Free & Low-Cost Activity Guide
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Activities in Oxford County ...... 4 Activities in Elgin County ...... 15 Activities in St. Thomas ...... 24 Share the Road ...... 28 Cycling Safety Information ...... 31
Free activities marked with a star
INTRODUCTION Southwestern Public Health knows that getting out and active in the community is fun and healthy, but it can also be expensive. That’s why we’re proud to share this guide filled with free and low cost activities that will help you and your family get active and have fun!
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide ACCURACY OF INFORMATION While every effort is made to maintain the accuracy of this listing, activity availability and details may change. Please contact each service provider using the contact information provided in their listing for up-to-date information.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE KidSport™ is a grass roots Canadian non-profit organization that provides support to under- resourced children and youth 18 years of age and under by removing financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. KidSport funds up to $250 per child per calendar year. For more information about KidSport Ontario, please visit www.kidsportcanada.ca/ontario, email ontario@ kidsportcanada.ca, or call 416-899-9106.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart offers individual child grants to enable children and youth 4-18 years of age to participate in sport and recreation activities. Sometimes, families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. Jumpstart is committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more. They help with the registration and equipment costs associated with a sport or physical activity. Funding is up to $300/activity. To apply for funding, please visit https://jumpstart. canadiantire.ca, review the funding guidelines, and complete the online registration form. Additional inquiries may be directed to 1-844-YES-PLAY, or to [email protected].
3 Activities in Oxford County
OXFORD COUNTY LIBRARY See website for branch locations and addresses 519-539-9800 • www.ocl.net/Your-OCL Library Visits Branches of the Oxford County Library; Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford, Tillsonburg All Ages • Cost: Free
GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg, Thamesford 1-800-565-8111 • www.girlguides.ca Sparks/Brownies/Guides/ Pathfinders/Rangers Through a youth-led program, Scouts pave their own path to outdoor adventure and fun. Ages: 5-17 • Cost: $180/year; financial assistance available
SCOUTS CANADA Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg, Thamesford, Kintore, Salford 1-888-855-3336 • www.scouts.ca Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Venturers Scouts Canada Youth-led program that allows members to gain leadership skills through outdoor adventures. Ages: 5-17 • Cost: $180/year
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY CENTRE 191 Old Wellington St S, Woodstock 519-539-9817 • www.southgatectr.com Active Adults Various physical activities ranging from chair yoga to zumba classes. Contact the Centre for more details. Ages: 55+ • Cost: Membership $75/year; Non-members $5/activity
YM/YWCA 808 Dundas St, Woodstock 519.539.6181 • www.ymcawo.ca/woodstock Teen Night Free recreational activities for youth. Details online at www.ymcawo.ca/teen-night Ages: Teens/Youth 13-24 • Cost: Free Seniors Drop-In FREE admission to the facility on Thursdays from open to 2 pm. Access to the fitness centre and to some classes. Ages: 55+ • Cost: Free for 55+ on Thursdays from open until 2pm
5 OXFORD COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE 35 Metcalf St, Unit 301, Woodstock 519-539-1111 ext. 227 • www.oxchc.ca/programs Programs Mental Wellness, Art, cooking, and girls groups and chronic disease workshops. All Ages • Cost: Free
SOUTHSIDE AQUATICS CENTRE 315 Finkle Street, Woodstock 519-539-2382 ext. 2701 • www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/ live-and-play/aquatic-programs.aspx Aquatics Lane Swim, Swimming, Aquafit, Water Walking All Ages • Cost: Youth $2.75, Adult $4.00, Senior $3.25 or Book of 10 for $29.25 Aquafit - $5.25 or Book of 10 for $47.25
