Facility reopenings in Niagara-on-the-Lake stymied by lack of staff

Niagara-on-the-Lake would love to get some of facilities reopened but they seem to be running into trouble with the same problem as many businesses.

They can’t find the workers.

“The Town was set to resume public skating earlier this month. However, unfortunately, recruitment challenges, like those that many organizations have faced, has delayed the date,” the town said in a release.

“This delay was not as a result of a public health measure. Staff is (still) targeting the end of October for the return of public skating at the Centennial and Meridian Credit Union Arenas, once staff has been hired.”

Staffing issues aside, Mayor Betty Disero said the town has bent over backwards, doing its best in meeting public safety measures.

“We are so fortunate to be in the position where many activities are able to resume and many of life’s routines are returning to normal,” stated Disero. “In Niagara-on-the-Lake, we continue to see a consistent, high level of compliance with Provincial Regulations and Public Health guidelines; and for that, I want to extend my sincerest thanks.”

She continued that the effort to best protect citizens was filled with challenges.

“We have all sacrificed much, supported one another, and done our part to get to this point. We are certainly not going to take that for granted. I look forward to continuing on this road to recovery in a gradual and cautious manner that protects the health of our community and prevents us from having to take steps backwards.”

Town CAO Marnie Cluckie added she hoped that the manpower needed to get things up and running would appear soon.

“We look forward to returning to more in-person services in the near future, while continuing the incredible progress we have made in modernizing online service options.”