Starting today, the City of Toronto will accept requests for ParkFitTO permits through to December 31.
City Council voted Monday to continue waiving permit fees for businesses providing outdoor fitness programs in City parks and greenspaces until December 31. As COVID-19 recovery efforts continue, this extension recognizes the ongoing need to access outdoor spaces, fresh air and exercise, and assist businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Free commercial permits will be available for private businesses who want to offer outdoor fitness, yoga or martial arts classes in park spaces as long as weather and park conditions allow it. Permit holders will need to continue complying with current provincial restrictions, including gathering limits, restrictions around amplified sound, and follow health and safety guidelines.
This summer, as part of ParkFitTO, the City delivered free outdoor fitness programming in parks and offered free outdoor fitness permits for commercial operators using City parks to deliver programs. As part of ParkFitTO, the City has issued 226 permits to commercial fitness operators.
Applications will be reviewed and processed as they are received.
For more information on outdoor business permits, businesses can email pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca or call 416-396-7378.
Quotes
“ParkFitTO was a successful COVID-19 relief program for businesses this summer and I’m delighted that Council has approved extending the availability of free commercial permits for private businesses who want to offer outdoor fitness, yoga or martial arts classes in City of Toronto park spaces. The extension will be in place to the end of 2021 in an effort to provide these businesses with greater flexibility, the opportunity to continue operating and to assist in COVID-19 recovery efforts. This program is one more way the City is helping businesses and ensuring our city comes back stronger than ever.”
– Mayor John Tory
“We recognize the critical importance of access to outdoor exercise space and the pressing need support local businesses impacted by COVID-19. The extension of outdoor permits for fitness businesses is one way we can help local businesses recover while also keeping their customers safe.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair, Economic and Community Development Committee
Source City of Toronto
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