WOODSTOCK DISTRICT COMMUNITY COMPLEX SOUTHWOOD ARENA 381 Finkle St, Woodstock 519-421-3484 • www.cityofwoodstock.ca Public Skate All Ages: Adults • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide CITY OF WOODSTOCK RECREATION 519-539-1291 • www.cityofwoodstock.ca Recreation Programs Pickleball courts, basketball courts, volley ball courts, and soccer fields All Ages • Cost: See website or call
WOODSTOCK CYCLING CLUB 745751 Township Road 4, Woodstock woodstockcyclingclub.ca Woodstock Cycling Club Members gain access to the Pines Mountain Bike trails and other events. Ages: 10+ • Cost: Day Pass $10; Yearly Membership Individual $35.00 or Family $70
WOODSTOCK SKATE/BIKE PARK 519-539-1291 • facilities.cityofwoodstock.ca Outdoor Skate/Bike Park All Ages • Cost: Free
PARKS & OPEN SPACES, WOODSTOCK TRAILS See website for locations • www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/ live-and-play/parks-and-trails.aspx Walking, Outdoor Recreation All Ages • Cost: Free to walk and enjoy community gardens, river, lake or ponds
7 WOODSTOCK FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB RPO Woodstock Centre, Woodstock www.woodstockfieldnaturalists.org Walking and Exploring Nature All Ages • Cost: Membership $25/year; $35/family
C&D LANES 265 Main Street, Woodstock 519-539-9631 • www.canddlanes.com Seniors Bowling Ages: Seniors • Cost: $10.00 (shoes included)
RADIANT HEALTH YOGA Museum Square, 466 Dundas Street 519-539-0654 • www.radianthealthyoga.ca Yoga in the Square Ages: Adults and Seniors • Cost: Free
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY 445 Hunter St, Woodstock 519-539-4801 • www.mywpl.ca/learning-programs Free Health & Wellbeing Programs All Ages • Cost: Free
CLUB OXFORD HOCKEY Tillsonburg www.cluboxfordhockey.ca Hockey for Everyone Provides equipment, ice time and instruction at no cost to boys and girls not registered in minor hockey Ages: Grade 3-8 • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide STONEBRIDGE COMMUNITY SERVICES Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall, 200 Broadway St, Suite 206, Tillsonburg 519-842-3200 • www.stonebridgecs.com Senior Fitness Pickleball, urban poling Cost: $4.00
TILLSONBURG COMMUNITY CENTRE 45 Hardy Ave, Tillsonburg 519-688-9011 • www.tillsonburg.ca Aquatics and Arena All Ages • Cost: see website
TILLSONBURG SENIORS CENTRE 45 Hardy Ave, Tillsonburg 519-688-2520 • www.tillsonburg.ca Seniors Fitness, Dancing Variety of fitness activities, group fitness, dance. Ages: Seniors • Cost: Membership $40/year with fees for fitness; $2/members or $4/nonmembers
DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM (TDMH) Veterans Memorial Trail, Tillsonburg www.tillsonburg.ca/en/live-and-play/resources/Documents/ Recreation/Veterans-Walkway-formatted.pdf Group Walks Meet Tues & Thurs at 9:30 at the Veterans Memorial Trail Ages: Adults • Cost: Free
9 CANADIAN TAI CHI ACADEMY Avondale United Church 60 Harvey Street, Tillsonburg 519-983-3381 • [email protected] www.canadiantaichiacademy.org Tai Chi Mondays & Wednesdays Ages: Adults • Cost: $20/month
PARKS & TRAILS (Tillsonburg) See website for locations www.tillsonburg.ca/en/live-and-play/Trails.aspx Walking, Hiking All Ages • Cost: Free to walk and enjoy community gardens, river, lake or ponds
INGERSOLL SENIORS CENTRE 250 Ingersoll St. South, Ingersoll 519-485-3869 • www.ingersollseniors.com Activities for Seniors Activities range from a walking club, yoga, total body work outs, SMART program. Ages: Seniors • Cost: Membership $35/year; Nominal fees for non-members to attend classes
FUSION YOUTH ACTIVITY & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE 121 Thames St N, Ingersoll 519-485-4386 • www.ingersoll.ca Activities Structured sport, nutrition, music, robotics and art based activities Ages: 10-18 • Cost: $5/year membership
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide VICTORIA PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE 355 Wellington St, Ingersoll 519-425-1181 • www.ingersoll.ca Activities for all ages Aquatics, recreational and fitness facility, splash pad, seniors fitness programs All Ages • Cost: See website
INGERSOLL DISTRICT NATURE CLUB (IDNC) 519-485-4220 • www.ingersollnatureclub.com Nature Club Birding, photography lessons, guided trillium and nature walks. Carpooling available. Ages: Adults • Cost: Membership $15/year; Non-members welcome!
