Parks and Recreation
The Recreation Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 2 Community Centres, 70 acres of parkland and playground equipment, Thamesford Library, Embro Town Hall, and Harrington Community Hall. The Recreation Department also provides support for the Zorra Recreation Advisory Committee. Rental rates for various recreation facilities, including ice, parks, and halls are detailed in our Fees By-law. Visit our By-law page to review.
Upcoming Events
Smoke-Free Ontario
As of January 1, 2015, it is illegal to:
smoke on and around children’s playgrounds and publicly owned sport fields and surfaces (e.g., areas for basketball, baseball, soccer or beach volleyball, ice rinks, tennis courts, splash pads and swimming pools that are owned by a municipality, the province or a post secondary education institution)
smoke on all bar and restaurant patios, whether covered or not (with an exemption for uncovered patios established by the Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Provincial Command before November 18, 2013)
sell tobacco on university and college campuses (this applies to buildings that are owned and areas that are leased by a post secondary institution or student union)
For more information on smoke-free initiatives, please visit the County of Oxford website.
Resources available for you to print and post at your special event!
Smoke and Vape-Free Outdoor Spaces
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA, 2017) prohibits the smoking or vaping, of tobacco, nicotine or cannabis in the following spaces:
- Public (enclosed) spaces and workplaces - Includes all indoor areas and work vehicles
- Schools and childcare centres - Within 20 metres of schools, daycares, and playgrounds
- Community and recreational areas - Within 20 metres of sports fields, skate parks, and playrounds
- Patios at bars and restaurants- Within 9 metres of patios
- Hospitals - Both indoors or on any hospital grounds
- Long-term care homes - Both indoors and within 9 metres of entrances
- Cars with children under 16 - To protect children from second-hand smoke and vapour
- Shared spaces in apartments or condos - Includes hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and other common areas
Click here for more information from Southwestern Public Health.