Thunder Bay – Temporary City facility closures will continue following the extension of the province-wide lockdown until Saturday, Jan. 23. This includes all indoor and outdoor sports and recreational fitness activities.
“The province has announced an extension of the provincial lockdown until, at the earliest, January 23,” commented Mayor Bill Mauro. “We need everyone to stay home as much as possible, and only leave for essential requirements. I implore everyone to gather only with your household and avoid travel unless absolutely essential.”
The Mayor adds “We must also remember our local businesses and restaurants – and encouraged residents to shop local as much as possible and get take-out if they are able”.
With recreation facilities closed, residents are encouraged to make use of the outdoor City park amenities, including rinks and trails. Residents are encouraged to only use these outdoor amenities with people you live with, and stay two metres away from people you do not live with.
“The City is committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of our staff and the community at large, and we will continue to follow the advice of our public health experts, while making sure to continue to provide essential services,” said City Manager Norm Gale.
Closure of Recreation Facilities and Programs
The following facilities will remain closed until January 23, 2021:
- Centennial Botanical Conservatory
- Canada Games Complex, our largest recreational facility
- Churchill Pool (Volunteer Pool has remained closed under renovation during the pandemic)
- Arenas: Fort William Gardens, Neebing, Delaney, Port Arthur, Grandview, Current River
- Older Adult Centres: 55 Plus Centre and West Arthur. Take-out food service (curbside pick-up) will continue for seniors’ food security
- Community Centres: West Thunder, Current River, North End, Oliver Road, North McIntyre, Jumbo Gardens, South Neebing, Vale, Vickers Heights, West Arthur (includes volunteer-board operated community centres)
- Kinsmen Youth Centre
- Baggage Building Arts Centre
- Water Garden Pavilion. Prince Arthur’s Landing rink will remain open.
City Council
The next regular City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings take place on Jan. 11. City Council continues to meet virtually. Residents can watch meetings online at www.thunderbay.ca/watchcouncil or live on Shaw Spotlight Channel 10 or Tbaytel Digital TV on Channel 110. City Hall including the gallery is not open to the public for in person attendance.
City Hall & Victoriaville Civic Centre
City Hall and Victoriaville Civic Centre remain closed with service available by advanced appointment booking.
Victoriaville Civic Centre and McKellar Mall will continue operating with restricted access to the malls. Access only available from the southern doors nearest to Renco Family Foods and the northern doors off of Justice Avenue. Access is only for attending essential services or workplaces or for pickup of takeout purchases from the food court.
Transit – Avoid Non-Essential Trips
Customers of Thunder Bay Transit and Lift+ Specialized Transit are asked to avoid all non-essential travel. Where travel is required masks should be worn. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of buses remains in place with a focus on high touch areas such as buttons and handles. Please do not use public transit if you feel unwell or exhibit any symptoms.