LAWSON NATURE RESERVE (Under stewardship of IDNC) Lawson Nature Reserve, McBeth Rd. 519-423-4844 • 519-425-9429 Christmas Bird Count Dec 28, 2020 at 9:00am Come out and help with the count. We work as a group – no experience necessary. All Ages • Cost: Free
11 INGERSOLL DISTRICT MEMORIAL ARENA 97 Mutual St S, Ingersoll 519-485-5023 • www.ingersoll.ca Public Skating All Ages • Cost: Skating $4; Huff & Puff $5
INGERSOLL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ingersollanddistricthorticultural.ca Adult and Youth Horticultural Programs All Ages • Cost: $10 Yearly Membership
ADULT ACTIVE CENTRE 68 Mill St E, Plattsville • www.blandfordblenheim.ca/ Services/Parks_Recreation/Community_facilities Activities for Adults Join other adults for bridge, book club, euchre, games and crafting. Special activities may include OPP education, fitness and yoga. Brought to you by Friends of the Princeton Park, Plattsville Lions, Bright Volunteer Group and the Township. Community input is welcomed. Ages: Adults • Cost: Please inquire
PLATTSVILLE ARENA 68 Mill St E, Plattsville 519-684-7482 • www.blandfordblenheim.ca/Services/ Parks_Recreation/Community_facilities Public Skating All Ages • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide PLATTSVILLE & BLENHEIM SCHOOL DROP IN Plattsville and Drumbo 519-684-7482 • www.blandfordblenheim.ca Youth drop in program Ages: 4 -13 • Cost: Free
DRUMBO-RICHWOOD SOCCER ASSOCIATION www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=drumbosoccer Soccer Club All Ages
TAVISTOCK & DISTRICT RECREATION CENTRE 1 Adam St, Tavistock 519-655-2102 • ezt.ca/community-culture Arena All Ages • Cost: Preschool Free; $2 Public School $2; Adult $3; Family $9
INNERKIP 36 James St, Innerkip 519-469-8276 Senior Drop-In Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:30am. Activities vary throughout the year. Suggestions welcome. Ages: Seniors • Cost: Free or membership $20/year
OXFORD COUNTY TRAIL COUNCIL 14 trails located across Oxford County www.oxfordcountytrailscouncil.ca/ Walking/Hiking Explore the many trails offered in Oxford County. All Ages • Cost: Free
13 TOURISM OXFORD 519-539-9800 ext. 3355 • www.tourismoxford.ca/listing/ detail/ArticleId/12051/Birding-in-Oxford-County.aspx Birding Oxford County is part of Canada’s South Coast Birding Trail with 321 species of birds recorded. You may wish to bring binoculars or a camera. All Ages • Cost: Free
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF OXFORD COUNTY Offered in Woodstock, Ingersoll & Tillsonburg 519-421-2466 ext. 227 • alzheimer.ca/en/on/We-can- help/Minds-In-Motion/ Minds in Motion A physical activity and brain stimulation program for people with dementia and their care partners. Ages: Adults and Seniors • Cost $20 for 8 weeks
VON OXFORD See website for locations 519-539-1231• www.von.ca/en/site/oxford SMART Exercise Classes Exercise and fall prevention program for older adults. Ages: 55+ • Cost: Free
OXFORD COUNTY LIBRARY 13 Branches across Oxford County www.ocl.net Various Activities See local branch for details about available programs. All Ages • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide OTTERVILLE POOL 2 North St, Otterville 519-879-6572 • www.norwich.ca Swimming Open in July & August. All Ages • Cost: $5.25/Adult; $3.25/Child/Senior/Student; Free/Under 3
NORWICH COMMUNITY CENTRE 53 Stover St S, Norwich 519-863-3733 • www.norwich.ca Community Complex & Arena Skating, walking, shinny All Ages • Cost: Public Skate $2.50; Parent/Tot $2/pp; Shinny $5
TRILLIUM WOODS PROVINCIAL PARK www.tourismoxford.ca/listing/detail/ArticleId/12954/ Trillium-Walks.aspx Spring Trillium Walks These well-maintained trails are spacious for walking hand- in-hand, looping through a mature maple sugar bush. All Ages • Cost: Free
THAMESFORD OUTDOOR POOL 204 George St N, Thamesford 519-285-3063 • www.zorra.ca Aquatics All Ages • Cost: $2/person; $5/Family
15 THAMESFORD DISTRICT RECREATION CENTRE 85 Middleton St, Thamesford 519-485-2490 ext. 7223 • www.zorra.ca Free & Low Cost Activities Walk & Talk, Carpet Bowling, Pickleball, Shinny, Public Skating Ages: Adults • Cost: Free, low cost
HICKSON TRAIL www.hicksontrail.ca Outdoor Recreation 12 kilometer trail All Ages • Cost: Free
EMBRO ZORRA COMMUNITY CENTRE 355644 35th Line, Embro 519-485-2490 ext. 7223 • www.zorra.ca Activities for all ages Shinny, walk and talk, skating and more. All Ages • Low cost, see website
