SUDBURY -- Residents in Greater Sudbury should expect a gap between when the province says a service or facility can reopen and when they can actually restart the service, the city said in a news release Friday.

"Once the province announces services that can reopen, the city must review new restrictions and guidelines and develop plans that consider staff resources, public health requirements and financial implications," the release said.

"This, combined with group size limitations, additional sanitizing/cleaning protocols, training and other requirements, means there is a gap between when the province makes an announcement and when municipal amenities can reopen safely."

“While the province has given us permission to reopen some amenities, it’s critical that we do so cautiously, and control the spread of COVID-19," Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is quoted as saying in the release. "We have been and continue to consult with our public health partners to develop customized reopening plans that keep the health and safety of our residents and staff top of mind.

"Decisions to reopen services require careful health and financial considerations."

Work is underway to prepare the city’s 14 splash pads for reopening, with all of them expected to open by June 26.

"As each splash pad reopens, the city website and social media channels will be updated," the release said.

You can check the status of any splash pad by clicking here.

"These amenities are not sanitized and users are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands well before and after use, and maintain a distance of two metres from others," the release said. 

Many sports fields are available for booking beginning the week of June 29, including James Jerome Sports Complex (soccer) and Terry Fox Sports Complex (baseball).

"As mandated under provincial orders, fields can only be used for training or instructional sessions, which adhere to physical distancing and group sizes of no more than 10," the release said. "No scrimmages or games are permitted. Sports organizations are required to ensure they are following all mandated provincial orders and public health guidelines for their activities."

For more information, call parks services at 705-674-4455, ext. 4578.

In other Phase 2 openings, the city is evaluating the provincial announcement related to private campgrounds. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Pools are not likely to open soon, the release said, since they are not used as much during summer and extensive safety measures will be required beforehand.

"More information will be shared in the coming weeks."

The full list is of businesses now allowed to open is available on the province’s website.

Beginning Monday, you will again have to pay a fare to ride the city's bus transit system. Front-door boarding resumes, as well, and temporary, clear plastic shields have been installed in the operator area of all buses to physically distance employees and passengers boarding through the front doors and using the fare box.

"The use of non-medical face masks is encouraged," the release said.

Beaches have been open for a while, but there are no lifeguards working this summer. Washrooms are closed, but the release said safety protocols are being developed to allow them to reopen.

Playgrounds, play structures and outdoor fitness equipment remain closed under provincial orders.

"As of June 12, the permitted size for a social gathering has increased from five people to 10," the release said. "Physical distancing rules remain in effect and residents must stay two metres away from people who are not part of their household. To report violations, call 311."

City bylaw officers and contracted security will patrol the use of municipal spaces, and signage will be in place to remind users of rules.

"Please remember that Public Health (Sudbury & Districts) recommends you wear a non-medical mask as an added step to protect others when physical distancing is challenging or not possible, even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19, the release said.