.
• All Swim/Skate memberships will be reactivated on Monday, March 1, 2021, and extended based on the length of the closure.
• The pools at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex and Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre will reopen soon, pending public health inspections. Stay tuned.
• To register, visit www.clarington.net/BeACTIVE or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2552.

Please review the guidelines and rules for swimming during COVID-19 before registering for a swim time.

Clarington heads into Red Zone of Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework with modified opening

Following today's Provincial announcement, Durham Region will be in the Red - Control Zone of the COVID-19 Response Framework as of February 16, 2021. Clarington has created a comprehensive plan to reopen our facilities while operating under the Red Zone restrictions. As a lower-tier Municipality, Clarington follows all Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, as well as any restrictions imposed by our local Durham Region Public Health unit. We often pivot and change our services last-minute to comply with these regulations.

Here's what you need to know about our modified Red Zone reopening:

Ice Rentals

Ice rentals will open on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at South Courtice Arena. Following Red Zone restrictions, there's a limit of 10 skaters, plus two instructors and one trainer allowed on the ice. Ice time can only be used for skills development. Games and scrimmages are not allowed at this time.

All ice rentals are subject to Clarington-specific COVID-19 protocols. Physical distancing must be maintained, and patrons must wear a non-medical mask or facial covering when inside the facility, except on the ice.

Public skating is currently on hold due to capacity limits.

Fitness Training Centre – Courtice Community Complex

Our fitness training centre will reopen on Friday, February 19, 2021, at 7 a.m. for pre-booked one-hour workout slots. Pre-registration starts every Tuesday at 9 a.m., and pre-registration is for the upcoming Friday to Thursday. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled workout to accommodate COVID-19 screening.

A maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the fitness centre with a mandatory three-metre physical distance. Non-medical masks or face coverings must be worn walking in the facility and can only be taken off while working out.

All fitness memberships will be extended based on the length of the closure. You can cancel your membership hassle-free by emailing communityservices@clarington.net.

Group Fitness Classes

Group Fitness classes will resume on March 1, 2021, at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex and Courtice Community Complex. All group fitness memberships will be extended based on the length of the closure.

Pickleball

Pickleball will start on February 22, 2021, at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, and on March 1, 2021, at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.

Pre-registration opens on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 9 a.m.

Pools

Clarington is waiting for direction from Durham Public Health on the requirements to reopen our pools. We will issue an update when we have confirmed the details.

Registration

Pre-register for any of the above activities online at www.clarington.net/BeActive, or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2552. 

Clarington cancels its registered winter recreation programs

Following the Provincial emergency declaration, the Municipality of Clarington is cancelling all of its registered winter recreation programs. We hope to resume drop-in programs when it is safe to do so. Clarington’s recreation facilities are closed. Staff continue to follow and review all Provincial COVID-19 regulations and evaluate their impact on our services.

Here is what you need to know:

• All registered winter programs are cancelled. Staff are monitoring the situation and will issue refunds to those affected. If you have any refund-related questions, email communityservices@clarington.net or call 905-623-3379 ext. 2552.
• Drop-in programs are also cancelled for the foreseeable future. These programs will resume when the Province lifts its emergency declaration and corresponding restrictions.
• All ice rentals have been cancelled, and refunds will be issued. Ice rentals will resume when the Province lifts its emergency declaration and corresponding restrictions.
• Stay tuned for additional virtual programs that will help keep you active and fit during the current state of emergency.
• Pending any COVID-19-related changes, spring programs can be pre-viewed on March 3, 2021. Registration is set to begin on March 10, 2021.

Ontario declares second state of emergency

The Province of Ontario has declared a second state of emergency during an announcement today. Effective on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 12:01 am, the government has issued a stay-at home-order. This order requires everyone to stay at home with the exception of leaving for essential purposes, including groceries or medical appointments. Read the Province's announcement, which includes the latest COVID-19 restrictions. 

