COVID-19 Updates
This page on the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara web page will be your best place for information regarding COVID-19 and how it impacts life at the club. If you have further questions regarding anything you read here or in general regarding the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara and COVID-19 please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 905-357-2444.
Update: Full-Day Emergency Child Care for Kinder/School Age
April 14, 2021
Commencing April 19, the BGCN will offer full-day Emergency Child Care at no cost for eligible Kinder/School Age children (4-12 years) through Niagara Region Children’s Services. Programs will be available Monday to Friday from 7:00 am –to 6:00 pm at the following locations.
St. Catharines Center – 2 Facer Street, St. Catharines
EJ Freeland Community Center – 1555 Garrison Road, Fort Erie
Niagara Falls Center – 8800 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls
Program delivery will adhere to all requirements set out in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and Ministry guidelines to safely operate during the COVID-19 outbreak and all health measures put in place by Niagara Region Public Health.
Parents/caregivers can apply by registering with the Region of Niagara’s One HSN List today and will be contacted as soon as possible to confirm eligibility and to continue the registration process.
Update: Ontario Schools to Stay Closed after April Break
April 13, 2021
The Provincial Government announced yesterday April 12, 2021, Ontario schools will stay closed indefinitely to in-person learning after the April Break. The directive, intended to address the recent surge of COVID-19 and its Variants, will affect Club programs and services as follows:
Before and After School Programs
BGCN Before and Afterschool Programs at all locations will be closed effective April 19, 2021 until further notice. A Club Team Member will contact all registered participants to discuss refund or credit options.
New Full Day Emergency Kinder/School Age Child Care
The BGCN is prepared to offer full day Emergency Child Care for eligible Kinder/School Age children (4-12 years) through Niagara Region Children’s Services. Pending confirmation from the Ministry of Education, the program will be available Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. at the following locations.
St. Catharines Center – 2 Facer Street, St. Catharines
EJ Freeland Center – 1555 Garrison Road, Fort Erie
Niagara Falls Center – 8800 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls
Further information regarding how parents/caregivers can apply for the free, targeted emergency child care program is forthcoming.
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Child and Youth Virtual Programs – Kids Zone and Teen Zone
Child and Youth Virtual Programs will continue uninterrupted.
In Person Kids Zone, Teen Zone and Children’s Recreation & Aquatics Programs
All Zone and recreational programs will remain closed.
Adult Fitness and Aquatics Programs
Adult fitness and aquatics centers will remain closed.
Nightlight Youth Residence
The Nightlight Youth Residence will remain open with modifications to services as directed by Niagara Region Public Health.
Administration
Administrative offices will remain closed. Administrative services will be available by telephone and email until further notice.
We appreciate the strain and anxiety that ongoing changes in restrictions and inconsistent program and service options place on our families. In the event that these circumstances become a bit overwhelming please reach out to your Family Physician and or Niagara Mental Health at (905) 688-2854 ext. 7262
Please stay safe and well.
Update: Temporary Program Closures – Province Wide Lockdown
April 1, 2021
The Provincial Government has announced a province-wide lockdown effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 am. The maximum measures will be in place for four weeks in Ontario to curb the recent increase in the spread of the COVID-19. The restrictions will affect Club programs and services as follows:
April 5, 2021 PD Day
The PD Day scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2021, will continue uninterrupted.
April Break Camp
April Break camp scheduled to run April 12 to April 16, 2021, has been canceled due to provincial restrictions. A Club Team Member will contact all registered participants to discuss refund or credit options.
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Before and After School Programs
Before and After School Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Child and Youth Virtual Programs
Child and Youth Virtual Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Kids Zone, Teen Zone and Children’s Recreation & Aquatics Programs
All Zone and recreational programs will remain closed.
Adult Fitness and Aquatics Programs
Adult fitness and aquatics centers will be closed effective April 1, 2021, at 6:00 pm.
Nightlight Youth Residence
The Nightlight Youth Residence will remain open with modifications to services as directed by Niagara Region Public Health.
Administration
Administrative offices will be closed effective April 1, 2021, at 6:00 pm. Administrative services will be available by telephone and email until further notice.
Update: BGCN to delay reopening of Kids Zone, Teen Zone, Children’s Sports and Recreation, Fitness, and Aquatics for at least two more weeks.
February 28, 2021
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara appreciates the toll the recent Provincial Lock Down in December 2020 has taken on the community and we applaud all those in Niagara who have remained diligent in observing Niagara Public Health advice and helped contain the spread of COVID-19 and its new variants.
