COVID-19 Update

Updated September 20, 2021

Vaccination Policy

The Staff of the Aurora Cultural Centre is committed to your safety and looks forward to welcoming you back to our programs.

Please be advised that as of September 21, 2021, and in accordance with the Province of Ontario Guidelines, all patrons attending in-person, indoor events with the Aurora Cultural Centre will be required to show a proof of full vaccination, or proof of medical exemption, in order to attend programs at the Centre. Please note that previous safety protocols, including the wearing of masks and physical distancing, continue to be followed. The Staff of the Aurora Cultural Centre will ensure that all guidelines are met. We appreciate your cooperation.

Beginning at the start of Fall programs on September 21, patrons are requested to provide the following:

• An official proof of vaccination receipt — displayed either on a smartphone or with a physical copy of the proof of vaccination — must be presented at time of entry into to indoor programs.

• “Fully vaccinated” means that the date of attendance must be at least 14 days after receiving either the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or 14 days following a single dose vaccine (i.e.: Johnson & Johnson).

• All individuals 18 years or older must also present a government-issued photo ID alongside the proof of full vaccination.

• For Ontario residents, expired Ontario government issued identification, including drivers’ licences, and expired Canadian government issued documents, such as passports, may be provided as proof of identification.

• Official ID includes

‣ Birth certificate
‣ Citizenship card, permanent resident card, or passport
‣ Driver’s license or health card
‣ Indigenous Membership Card or status card

• Patrons younger than 18 may use a government-issued ID, or school photo ID

• Patrons under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at time of entry, who must meet the above requirements.

• Proof of fully-vaccinated status from jurisdictions outside Ontario

• Visitors from outside Ontario, but from within Canada must provide a government-issued ID that matches the name and date of birth of the patron to the vaccination receipt/certificate. While an expired Canadian passports qualifies as proof of ID, expired provincial documents from outside Ontario do not qualify as proof of identification.

• All patrons visiting from abroad must provide current (unexpired) official government-issued photo ID as proof of identification.

• Photo ID is for confirmation of identification only; no record of a patron’s ID will be kept.

• The Centre will admit individuals who can prove a medical exemption along with a government-issued ID. To review proof of a medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, the business or organization will ensure:

‣ The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.
‣ The logo or letterhead identifies the health practitioner as either a physician (“MD”), “Registered Nurse (Extended Class) – RN(EC),” or “Nurse Practitioner – “NP,” and their name and contact information are shown.
‣ The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has directed physicians not to issue unwarranted medical exemptions to their patients.
‣ The statement says that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
‣ That the exemption applies to the date the person is entering the premises.

• From Sept. 22, 2021, to Oct. 12, 2021 (inclusive), a negative COVID test may be offered by individuals in lieu of proof of full vaccination. This test must have been administered no more than 48 hours prior to attendance. This option will not be available from October 13, 2021 onwards.

• Exemptions will not be granted on religious grounds.

• For your safety, as well as that of all staff, volunteers and contractors, and in accordance with this Provincial order, the Aurora Cultural Centre will not admit any patrons who are unable to provide this required documentation.

• Full refunds will be made available to any patron wishing to cancel their tickets or registration for any reason prior to the performance or class.

• The Centre will not tolerate harassment upon the enforcement of these policies, and will contact the police if they encounter threats or provocation.

Do you need your Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Receipt? Please visit the Provincial Portal in order to download your vaccine receipts.

The health and safety of our patrons is extremely important to us.  We are continuously working with artists, instructors, partners, staff and volunteers and will communicate with patrons regarding the status of upcoming events and programs. As public health guidelines evolve, we will update our processes accordingly, and communicate them to you. Please scroll down below this message for further health and safety protocols specific to registered educational programs and performing arts events.

Physical Distancing

  • All patrons, students, volunteers, contractors and staff will maintain a physical distance of 2 meters. Further guidelines can be found below under each specific program.