Clarington recreation facilities remain closed

Clarington has closed all of its recreation facilities for the duration of the provincewide shutdown. We will continue to monitor updates from the Province and re-evaluate when programs can resume following all Provincial guidelines. Registration for winter programs will continue throughout the shutdown. Learn more.

Clarington continues to assess the situation and interpret the rules surrounding Ontario's emergency declaration. The Municipality may take additional measures to comply with the restrictions.

The Municipal Administrative Centre is open to the public by appointment only.

Please visit www.clarington.net/BookAMeeting to book your appointment. We encourage residents to continue to access our services by phone, online or by booking an appointment to conduct your business in person.

The following recreation facilities are open to registered program participants and community partners during their scheduled time only:

• Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre
• Courtice Community Complex
• Diane Hamre Recreation Complex
• Darlington Sports Centre
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
• South Courtice Arena, including artificial turf field
• Bowmanville Indoor Soccer/Lacrosse Bowl

• The fitness training centre at Courtice Community Complex is open for pre-registered workout sessions. For registration details and rules of use, see our fitness page.
• South Courtice Arena Pad A and Pad B are open for public rentals. Capacity is currently limited to 20 people on the ice. Physical distancing measures will be in place, no game play is allowed, instructional or pleasure skating only and insurance is required for all rentals. Email Community Services for requests and inquiries.
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex Pad A side is open as a COVID-19 assessment centre. Testing is by appointment, through the online form. When individuals complete the online COVID-19 Assessment Form (covidswab.lh.ca), they will receive an instant response with the date and time of their appointment. Individuals will receive a phone call if their email is not valid. The team makes every attempt to reach an individual.
• All recreation facilities are open to rentals from our community partners with strict physical distancing and health and safety measures in place.

• Monday to Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
• Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
• Last two Saturdays of the Month (except holiday weekends) 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)

Only one person will be allowed in the building at a time for the purchase of parking permits, parking ticket payments, and licensing submissions.

We ask residents with general inquires, complaint submissions, or requests for first attendances to call 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 instead of visiting the Law Enforcement Office in person.

The Clarington Animal Shelter is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to purchase animal licences, drop off adoption applications, and drop off stray/unwanted animals.

Visit the Animal Services page to learn more.

All municipal leash-free dog parks in Clarington are open. Residents must continue to maintain a two-metre distance at all times. We recommend bringing hand sanitizer and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering.

Clarington's beaches are open. Follow the guidelines below to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while using public beaches:

• Use beaches closer to your home.
• Do not visit the beach if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches,
  fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, or have come into contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19.
• Maintain a physical distance of at least two metres (six feet) or more from people outside of your household at all times.
• Ensure physical distancing is maintained while in the water and while having fun on the shore.
• Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the beach and clean your hands when you arrive and throughout your visit.
• No organized activities (beach volleyball, etc.) are allowed unless limited to one household at a time without shared equipment.

All splash pads are closed and will be reactivated at the end of June. When the splash pads are on, please maintain a distance of two metres from anyone outside of your household and remember to take your own hand sanitizer. Please sanitize your child's hands before and after they use the push button to get the water started.

• View all splash pad locations

Clarington's playgrounds are open, except for those under construction. The Municipality will not be sanitizing the equipment, and residents should bring their own hand sanitizer. It is the parent's or guardian's responsibility to ensure children practise good hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer before and after touching the equipment. Parents and guardians are also responsible for supervising their small children and ensuring physical distancing. While at this time, there is no limit on how many children can play on the equipment at one time, we encourage residents to use good judgment. If the playground is busy, wait until there are fewer children present or take turns. If possible, children should wear a mask.