Effective March 1, the Niagara Region will move into the “Red Zone” allowing certain services to reopen on a very limited basis and under new cautions. After careful consideration, the Boys and Girls Club has determined that reopening of in-person Kids Zone, Teen Zone, Fitness, Children’s Sports and Recreation Programs (including all aquatics) would be best postponed until more information is known about the direction the virus will take in Niagara over the next two weeks. Further updates will be posted as they become available.
Please stay safe and well.
Update: Before & After School Programs to return February 8, 2021
February 3, 2021
In accordance with the announcement today from Stephen Lecce, Minster of Education, School Boards in the Niagara Region will be reopening in person learning as of February 8, 2021. As such, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara will be gearing up to re-open Before and After School Programs for February 8, 2021. Interested participants should contact the following locations for their applicable site.
Staff will be available Thursday, February 3 and Friday, February 4, 2021 from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Niagara Falls 905-357-2444 ext. 1 club@bgcn.ca
Niagara Falls Centre- 8800 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls
St. Gabriel Lalemant Catholic Elementary- 6121 Vine Street, Niagara Falls
St. Catharines 905-937-1072 scprograms@bgcn.ca
St. Catharines Centre- 2 Facer Street, St. Catharines
Dalewood Elementary- 61 Duncan Street, St. Catharines
Prince of Wales Elementary- 95 Facer Street, St. Catharines
Fort Erie 905-871-2592 fechildcare@bgcn.ca
EJ Freeland Community Center- 1555 Garrison Road, Fort Erie
Princess Elizabeth Elementary- 330 Scholfield Avenue S., Welland
St. George Catholic Elementary- 3800 Wellington Road, Crystal Beach
New Parents/Caregivers who wish to register may do so by accessing the Niagara Region’s OneHSN list or contact us and BGCN staff will be pleased to direct your call and answer your questions. Participants who were registered before the closure must also contact the applicable above site to arrange payment to ensure re-enrollment.
Emergency School Age Child Care will be canceled effective immediately. Toddler and Preschool Programs will continue to operate as normal.
We thank you for your patience during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Update: Temporary Program Closures – Province Wide Lockdown
January 7, 2020
The Provincial Government announced a province-wide lockdown effective December 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. with the intent to recommence in-school learning for elementary school students on January 11, 2021.
However, following the announcement by the Provincial Government today we can confirm that the recommencement of in-school learning will be delayed until at least January 25, 2021, therefore our Before & After School Programs will remain closed until further notice.
Thank you for your ongoing patience during these challenging times.
Update: Temporary Program Closures – Province Wide Lockdown
December 22, 2020
The Provincial Government has announced a province wide lockdown effective December 26, 2020 at 12:01 am. The maximum measures will be in place for four weeks in southern Ontario to curb the recent increase in the spread of the COVID-19. The restrictions will affect Club programs and services as below.
As a result the Boys & Girls Club will be refunding prepaid amounts for the following programs dated December 26 and beyond: prorated fitness passes, prorated applicable swimming lessons, Winter Camp (December 29 to December 31), any Aquatic programs starting January 2021 and any prepaid fees for Before & After School Programs. It is only through working together that we can resiliently work through the challenging changes to our environment. Thank you for your perseverance. Stay safe, stay well.
Second Week of Winter Camp
The second week of Winter Camp scheduled December 29 – 31 inclusive will be cancelled.
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care
Toddler and Preschool Licensed Child Care Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Before and After School Programs, Kids Zone and Teen Zone
The start of Before and After School Licensed Child Care and Children’s Breakfast and Recreation Programs scheduled for January 4, 2021 will be delayed until at least January 11, 2021. The start of Kids Zone and Teen Zone will be delayed as well. Programs will recommence in accordance with further direction from Niagara Region Children’s Services.
Child and Youth Virtual Programs
Child and Youth Virtual Programs will continue uninterrupted.
Adult Fitness and Aquatics Programs
Adult fitness and aquatics centers will be closed effective December 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
Nightlight Youth Residence
The Nightlight Youth Residence will remain open with modifications to services as directed by Niagara Region Public Health.
Administration
Administrative offices will be closed effective December 24, 2020 at 4:00 pm. Administrative services will be available by telephone and email until further notice.
JoAnne Turner
Executive Director
Update: Screening
November 10, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara is committed to supporting your family during these difficult times.
As the Ministry of Ontario’s guidelines continue to evolve as we learn more about COVID-19, how it spreads, and how it affects children and adults in different ways, we have updated our admittance protocols. Going forward all participants, staff, and essential visitors/service providers will be required to complete a daily COVID-19 school & child care self-assessment before entering the facility.
The self-assessment can be found online at www.covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening.
Those who do not complete the daily self- assessment will be actively screened at the door.
Thank you for your ongoing patience during these challenging times.
Update: Before & After School participants registered at St. Gabriel Lalemant Catholic Elementary with the BGCN
September 2, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara is committed to supporting your family during these difficult times.
