Town shares service changes for operating under Orange (Restrict) level

Effective February 16, 2021, the Town of St. Marys will move to the Orange (Restrict) level of the Province’s Keeping Ontario Safe & Open Framework. 

Residents are reminded that this is a return to the Framework (not a re-opening) and to continue to follow all health and safety recommendations. The Town is currently following a cautiously strategic approach to offering more services, these are subject to change based on ongoing recommendations from Huron Perth Public Health.

The following lists changes and updated public health measures for Town services and programs that take effect immediately.

Municipal Operations Centre and Town Hall

The Municipal Operations Centre and Town Hall remain closed for drop-ins. Pre-arranged appointments and drop-box services are still be available. Please call 519-284-2340 to book.  Anyone entering any Town facility must complete a COVID-19 screening form before entering.

Pyramid Recreation Centre (PRC)

The ice pad will remain closed. Any spring ice programming will be determined in the coming weeks and will be based on demand.

Aquatics Centre

The pool will reopen on March 8, 2021. There will be a maximum capacity of ten people for Aquafit, four people for lane swim, and 20 people for family swim. Registration for aquatics programs will open on March 1 at 5:00 p.m. at http://www.townofstmarys.com/aquatics/ or by calling 519-284-2160. Registrations are accepted one week in advance of the program’s start date and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Patrons must use Entrance A (Aquatics Centre doors, located by the splash pad) when arriving for pool programs. Change rooms, lockers and showers are available, but we recommend that pool users arrive in their bathing suits. Patrons will have 10 minutes to change after their program has ended.

Pool users are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but there are noodles, kick boards, pull buoys and life jackets available to use. Goggles are not being supplied at this time.

The sauna and water fountain are currently unavailable.

Youth Centre

In-person activities for the Youth Centre will remain closed. Youth-based virtual programming will continue.

Friendship Centre

The Friendship Centre will remain closed for in-person programming, but will continue to offer health services such as Footcare and Blood Pressure Screening, as well as virtual and telephone programs. In-person and outdoor programs will reopen in early April.  Community Wellness Programs such as meal delivery, social connection calls and shopping support will continue. Those coming to the PRC for Friendship Centre programs must use the Friendship Centre entrance. Huron-Perth residents and regular users can register online at www.townofstmarys.com/registeronline or by calling 519-284-3272.

St. Marys Public Library

The Library will be open for in-person services with limited capacity beginning Tuesday, February 16.  Due to screening requirements, services only be offered via the Queen St. entrance.  Use of computers will be limited to 60 minutes.  The Maker Space is available for 60 minute appointments.  The Library will continue to offer curbside pick-up, and the book chute on Queen St. remains open for returns.  A seven day quarantine remains in place for returned materials.  The Library will remain fine-free while still under COVID-19 restrictions.  Visit their website for hours of operation.

Adult Learning Programs

Adult Learning programs will be open for one-to-one, in-person instruction by appointment only. Virtual learning opportunities are still available. Please contact 519-374-8232 or email alearning@town.stmarys.on.ca for more information.

Playgrounds

All municipal playgrounds will remain open on a “use at your own risk” basis. Residents are reminded to avoid using playgrounds if they are feeling sick, to wash their hands before and after use, and to practice physical distancing while at our playgrounds.

St. Marys Museum

The museum will reopen on March 1 for research purposes only. It will be open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Pre-arranged appointments must be booked.  Visit the St. Marys Museum website for more information.

St. Marys VIA Rail station

The St. Marys VIA Rail station will reopen for daily customer service and ticket sales on February 17 between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. See more details here.

Updates and information

All dates and details mentioned in this release are subject to change. Updates will be posted to the Town website (townofstmarys.com/covid19), Facebook page (facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter account (twitter.com/townofstmarys), and will be shared in our weekly column in the St. Marys Independent newspaper. Any questions can be directed to communications@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-2340.

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Contact

Beverly Brenneman | Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | bbrenneman@town.stmarys.on.ca