The following municipal buildings and facilities are closed to the public:

• Visitor’s Centre
• Hampton Operations Centre
• All Fire Stations
• Clarington Museums

• Bowmanville Older Adult Association - Open with limited access.
• Brownsdale Community Centre - Closed until further notice.
• Hampton Community Centre - Open with restrictions.
• Haydon Community Centre - Closed until further notice.
• Kendal Community Centre - All hall booking postponed until further notice. Post office is still currently open.
• Memorial Park Clubhouse - Closed until further notice.
• Newcastle Community Hall - Open with restrictions.
• Newcastle Memorial Arena - Open with restrictions.
• Newtonville Community Centre - Closed until further notice.
• Orono Arena - Open with restrictions.
• Orono Town Hall - Open with restrictions.
• Solina Community Closed until further notice.
• Tyrone Community Centre - Closed until further notice.
• Visual Arts Centre - Open with restrictions.

Registration for spring camp is now open, online only, through our BeACTIVE Clarington website.

Learn more by visiting our camps page.

Residents can pay parking tickets in any of the following ways:

• Online at www.clarington.net/PayTickets
• By cheque, payable to the Municipality of Clarington
  • Please mail cheques to 2611 Trulls Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2N3 or drop it off in the drop box at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.

To dispute a parking ticket, please call the Municipal Law Enforcement Office at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 to arrange an appointment. Appointments will be conducted over the phone at the arranged time.

• Property tax payments may be made at most banks or financial institutions including online and telephone banking.
• By cheque, payable to the Municipality of Clarington (please include your ROLL number on the cheque)
  • Please mail your cheque to 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville ON L1C 3A6 or drop it off in the drop box at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.
• Call 905-623-3379 ext. 2650 to speak with staff in the Tax Department.

• Call 905-623-3379 ext. 2105 to speak to a member of the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Team.
• Report by-law enforcement issues using Clarington’s Report a Problem form.

The Municipality of Clarington continues to receive, process and issue building permits. Building inspections are also proceeding.

Permit applications can be submitted in any of the following ways:

• By email to BuildingPermits@clarington.net
• By mail or courier to 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville ON L1C 3A6
• In-person, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Municipal Administrative Centre located at 40 Temperance Street in Bowmanville

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, residents can continue to access our services by phone, online or by booking an appointment. If necessary, the Municipality will make special arrangements to conduct a building inspection virtually.

You can fill out your building permit application online on our website. To help facilitate your application, view our list of requirements for building permits.

If you have questions, please call 905-623-3379 ext. 2312 or email BuildingPermits@clarington.net.

• General inquiries from residents, real estate agents and developers will continue to be answered by phone and email.
• To book an in-person appointment, visit www.clarington.net/BookAMeeting. 
• Submissions of revisions to existing development applications and plans will be accepted by email, file share and courier. Payments can be made by electronic means or certified cheque.
• New planning applications will be received and processed.
• Business can apply for temporary sign permits by applying online.
• Community Improvement Grants can be submitted online.
• Residents can continue to provide feedback on secondary plans by phone or email.

• Effectively immediately, resumes should only be emailed to resumes@clarington.net or dropped off in the mail slot at the Municipal Administrative Centre (40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville) at the north entrance.
• Until further notice, there will be no in-person interviews.
• Updates will be posted as needed regarding the recruitment and selection process.

Council and Committee meetings will continue as scheduled. Following physical distancing guidelines established during the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings will proceed in an electronic format allowing Members of Council to stay home. Residents can watch the meeting online at www.clarington.net/calendar.

Delegations will also proceed remotely (either electronically or by phone). To appear as a delegation to address Council on an issue, please contact the Clerk’s Division at 905-623-3379 ext. 2109 or clerks@clarington.net. The deadline to notify us that you want to make a delegation is 4:15 p.m., one business day before the scheduled meeting. Delegates will receive information and instructions on how to access the meeting electronically.

Local businesses can visit www.investdurham.ca/CovidResponse for the latest resources and information regarding government programs, services and supports. The website will be updated daily with current information on available business supports, federal and provincial financial programs, how to access funds, and employee/employer resources.