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St. Catharines City Council has given the green light to the STC Framework for Recovery.
Mayor Walter Sendzik says it’s going to act as a roadmap to help the city re-open and adjust to life after COVID-19.
“While there is no blueprint for recovery, City staff have created a roadmap for our community to recover that I believe will guide us towards a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future. These are unsteady times – but we have a Council and staff who are more than ready for the challenges ahead of us.”
The first three stages mirror the province’s re-opening plan and the fourth stage focuses on life after COVID-19 once a vaccine is introduced.
The advancement between the stages will be based on direction from the province and Niagara Region Public Health.
Here are some of the framework highlights;
Stage 1
- Reopening of the St. Catharines Farmers Market
- Opening of parks for passive use
- Opening of parks for passive use
Stage 2
- Reopening of City splash pads, the Garden City Golf Course and beaches
- Full use of City Parks permitted
- Restoring use of City sports fields to user groups
- Reopening of City Hall and its in-person public service desk, with protective barriers and physical distancing guidelines in place
- Restoration of some City Hall services — such as issuing of business licences — in altered formats
Stage 3
- Reopening of City arenas; St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre; St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre; community centres and older adult centres
- Reopening of the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre
Stage 4
- Reopening of the Lakeside Park Carousel, outdoor pools, Morningstar Mill buildings, and Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm