Toronto To Cancel Some Of Its Rec Programs Because There's A Lack Of Vaccinated Employees

If you've signed up for one of the City of Toronto's recreational programs, you may be out of luck. The City is now cancelling some of its rec classes this week due to its COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff.

According to the City, all employees were required to be fully vaccinated by October 30. Part-time rec workers who did not adhere to these policies are now meeting up with the City's Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division to determine the immediate future of their careers.

"Following these meetings, if staff have not provided proof of being fully vaccinated, they will be suspended for up to six weeks or until proof of vaccination is provided," city officials wrote in the November 9 news release.

Swimming lessons, fitness and sports classes, dance, art, and other general interest classes may be affected during this time. Anyone enrolled in one of these canceled programs will be contacted directly by the City and get properly reimbursed for the missed class.

"It is important to note that the cancellation of a class does not indicate that the class's instructor has not been vaccinated, as staff are being reallocated to different locations and programs in an effort to minimize these service impacts," City officials mentioned.

The City noted that they don't foresee its critical and priority services (like its emergency response teams) to be impacted by its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policies.

As of November 9, the City states that 91% of workers have been fully vaccinated.

All City staff who cannot get vaccinated against COVID-19 under the provincial Human Rights Code will be accommodated.