City cancels Culture and Recreation Program

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hold society in near-lockdown, the Ville de Gatineau has decided to call off the spring session of its Culture and Recreation Program. According to a press release issued by the city on March 31, cancellation of the program will result in the temporary layoff of 400 casual city staff members and 175 indeterminate aquatics employees. It stated that some employees might be called back to work, depending on which activities eventually reopen as the situation evolves. It added that the city would assist those newly-unemployed by providing them information about potential government benefits and relief funds.

Having initially cancelled registrations for activities on March 15, the city explained that the program wouldn’t be able to resume because it would take at least 30 days to get activities going.  The spring session was originally set to take place from April 4 to May 29. The city said it would be analyzing the evolution of the pandemic to decide whether or not to postpone its summer session.