We would like to thank you for registering with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara’s before and after school program.
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, in coordination with the Niagara Catholic District School Board will be starting operations at St. Gabriel Lalemant Catholic Elementary School at 6121 Vine Street, Niagara Falls for Before and After School Programs on September 14th.
In the interim, we are offering temporary alternative care at our Niagara Falls Center, located at 8800 McLeod Road.
Specifically, from September 8 – 11, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara will be offering full day camp at its McLeod Road location for families unable to send their children back to school full time due to the staggered start for students as a result of COVID 19.
Before and after school child care is also available to families whose children will be returning to school full time from September 8-11 at the McLeod Road location. Transportation to and from your child’s school will be provided.
Please contact us directly at 905-357-2444 no later than September 3rd if you are interested in this alternative care.
We truly apologize for this inconvenience, and we will be happy to credit your account or provide a refund for any fees paid to date.
Thank you for your ongoing patience during these challenging times.
Update: Before & After School participants registered at St. George Catholic Elementary with the BGCN
September 2, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara is committed to supporting your family during these difficult times.
We would like to thank you for registering with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara’s Before and After School Program.
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, in coordination with the Niagara Catholic District School Board will be starting operations at St. George Catholic Elementary School at 3800 Wellington Rd. Crystal Beach for Before and After School Programs, on September 14th.
In the interim, we are offering temporary alternative care at our Fort Erie Center, located at 20 Lewis St.
Specifically, from September 8 – 11, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara will be offering full day camp at its Lewis Street location for families unable to send their children back to school full time due to the staggered start for students as a result of COVID 19.
Before and after school child care is also available to families whose children will be returning to school full time from September 8-11 at the Lewis Street location. Transportation to and from St. George Catholic Elementary school will be provided.
Please contact us directly at 289-257-6976 no later than September 3rd if you are interested in this alternative care.
We truly apologize for this inconvenience, and we will be happy to credit your account or provide a refund for any fees paid to date.
Thank you for your ongoing patience during these challenging times.
Update: DSBN & NCDSB Staggered September Start Dates & Full Day Care
August 27, 2020
Attention all Parents/Guardians:
This week both the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board announced their plans for staggered starts this September. The plans are as follows:
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA (DSBN):
Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 1 – starting September 8
Grades 2 & 3 – starting September 9
Grades 4, 5 & 6 – starting September 10
Grades 7 & 8 – starting September 11
NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (NCDSB):
Students with last name beginning with A to L – attend September 8 & 9
Students with last name beginning with M to Z – attend September 10 & 11
To support families in need of care for children affected by the Stagger Start, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara will run a full day camp at the following sites on September 8 to 11, 2020;
Niagara Falls Centre 8800 McLeod Road (905) 357-2444 ext. 221
Fort Erie Centre 20 Lewis Street (289) 257-6976
St. Catharines 2 Facer Street (905) 937-1072
Payment for services or proof of subsidy will be due at the time of registration. Please note spaces are limited. For any additional concerns please contact the concerns line at concerns@bgcn.ca.
Update: Before & After School Programs
August 17, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club is pleased to announce the reopening of Licensed and Non-Licensed Before and After School Programs. effective Sept 8, 2020.
The Club will be contacting families previously enrolled in March of 2020 (pre-COVID). All other interested parties are encouraged to apply on the Niagara Regional OneHSN waiting list and any further registration will be done through the One list. Registration numbers are limited.
Registration will be conducted remotely to minimize foot traffic in our facilities during this pandemic. An appointment must be made to enter the Club if necessary and COVID-19 screening protocols will apply.
Program Schedules, registration information and COVID-19 related access requirements may be accessed on the Boys and Girls Club website at www.bgcn.ca.
The Boys and Girls Club looks forward to reconnecting with children and their families, and to connect with others in the community as programs and services are expanded during the pandemic recovery.
Update: Reopening Adult Fitness & Aquatic Programs
July 24, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club is pleased to announce the opening of Aquatics Services at the Niagara Falls Centre, 8800 McLeod Road, Niagara Falls; EJ Freeland Community Center, 1555 Garrison Road, Fort Erie and Kinsmen Pool, 100 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie effective August 3, 2020. Services will include adult lane swim, aquafit, family swim and open swim depending on location.
In addition, the Boys and Girls Club will be opening Adult Fitness Services at the EJ Freeland Community Centre for Fort Erie residents, 18 years and over. Services will be limited to Fort Erie residents only. Registration and walk in patrons will be accepted as per COVID-19 protocols and we ask that patrons review access requirements prior to arriving on site.
Program Schedules, registration information and COVID-19 related access requirements may be accessed on the Boys and Girls Club website at www.bgcn.ca.
