The City of Toronto has announced that registration for summer recreation programs begins today at 7 a.m.
The summer programs offer Torontonians a wide array of more than 6,500 in-person programs, including arts, sports, swimming, fitness, and wellness.
The programs will start on July 4, with approximately 114.500 spaces to fill and more spaces are still available for CampTO programs which will run weekly from July 4 to Sept. 2.
Mayor John Tory said in a Monday news release that the return of the summer recreation programs will offer the residents of Toronto a bunch of entertainment activities that appeal to all ages.
“For the first time in two years, we are delighted to be able to offer a full and dynamic offering of summer programs for Torontonians of all ages and help create a healthy, fun, and memorable summer,” Tory said.
Torontonians can register for the programs by calling 416-396-7378 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7.
They can also register by visiting one of the five assigned community centres, including Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre, 29 St. Dennis Dr., Driftwood Community Recreation Centre, 4401 Jane St., Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave., and Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St.
The city urges families to have their family and client number ready before registration day which they can access by setting up a new account or by retrieving their existing numbers either online or by phone.
People who receive Ontario Works assistance and live in Toronto can use their welcome policy credit by reaching out to their caseworkers.
The return of the summer recreation programs will offer kids of all ages the opportunity to participate in a variety of in-person activities after having most of their activities restricted over the last two years, said Lianne Castelino, founder and president of Where Parents Talk, an online parenting advice community.
“We are getting into a more normal period of things now, it’s important for kids to unplug for prolonged periods of time,” Castelino said. “It’s really important for them to engage in activities that spark creativity, that allow for skill development and physical movement.”
She said the importance of such programs stems from their role in encouraging kids to be aware of their physical wellness as it allows them to take part in a wide range of physical activities.
“I think that kids learn how to take better care of their bodies just by virtue of participating in sports activities, hopefully, there’s also instruction that goes along with it that talks about eating healthy and sort of having your mind healthy as well your physical health,” Castelino said.
More information about the summer recreation programs is available here.