Dear editor:

I am writing about the closure of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre on holiday Mondays.

Since 2019, the Town of NOTL has closed the community centre on holiday Mondays.

I have written to the lord mayor and deputy lord mayor asking that the community centre be open on the following upcoming holiday Mondays during 2023: Victoria Day (May 22), Simcoe Day (Aug. 7),  Labour Day (Sept. 4), Thanksgiving (Oct. 9), Remembrance Day observance (Nov. 13).

I have suggested a skeleton staff (i.e. one person) and reduced hours, identical to the current weekend hours, of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Unfortunately, the town is not willing to correct the mistake it made in closing the community centre on holiday Mondays.

On Family Day, Feb. 20, 2023, these facilities were open across Niagara:

In St. Catharines – the Seymour Hannah Sports & Entertainment Centre, Bill Burgoyne Arena, St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, the Older Adult Centre at 80 Dunlop Dr. and the community centre programs at 1 Bogart St. and 108 Russell Ave.

In Niagara Falls – the Gale Centre arena and the MacBain Community Centre.

Finally, on the same date the Town of NOTL opened both the Meridian Credit Union Arena and Centennial Arena.

However, the NOTL Community Centre on that date was closed.

In view of what our neighbouring municipalities are doing on holiday Mondays, it is quite clear the town is failing to provide NOTL residents with the services to which they are entitled.

When the town opens both ice skating arenas but keeps the community centre closed, it is discriminating against residents who attend fitness classes or use the track and fitness area.

Although Family Day has passed, there is ample time for the town to arrange for the community centre to be opened on Victoria Day Monday and on the four remaining holiday Mondays.

Stephen Lunt
Queenston