Today, the City of Toronto announced the cancellation of the City’s in-person spring break CampTO camps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as Toronto’s case counts resurge and following today’s announcement from the Government of Ontario.
The cancellation is based on recommendations from the City’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa.
The City’s spring break in-person camps were scheduled to run from April 12 through to April 16 at more than 85 locations. Approximately 1,085 participants had registered for in-person spring break camps. The City is issuing refunds automatically to all CampTO registrants. While registrants do not need to request a refund, they can contact pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca with any questions. Participants will have the opportunity to register for virtual camp workshop spaces.
To support parents and caregivers whose children will not be able to attend in-person camps, the City will continue to offer CampTO Virtual. Of the 1,500 CampTO Virtual registered spaces, more than 950 spaces remain available with a capacity of 25 participants per workshop which will be facilitated by recreation staff. These 45-minute long live and interactive workshops will be available to campers ages four to 12. Campers will explore the diverse food, culture and landmarks of Canada through interactive games and creative programming through virtual visits to five Canadian cities. Registration for virtual camps can be completed online at https://www.toronto.ca/campTO or by calling 416-396-7378. Parents and caregivers of children who were registered for CampTO are being contacted to provide information on how to register for this virtual option.
Approximately 270 Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff were scheduled to facilitate the City’s in-person spring break CampTO camps. Staff impacted by the cancellation will be considered for other opportunities to support the City’s COVID-19 response and other recreational programming that would be made available when services are able to resume.
Museums and Heritage Services is also cancelling the in-person CampTO programs scheduled to be offered at Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Montgomery’s Inn, Spadina Museum and Todmorden Mills. Staff will begin notifying registrants today. Registrations will be cancelled and refunds issued automatically through the Toronto Fun system.
The Spring Break Virtual CampTO programs will continue to be offered by Museums and Heritage Services at https://www.toronto.ca/campTO.
CampTO, first offered in the summer of 2020, provided Toronto children six to 12 years of age with a high-quality summer camp experience which incorporated public health measures designed to reduce the risk of virus spread. While CampTO operated safely and successfully over the summer with these measures in place, the City cancelled its December holiday camps as COVID-19 case counts had surged.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has remained committed to providing Torontonians with safe opportunities for recreation and prioritized access to the City’s parks and green spaces. The cancellation of spring break camps and instructional programming does not impact outdoor parks or their amenities that are permitted to remain open.
In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community, protect the healthcare system and save lives, the City continues to urge all residents to stay home as much as possible. Please review the City’s simple guide for recommended and mandatory public health measures at www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/c
SOURCE City of Toronto
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