Hamilton considering modified summer day camp programs for youths

Hamilton hasn't given up on providing day camps for youth this summer.

Emergency Operations Centre Director Paul Johnson said May 19 that staff are examining how to provide a reduced day camp program, while also incorporating physical distancing measures to protect kids.

The reality is, when it is inclement or raining (and) we have to go inside, we will have to work through those things," said Johnson. The major modification for us this year will be the number of people we are able to service through those summer camp programs."

Johnson acknowledged under a modified" program the city will not be able to accommodate all children who apply for the camps.

We want to do it equitably," he said.

Hamilton has operated Camp Kidaca for a number of years that attracts children ages four to 15 at various community centres across the city, including Ancaster Rotary Centre, Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, Dundas Lions Memorial, Valley Park and Sir Allan MacNab.

The city also has to deal with the provincial government's state of emergency, which was extended to June 2, that prohibits gatherings of more than five people. Johnson said staff still has to review the provincial order to craft a proper operating plan for camps.

The Ontario government is deliberating whether to allow summer day camps to open in July and August as long as the coronavirus pandemic data continues to improve. Summer camps will have to follow strict" guidelines that will be developed with local public health units, Premier Doug Ford said.

But overnight camps will not be permitted during the summer.

The City of Toronto recently announced it was cancelling all city-run summer camps and recreation programs. But Mayor John Tory said the city is working on a plan to allow a modified recreation program" that would be offered to a small number of children.

Johnson said how the city will operate day camps will be included in its Hamilton Reopen document that will be presented to councillors at their May 27 meeting.

He said the city will only operate the camps if they are offered in July and August.