(Issued December 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. EST) – The Town of Cobourg would like to inform residents that, after careful deliberation from Municipal Council during the 11 a.m. Special Emergency Council Meeting today, it was decided to keep the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Rink open for the duration of the Provincewide Shutdown but with enhanced enforcement.

The following Motion was approved by Council:

That Council instruct staff to implement Option #2: Keeping the Outdoor Rink Open with Enforcement as outlined in the CAO’s verbal report.

AND FURTHER THAT Option 2 be implemented as soon as possible and for the duration of the 28-day Provincial lockdown;

AND FURTHER THAT this decision be reviewed as needed upon the advice of the Emergency Control Group;

AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to provide a report to Council on January 4, 2021 Committee of the Whole, outlining possible sites and costs for a second community rink in the Town of Cobourg.

“We understand and appreciate the need to have our outdoor rink operational during a time when so few activities are available for our community,” said Mayor John Henderson for the Town of Cobourg. “Physical and mental wellbeing are crucial especially during this time of isolation and I ask that all rink users comply with the provincial and public health requirements.”

The Town of Cobourg will be enacting a phased approach in order to ensure all provincial and public health measures are implemented to reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19. This phased approach includes:

Phase 1: As of Thursday, December 24^th arectangular fence will be erected around the perimeter of the rink. Rink remains open at 25 maximum allowed on the ice at a time.

Phase 2: As of December 26^th the Cobourg Police Service will begin providing Special Constables as added full-time security and to support contact tracing requirements. No more than 10 skaters will be allowed on the ice at a time as per the Provincewide Shutdown regulations.

Phase 3: As of December 28^th all rink users must now pre-register to 45-minute time slots and must abide by all safety protocols including a strong recommendation to wear a face covering, physical distancing and absolutely no games of tag or team sports. The new operating hours for the rink will be Monday to Friday from 12 – 8 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Town staff will continue to monitor and evaluate the ongoing operation of the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Skating Rink and provide a report back to Council for the January 4, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting outlining options for potential sites and associated costs for additional community rinks.

Other Safe Community Events and Activities
Residents are also encouraged to keep physically and mentally active during the holiday and winter season safely this year by participating in virtual events or outdoor activities with members of your immediate household only. Here are a few local activities residents can safely participate in:

• Mayor’s ‘Virtual’ New Year’s Levee: A pre-recorded video will be released on New Year’s Day at 12 noon on the Town’s YouTube Channel featuring the Concert Band of Cobourg, a reading from Poet Laureate Jessica Outram, a cry from Town Crier Mandy Robinson and Mayor Henderson speaking to the highlights of 2020.
• Christmas Magic: Grab a hot chocolate from a local shop and take a stroll through Victoria Park and Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Park to experience over 100,000 dazzling lights!.
• Static Parade Floats: View the winning festive parade static floats stationed in front of the Cobourg Public Library and within Victoria Park.
• Home Decoration Driving Tour: Download the “Home Decoration Challenge Driving Tour” map at www.experiencecobourg.ca to explore the beautiful festive displays by residents.
• Shop Local: Continue to support local businesses by ordering online/curbside pickup.

For additional information on the Provincewide Shutdown and affected municipal programs and services please visit the Town of Cobourg’s dedicated COVID-19 webpages: www.cobourg.ca/covid19.  

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