As the situation regarding the COVID19 situation continues to change, and in many ways improve, plans are now in place to start a roadmap in Halton to begin opening things up so that life in our amazing community can get back to where it should be. This of course is determined by a number of factors including direction from the Federal and Provincial Medical Officers of Health as well as Halton Regions MOH. The province of Ontario earlier this week outlined a “roadmap” set up in different phases to bring Ontario’s economy back online, kids back in their schools and for life to return to “normal” but there are no dates set in place. I believe that is the correct course of action going forward as we are still not out of the woods yet. Residents in Milton and Halton can go to www.halton.ca/covid19 for regular updates and statistics on where each municipality stands on infections, recoveries, etc. but until the MOH’s can determine that there is good chance there wont be any 2nd wave, we need to stay the course.
Keeping all of that in mind, the Town of Milton’s Crisis Management Team has made the decision to extend the closures of our town facilities, permits and events to July 5, 2020. This extension does result in the cancelation of the first week of summer camps and in the details below it will outline how residents can be kept up to date on any further changes.
This is an unfortunate but necessary course to set into action and all I can say is our town staff and CMT are working very hard to keep people updated on what is happening and doing what we can to get back to the point we can begin to enjoy these programs, social events, charity fundraising, and fellowship that makes Milton the best community in the world to live in. We’re getting through this.
Take care everyone! Enjoy the weekend!
May 1, 2020
From the Town of Milton News Release May 1, 2020
The Town of Milton is extending the closure of all facilities and postponing all recreation programs, permits, rentals, theatre performances and special events up to and including July 5 to protect the health and safety of residents and staff from COVID-19. This continued closure supports Halton Region and the Province of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and ongoing measures to flatten the curve.
Town staff are conscious that programs, facilities and events will not return to 100 per cent capacity the first day back after the pandemic has ended. The July 5 date was selected for the purpose of planning for the recovery phase of COVID-19. The Ontario Government released the Framework to Reopen Ontario on April 27, 2020, including a phased approach to loosening restrictions. While no specifics were included in that framework, it is anticipated that modifications to operations, including but not limited to, physical changes at facilities, policy updates, and program limitations to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public will need to occur.
This extension date results in the cancellation of the first week of summer camps. Further decisions on the remainder of summer camp programs will be made by June 1 and communicated to participants.
Milton Council and the Town’s Crisis Management team continue to monitor the situation, in consultation with Halton Region Public Health, and reassess the Town’s service changes and operational adjustments. At this time, resources are being directed to the areas of greatest need and the Town will re-open facilities and recreational programs as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
The Town will automatically issue refunds within two to four weeks for any rentals, programs or performances that are impacted by these closures. Questions related to rentals can be sent to facilitybooking@milton.ca . For programs or membership questions, email recreation@milton.ca
The Town continues business in alternative ways and adjusts to the evolving COVID-19 situation. During this extended closure the Town will provide core business to citizens through online services, by phone, or in our community using proper physical distancing measures. We are committed to balancing our service and service levels, along with remaining fiscally responsible.
For more information about the Town’s response to COIVD-19, visit www.milton.ca/coronavirus