Thunder Bay closes athletic facilities

The City of Thunder Bay has closed indoor athletic facilities and and other gathering places due to the province’s tightening of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ontario’s new restrictions begin Wednesday and will continue for at least three weeks.

In Thunder Bay, the Canada Games Complex, arenas, older adult centers, community centers, and youth program sites are among the facilities that will be closed. However, Thunder Bay’s outdoor rinks will remain open, as will washrooms and heated change rooms.

City Manager Norm Gale said the city will take all necessary measures to protect employees, residents, and the community at large.

"Life in a pandemic continues to take a toll on all of us. For almost two years now, we have been battling COVID-19, and it continues to be a very challenging time as we live and work through this ongoing pandemic. But City employees and the entire community have shown remarkable resiliency, and I thank everyone for their continued patience, hard work and understanding," Gale said in a news release.

Thunder Bay City Hall and the Victoriaville Civic Centre will remain closed. Residents can make an appointment to receive service.

EARLIER COVERAGE:

• Ontario shuts schools, indoor dining, gyms amid infections (1/3)
• Ontario imposes new limits, allows 4th dose for some as Omicron cases grow (12/30)
• Ontario reimposes some limits due to COVID-19 (12/17)