RICHMOND HILL – Today, the Province announced that York Region, including Richmond Hill will move into the “Grey – Lockdown” level of the COVID-19 Response Framework effective Monday, December 14 at 12:01 a.m. for a minimum of 28 days. As a result and in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, residents should be aware of the following closures and cancellations (effective Monday, December 14): 

• Recreational swimming will be cancelled and pools closed
• Winter Break Adventure Programs are cancelled
• In-person drop-in Recreation Programs are cancelled
• Registration for in-person Winter 2021 Recreation Programs is paused
• All community centres will be closed
• Tom Graham and Ed Sackfield Arenas will be closed (except to high performance athletes, including parasport athletes in accordance with provincial regulations)
• Blackmore Tennis Club will be closed
• All in-person AMPS hearings will be cancelled

Those impacted by cancelled programs and closed facilities will be contacted directly. The City of Richmond Hill will fully refund all user fees charged for cancelled swims and programs. 

The Operations Centre will be closed for in-person purchases of waste bins and garbage tags. Residents can still purchase these items online for curbside pickup or delivery by mail (garbage tags only) until December 22, when this service will pause for the holidays until January 4, 2021.

While the main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Road) will remain closed to the public until at least June 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents can access many City services online or by phone.

What continues

• The Access Richmond Hill contact centre is available to respond to general inquiries by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can also report a problem (e.g. missed garbage collection, streetlight out), and/or submit a general inquiry online at RichmondHill.ca/Access.
  • Please also note that Access Richmond Hill will be available during modified hours over the holidays as follows:
    • December 24 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • December 25 – Closed
    • December 28 – Closed
    • December 29 –10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • December 30 –10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • December 31 – 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • January 1 – Closed
• The City’s parks and trails remain open for walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities. Select tennis courts will also be open when conditions are favourable. Residents are encouraged to stay local and explore our winter wonderland with members of their own household. Visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun for details.
• Ongoing Virtual Fall Recreation Programs will continue.
• Virtual Winter 2021 Recreation Programs will continue. Registration is now open at RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide.
• The Richmond Green Skate Trail is expected to open on Saturday, December 19 (weather permitting). Pre-registration will be required and capacity will be limited. Registration opens on Monday, December 14 at 9 a.m. at RichmondHill.ca/SkateTrail.
• Virtual New Year’s Eve celebrations take place on December 31 from 8 to 9 p.m. with entertainment from JUNO Award Winners Splash’N Boots, family-friendly activities and a virtual fireworks display! Visit RichmondHill.ca/FirstNight for details.
• The Holiday Donation Drive runs until December 15. We’re accepting donations of non-perishable food items and new toys (no stuffed animals please), books, gift cards, toiletries and new clothing for children and especially teens by curbside dropoff at the Operations Centre. Visit RichmondHill.ca/DonationDrive for details and dropoff hours.
• Residents can visit RichmondHill.ca/StayHome for resources to help keep their body and mind active at home. 

Help keep our community safe

Public health officials advise that residents should avoid social gatherings and limit close contacts to the people you live with. Residents are also encouraged to stay home as much as possible, except for essential trips such as groceries, healthcare, childcare, school, outdoor exercise and work that can’t be done from home.

Residents are further reminded that you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from others
• Wear a mask or face covering indoors, as well as outdoors if you cannot physical distance
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often
• Stay home if you’re sick, even with mild symptoms
• Download the COVID Alert app

Updates and information on the City’s response to COVID-19, including a complete list of what’s open and closed, is available online at RichmondHill.ca/COVID19. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca