By Staff
May 19th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
City hall has provided more information on the decision to close city hall that was heard at a Standing Committee; that committee recommendation will go to Council on Monday of next week.
“Following the Provincial and public health directives, the City of Burlington is cancelling all City-run summer programs. This includes activities such as summer camps, recreation programs, festivals and events, swimming and skating drop-ins that were originally offered in the Live & Play Guide.
“Organizations and residents are asked to please be patient during this time as we expect it will take 4-6 weeks for staff process these cancellations. Residents who paid for these programs using a credit card will be refunded to that same credit card if possible. All other payment methods will receive a credit to their Recreation accounts. Following the processing of cancellations, cheque refunds will be issued based on specific email requests. Please email liveandplay@burlington.ca for cheque refund requests, and be sure to include your full mailing address.
“As restrictions from the Province and Public Health are lifted, the City will implement a redesigned or modified program where possible.
“Any programs available will be advertised. To be notified of any new programs, visit and subscribe to burlington.ca/play.
Facility Rentals
Not this summer.
“All facility rentals up to and including Sept. 7, 2020, including arenas, pools, community centres, schools, sport fields and picnics are cancelled. Renters who paid by credit card will be refunded to that same credit card if possible. Others will receive a credit on account. A confirmation will be emailed once the rental cancellation has been processed.
“Requests for future booking dates are not being accepted until further notice.
“For questions about facility rentals or rental refund requests please email rentals@burlington.ca.
“For more information and FAQ’s on summer closures, cancellations and refunds visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.
“The City is monitoring the situation closely and will work with local organizations to determine any modified programs as we are able to.
“Any opportunity to re-open facilities or resume programming following health directives including physical distancing or reduced group sizes will be posted to the City’s website and social media.
Probably not this summer either
Parks
While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household including:
• Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite
• Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
• Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
• Letting young children run and burn off some energy
“We are asking everyone to remember they have a role to play in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
The Mayor explains: “I know this news will be disappointing to our community; however, we need to continue to stay apart for now to protect ourselves and each other. Public health and safety need to continue to come first. I know our City staff are working on alternative programming that can be done virtually, so watch for that news.”
Chris Glenn – Director of Parks and Recreation.
Chris Glenn, Director of Recreation Services tells his side of the story: “Summer programming is our busiest time with some wait lists forming as early as January. Please be patient as we process credits and refunds. These can take time but be assured that everyone who needs a credit or refund will get one. One of our adaptations to the COVID-19 physical distancing is our virtual programming. I encourage everyone to access our free virtual programming which can be found at burlington.ca/activeathome. There are golf tips, cooking lessons, crafts and more.”
Four to six weeks to process a refund for a cancelled programming is a real stretch.
