If you live in Peterborough, the options to keep your kids busy this summer just got a lot smaller.
The City of Peterborough announced on Thursday (June 4) that it has cancelled all city-run summer day camps and recreation programs.
This includes day camp programs at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and Peterborough Museum and Archives, as well as instructional sports camps offered by the city’s recreation division and the Junior Parks drop-in program.
The city will automatically issue a full refund to any registered participants in these programs. Payments made online by credit card will be refunded to that same credit card where possible. Customers who used other payment methods will be issued a cheque that will be mailed to the address on file.
The city made the decision to cancel the camps even though the Ontario government announced on May 19th that indoor and outdoor summer day camps in Ontario would be allowed to open in July and August (although overnight camps would not be allowed).
However, the government also stated the opening of camps would depend on a continued reduction in the number of new positive COVID-19 cases. Since May 19th, the number of new cases has fluctuated up and down and the government has issued no further communication on the status of summer day camps.
There is some cause for optimism though. The city says it will consider alternative summer programming options for children and youth once the related provincial restrictions are lifted.
“The City of Peterborough understands the importance of these activities to children and families,” says Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. “We’re looking forward to resuming this type of programming in the future.”
The city says it will continue to consult with public health officials on the operation of its facilities and programs during the pandemic.