The Boys and Girls Club looks forward to reconnecting with children and their families, and to connect with others in the community as programs and services are expanded during the pandemic recovery.
Update: Reopening Child Care Programs
July 22, 2020
As licensed child care re-opens, Niagara Region Children’s Services is trying to determine demand for licensed child by ALL families in Niagara. In order to do so, a questionnaire has been created for parents to complete. The questionnaire asks about your current and anticipated child care needs. The link ‘YourLicensedChildCareNeeds’ to the questionnaire will be sent out to families who are currently registered on the OneHSN Child Care Registry, either placed in a centre or waiting for a child care space. The questionnaire is now available and will remain open until Monday, July 27, 2020.
Update: Reopening Child Care Programs
July 8, 2020
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara is pleased to announce the opening child care and summer camp, July 6, 2020.
Licensed child care will be available for toddlers and preschoolers at two locations in Niagara Falls and Summer Camp Programs for children 4 – 12 years of age in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Fort Erie, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Spaces are limited due to social distancing as defined by government ministries.
Working with government guidelines, enhanced health and safety protocols are in place and “first” clients have been contacted based on government regulated priorities.
Limited spaces may be available for those families needing programs 5 days a week. To inquire about enrollment please contact registration@bgcn.ca.
Thank you for your patience. We look forward to reconnecting with the children and their families and to reconnecting with others in the community as programs and services are expanded during the pandemic recovery. In the interim, stay safe and well!
Update: Reopening Child Care Programs
June 12, 2020
As announced by the Ontario Government this week, child care centers will be allowed to reopen province wide to support families as they return to work.
Please know that BGCN is preparing to reopen based on the new health and safety program regulations and protocols as laid out by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
While no firm dates and locations can be confirmed at this time, BGCN staff will be reaching out to our families starting next week to determine the level of interest in participating in programs as they become available.
Our center phones are redirecting families to contact 2020summerchildcare@bgcn.ca for questions or inquiries regarding all 2020 summer child care programs, and will continue to do so until staff teams are reinstated at each center.
Further information regarding the reopening of child care programs and other BGCN summer programs will be shared on the Club website www.bgcn.ca as it becomes available.
In the interim, we thank staff and families for their patience and look forward to reconnecting soon.
Corona Virus – COVID-19 Club Closure
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara continues to monitor ongoing developments regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking into consideration the global situation, public health advice, and the health of our community.
Please be advised that the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara is currently closed until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. This closure extends to all programs and services, rentals, satellite locations and child care centres.
We recognize the impact of this decision on our children and youth. The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara appreciates your support as we exercise an abundance of caution directed at the health and well being of our employees, everyone we serve and the broader community.
The Boys and Girls Club continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and its impacts on programs and services. Ongoing updates will be made available here and through our social media channels.
Below you can find out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions and invite you to email us at concerns@bgcn.ca if you are unable to find what you’re looking for.
If you have any questions about Covid-19 and how to keep you and your family healthy, please contact the local health authorities. Niagara Region Public Health is an excellent resource and can be accessed by visiting https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/.
Government of Canada resources:
Health Canada Covid-19 Update Page
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and Risks
Province of Ontario resources:
Ontario Government Covid-19 Update Page
COVID-19: When and How to Wear a Mask, Recommendations for the General Public
Recommended Steps: Putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Regional resources:
Niagara Region Public Health Daily Covid-19 Updates
Niagara Region Community Resources
Other resources:
About Coronavirus
Know the Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Boys and Girls Club re-open to the Community?
Currently there is no definitive timeline for re-opening the Club. As the situation before us is unprecedented, we will continue to act with an abundance of caution that best supports the health and wellness of both our employees and our community with advice provided by Public Health.
Likewise, the scheduled opening of the EJ Freeland Community Centre will be postponed until a time deemed safe as determined by Public Health officials and the Province of Ontario.
We ask for your patience and understanding, and advise that you regularly check our website and social media channels for updates
How will my Child Care fees and payments be affected during the closure?
We will not be charging for services not rendered. Any fees already received will be applied to future enrollment.
What is the status of the Spring Aquatics and Sport & Recreation programs?
Given the current situation, we have made the decision to cancel the Spring session, and will be issuing full refunds to everyone who registered early.
How do I register my children for programs once the Club re-opens?
Once a re-opening date has been confirmed, a schedule will be provided to assist participants to register on-line and in person where appropriate.
What will happen with the swim lessons or sports and recreation programs that were cut short during the Winter session?
At time of closure, two classes and in some instances three classes may have been missed at the end of the Winter Session depending on the specific program. A pro-rated credit has been applied accounts for the missed classes that can be applied to future programs.