**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Update to facility bookings and recreation programming
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19. The following is an update on municipal services.
As directed by the province, new public health guidelines will take effect in the Halifax Regional Municipality inside the boundaries of Hubbards, Mount Uniacke, Elmsdale and Porters Lake.
HRCE school bookings
The municipality coordinates facility bookings for all Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) schools for community and extracurricular school use. Following the province’s announcement today, bookings at all HRCE sites within the affected area are cancelled as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26 until at least Thursday, Dec. 10.
There are no changes to school bookings within the municipality that are outside the affected area. There remains a number of COVID-19 regulations in-place for community bookings for participants. Full details of these regulations and HRCE facility bookings can be found online.
Facility bookings, rentals
Rentals at municipally-owned recreation facilities, community centres, arenas and sports fields in the affected area will be cancelled as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, and all bookings will be suspended until at least Thursday, Dec. 10.
For residents who have a booking that has been canceled, staff will be in touch in the coming days regarding the status of your account. We ask residents to wait to contact staff as they continue to help support ongoing service adjustments related to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Recreation programming, partner facilities, gyms & pools
With the closure of municipal recreation centres, pools and gymnasiums in the affected area, all recreation programming is cancelled for the rest of the fall season in those facilities. A further announcement on winter programming will be made in consultation with public health.
Municipal staff will begin contacting fall registrants on next steps. Your patience is appreciated during this time.
The following recreation centres will remain open:
- Musquodoboit Harbour Recreation Centre – Rentals, fitness centre and programs
- Musquodoboit Valley Recreation Office – Programs only
- Sheet Harbour Recreation Office – Programs only
Several recreation facilities within the municipality are operated by community boards. All partner facilities located within the affected area will close. Those located outside the affected area may remain open. Residents are encouraged to contact partner recreation facilities directly for an update on operations.
While facilities are closed, residents are reminded to use REC at Home which offers a variety of activities that you can enjoy with your family – from arts and crafts, to at-home workouts.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.
