As we begin the month of May with warm weather in the forecast for this weekend, we regret to remind all members that TWC remains closed until further notice.

TWC is subject to emergency orders from the Province of Ontario which require the closure of all “outdoor recreational amenities” and non-essential businesses until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.  In addition, we have received written notice from our landlord, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, who also advised us that the club must stay closed.

As a result of these orders, all locks have been changed and the clubhouse, parking lot, washrooms, storage trailers and all other facilities are closed. We ask all members to refrain from visiting the property during this closure. Members who ignore this request could have their memberships terminated.

We would also respectfully ask members NOT to bring gear from home and launch from any part of the beach near the club. This activity reflects poorly on TWC and could harm our relationship with the City.

In addition, we are aware that the City issued a warning this week to a member who was near the club. This is a further reminder that anyone in the general vicinity is now at a high risk of significant fines and penalties.

Finally, we are working with Ontario Sailing and the Outer Harbour Sailing Federation to monitor the latest developments from all levels of government.  We hope to know soon if TWC and other sailing clubs will be included in an early phase of Ontario’s reopening strategy.

We thank you again for your patience and cooperation during these trying times and will provide further updates as soon as we know more.  Please click here to contact us with any questions.

Toronto Windsurfing Club

References:
City of Toronto - Toronto Windsurfing Club CLOSED.pdf

We regret to advise you that the Toronto Windsurfing Club is now completely closed until further notice. This closure includes all grounds and facilities such as the parking lot, lawn, storage trailers and, as announced last week, the clubhouse and toilets.

This action follows an order by the Government of Ontario in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 which requires the closure of all outdoor recreational amenities in the province. It also reflects recommendations from Ontario Sailing and is consistent with the decisions of all other clubs of the Outer Harbour Sailing Federation which are also closed.

As a result of this closure, the lock on the entry gate has been changed and we ask all members to stop visiting the club immediately. 

Finally, please be aware that city by-law officers and/or the police have begun significant enforcement actions with fines and penalties which start at $750. The City of Toronto has also announced an emergency order regulating physical distancing in parks and public spaces, which include the club’s property and surrounding area. Any members who continue to visit the club will be doing so at their own risk.

We thank you for your support and cooperation during this challenging period and hope that everyone will do their part to maintain appropriate  “physical distancing” to successfully “flatten the curve”. Please click here to contact us with any questions.

Toronto Windsurfing Club

References:

• Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 - All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed - March 30
• Mayor Tory signs emergency order encouraging physical distancing in parks and public squares - April 2

Although the windsurfing season is still many weeks away for most of us, we would like to update you on TWC’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak so far.

Membership Registration

We recognize that the crisis is causing financial pressures for many of our members and TWC would like to help out as much as possible.

Although the Early Bird registration discount (10%) would normally end on April 1, we will now continue the discount for the entire season for all new and returning members.

In addition, if any members with storage slots need more time to pay, we will make reasonable arrangements. Please click here to contact us.

Finally, if you have already registered but would like to cancel your 2020 membership for any reason, please let us know before April 15 by clicking here and completing the form. Unfortunately, any members with storage who cancel but wish to return next year will have to join the storage wait list.

Club Activities

We regret that all club activities, events and programs will be suspended until further notice.  We currently expect this suspension period to continue for at least 2 to 3 months and include spring activities such as Workfest, Boardfest, SUP events, and Wed pm club races and BBQ’s.  The Hatteras trip has also recently been cancelled.

We will continue to monitor the rules and recommendations from the relevant public authorities and decide if and when we can resume these activities.

We will also reassess our plans for adult lessons and the summer youth camp as we get closer to the start dates of these programs.

Access to Club Facilities

The clubhouse will be closed until further notice.

We also strongly urge all members to stay home and avoid visiting the club during this period.  However, members who wish to windsurf or paddle on their own gear must comply with all rules and guidance from public authorities.  They should also be aware that public policy on social distancing and outdoor activities is evolving rapidly and is widely expected to become more strict in the near future.

More Information

For further updates from TWC, please continue to monitor your inbox and TWC social media, or visit https://torontowindsurfingclub.com/coronavirus.

For more information on government policies, please consult the links below:

• Government of Canada
• Province of Ontario
• City of Toronto

We thank you for your understanding and hope for better news as the windsurfing season progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking here.

Toronto Windsurfing Club