Masks/Face Coverings/Plexi-Glas Safety Shields

  • Masks/face coverings are mandatory for entry into any inside venues, unless you have a medical reason not to wear one as per York Region Public Health guidelines.
  • PPE in the form of non-medical paper masks will be available for patrons, students or instructors who fail to provide their own, at no charge.
  • York Region Public Health safety signage will be placed throughout the venue.
  • All persons entering the venue must wear a face covering that securely covers the nose, mouth and chin.
  • See York Region’s Mandatory Use of Face Masks and Coverings for more information and exceptions.
  • Performing artists inside and outside will perform behind Plexi-Glas safety shields

Contact Tracing

  • As mandated by York Region all students, instructors, patrons, musicians, technical support staff, Centre staff and volunteers will be required to provide their name, phone number and contact email addresses for contact tracing purposes.
  • This information will be kept on file for 30 days after the event, after which it will be destroyed.
  • This information will be provided to York Region Public Health in the event of an outbreak.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 throughout your program duration, we ask that you inform your local public health unit of your attendance in our class.

Cleaning/Disinfecting

  • Staff will provide cleaning and sanitization of high touch points such as door handles and washroom areas throughout the day.
  • Ample time between classes will allow our team to clean and sanitize high touch points for the next class.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at the entry/exit points, and in programming and venue spaces.
  • Participants are asked to wash or sanitize their hands upon entry and throughout the program duration.
  • Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting for Public Settings has been provided by Public Health Ontario.

Updated: 2021-06-15

We look forward to welcoming you back to a safe environment where you can feel inspired to create. Please read carefully below about our new health and safety protocols as they apply to registered programs. All patrons are required to follow COVID-19 protocols as outlined below. Those who refuse to follow these guidelines will be asked to leave the facility. We appreciate your understanding.

Facility Access/Participant Screening

  • All programs must be pre-registered. Participants will be required to submit registration information at time of purchase. Participants will be unable to “drop in” to any program.
  • Parents/guardians and others accompanying participants will only be permitted into the facility for sign in/out of their camper. Parents/guardians will not be permitted to stay onsite beyond sign in/out to limit the number of individuals that enter the facility.
  • Participants can enter the facility up to 10 minutes prior to their program start time.
  • Participants must leave the program facility within 10 minutes of their program end time.
  • All participants will complete a verbal screening assessment before they enter the program facility.
  • Participants who show any symptoms will be directed to return home and seek medical advice immediately.
  • Instructors, staff and volunteers will pre-screen before they enter the program facility, and will not enter if ill.

Masks/Face Coverings

  • Masks/face coverings are mandatory in our programs unless you have a medical reason not to wear one as per York Region Public Health guidelines.
  • All persons entering the program facility must wear a face covering that securely covers the nose, mouth and chin.
  • See York Region’s Mandatory Use of Face Masks and Coverings for more information and exceptions.
  • For full-day camps, please send participants with two masks. The Aurora Cultural Centre will supply a mask if it does not comply with York Region Public Health’s mask guidelines, or if it gets lost or damaged throughout the day.
  • For full-day camps, participants will need to wear a mask at all times, both indoors and outdoors for all activities, except when eating and drinking

Physical Distancing

  • Class sizes have been reduced to ensure that there is ample physical distance between participant work stations.
  • Participants must stay in their designated program area and cannot visit other indoor areas of the facility aside from washrooms.
  • Participants will not be able to congregate in common areas.
  • Participants from the same household may sit at the same workstation and share tools and materials.
  • For child/youth programs, where games and activities are played, participants will remain physically distanced both indoors and outdoors.
  • Where programs occur at Aurora Town Park, participants will NOT be permitted to use the Splash Pad during camp hours.

Program Supplies

  • For adult programs, most art supplies are provided by the participant via a materials list to avoid sharing of supplies. Some specialty materials are provided by the instructor for certain workshops. Check individual programs for more information.
  • For child/youth programs, including summer camp, all tools and materials are provided. Where materials are supplied, they will be disinfected and sanitized.
  • Participants are asked to bring their own water and water bottles. Water coolers are unavailable.
  • Please limit the number of other items you bring to the program facility. Lost and found items will be kept for a maximum of 24 hours, then disposed.
  • Please label any item or supply you bring into the program facility.
  • Please keep all belongings with you at your workstation, including your coat.

Refunds/Cancellations

  • If a participant is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 during a program, they will be sent home, along with any siblings and/or members of the same household. If a participant has to withdraw from a program due to exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, there are options. If available, you can switch into a virtual offering for the corresponding timeframe, you can receive a credit towards a future program or event, or you can receive a refund by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca. For the safety of all participants and staff, a medical note and/or negative test is required to return to in-person programming
  • In accordance with COVID-19 Ontario public health and safety guidelines, a patron who feels unwell or is no longer comfortable attending an in-person event/program can request a full refund by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca.
  • If you are enrolled in a multi-week program and are unable to attend a particular weekly session, you can request a partial refund for the cost of that session by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca.
  • Alternative to a refund, you may instead opt to use the value of the missed session as a credit towards a future program or event by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca.
  • If a program is cancelled by the Centre you will receive a full refund.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 throughout your program duration, we ask that you inform your local public health unit of your attendance in our class.
Safety Protocols Video: Education

We look forward to welcoming you back to a safe environment where you can enjoy live music once again. Please read carefully below about our new health and safety protocols as they apply to events, performances and live stream. All patrons are required to follow COVID-19 protocols as outlined below. Those who refuse to follow these guidelines will be asked to leave the venue. We appreciate your understanding.

Facility Access/Participant Screening

  • Concert tickets will only be sold in advance; no at-door sales are available.
  • Ticket holders will be permitted to the concert facility at the posted time of general admission seating.
  • Ticket holders are requested to exit the facility within 15 minutes of the end of the evening.
  • All ticket holders will receive an email on the day of performance with a series of health screening questions. Those feeling unwell are encouraged to stay at home. These questions will be repeated at time of general admission entry to the concert.
  • Participants who show any symptoms will be directed to return home and seek medical advice immediately.
  • Musicians, technical support staff, Centre staff and volunteers will all pre-screen before they enter the facility, and will not enter if ill.

Masks/Face Coverings/Plexi-Glass Safety Shield

  • Masks/face coverings are mandatory for entry into the venue, unless you have a medical reason not to wear one as per York Region Public Health guidelines.
  • All persons entering the program facility must wear a face covering that securely covers the nose, mouth and chin.
  • Patrons are required to keep their masks on at all times during the event, other than when eating and drinking. This includes when they are seated at their tables.
  • All staff, volunteers and technical staff will wear face masks throughout the event.
  • Due to the nature of performance, musicians will not be masked on stage. The musicians will perform behind transparent Plexi-glass shields to prevent the spread of droplets. Patron seating will be physically-distanced from the stage.
  • See York Region’s Mandatory Use of Face Masks and Coverings for more information and exceptions.

Physical Distancing

  • Venue capacity has been significantly reduced to ensure that there is appropriate physical distance of 2 meters.
  • Patrons will be seated in places which are physically-distanced by 2 meters.
  • For venues with tables, patrons are able to sit with their small social circle of up to 3 people per table. Sorry, we are not able to accommodate 4 or more people per table.
  • We are unable to move tables together.
  • Patrons are requested to remain seated during the event, with the exception of visiting the washrooms.
  • Please do not visit the bar; table service will be provided by the venue for drinks and food delivery
  • Patrons will not be able to congregate in common areas. Please follow the directions of the Front of House Manager and event volunteers to move swiftly to your table.

Refunds/Cancellations

  • In accordance with COVID-19 Ontario public health and safety guidelines, a patron who feels unwell or is no longer comfortable attending an in-person event/program can request a full refund by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca.
  • Alternative to a refund, you may instead opt to use the value of the missed event as a credit towards a future program or event by emailing info@auroraculturalcentre.ca.
  • If a program or event is cancelled by the Centre you will receive a full refund.

Live Stream

  • Please note that some events will be live streamed on the web for patrons who have purchased a digital ticket.
  • In cases of events that are recorded for live stream, cameras will be placed on stage. A camera operator will be filming in the event space.