OXFORD 4H CLUB Clubs located across the region 1-877-410-6748 • www.4-hontario.ca Youth Program Gain life skills and learn about agriculture, the environment, and conservation Ages: 9-21 • Cost: $125/year
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide Activities in Elgin County
ELGIN COUNTY LIBRARY See website for branch locations and addresses 519-631-1460 ext. 148 • www.elgincounty.ca/library Library Visits Branches of the Elgin County Library include; Aylmer, Belmont, Dutton, Port Burwell, Port Stanley, Rodney, Shedden, Springfield, Straffordville and West Lorne. All Ages • Cost: Free
SOUTHWOLD KEYSTONE COMPLEX Township of Southwold, Young at Heart Group 226-667-4517 • [email protected] 35921 Talbot Line, Shedden Games for Seniors 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month. Cards, Scrabble, Crokinole, Floor Shuffleboard, Pickleball, Ping Pong, Dominos Ages: Seniors • Cost: Free
17 UNION COMMUNITY CENTRE 6068 Bell St, Union • 519-631-3840 Yoga Classes For different levels. Classes offered Monday and Wednesday mornings 10:00-11:15am, and Thursday nights 5:15-6:30pm. Ages: Adults, Seniors • Low Cost, call for details Zumba Zumba classes for fitness. Mondays 6:30-7:30pm. All Ages • Low Cost, call for details
WEST ELGIN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE 146 Munroe St, West Lorne 519-768-1715 • www.wechc.on.ca Functional Fitness at the HUB Join us for exercise on Wednesdays at 2-3pm and Fridays at 11am- 12pm. Call ext. 2210 or [email protected] Ages: Seniors • Cost: Free Caring Crafters Join us for knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, crafts etc. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone Welcome! Call ext. 2210 or [email protected] Ages: Seniors • Cost: Free Soup’s ON Join us the first and third Tuesday of each month for a nutritious meal, entertainment/education and an opportunity to socialize. Meet new friends, enjoy old acquaintances’. Everyone is welcome. Transportation can be provided through the West Elgin Transportation Network 519-768-0020. Call ext. 2210 or [email protected] Ages: Seniors • Cost: By donation
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide Post Natal Fitness with Childcare Free 6 Week Postnatal LOW Impact Fitness with Childcare, for mom’s that have a child 18 months or younger. Call ext. 2202 or [email protected] Ages: Moms with infant up to 18 months old • Cost: Free Teen Culinary Cooking Program Second Monday of every month. Ages: Teens • Cost: Free
WEST ELGIN ARENA 171 Graham St, West Lorne 519-768-1380 • [email protected] www.westelgin.net Winter Public Skating (Seasonal) All Ages • Cost: $2/person; $5/family West Elgin Pickleball Pickle ball, all equipment supplied Cost: Free
WEST ELGIN COMMUNITY POOL 259 Ridout St, Rodney ON 519-785-0750 • www.westelgin.net Open/Family Swim & Adult Swim (Jun-Aug) Recreational swimming time Ages: Adults, Seniors • Cost: $2/visit or $5/family Aquafit Ages: Adults, Seniors • Cost: $5/class; $40/10 classes
19 RODNEY & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 21210 Marsh Line, Rodney 519-785-0937 Gardening Meet every Tuesday of the month with a few exceptions. Includes speakers, outing and planting various flower beds and hanging baskets. Ages: Adults, Teens, Seniors • Cost: $5/yearly
DUTTON DUNWICH COMMUNITY POOL 196 Queen St, Dutton 519-762-2204 • www.facebook.com/duttonpool Recreational Swim (Seasonal) Please see website for swim times and costs. All Ages • Cost: Low Cost Aquafit for Seniors (Seasonal) Please see website for swim times and costs. Ages: Seniors • Low Cost
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide DUTTON DUNWICH COMMUNITY CENTRE 1 Scotland St, Dutton 519-762-3209 • www.duttondunwich.on.ca Various Low-Cost Activities Activities include dance, volleyball, men’s floor hockey, and a morning walking group. All Ages • Cost: See website for details.
SOUTHWOLD PREHISTORIC EARTHWORKS, TOWNSHIP OF SOUTHWOLD 7930 Iona Rd, Iona Station 905-468-6614 • [email protected] Walk/Explore/Learn Explore the ancient grounds of the Attawandaron (Neutral Iroquois). All Ages • Cost: Free
BELMONT ARENA 14020 Belmont Rd, Belmont 519-644-0190 • www.centralelgin.org Public Skating Sundays 2:00 - 3:30 pm (Please call ahead, as ice times may be cancelled throughout the season due to tournaments, holidays, etc.) All Ages • Cost: $2 for adults, and $1.50 for children (12 and under), or $6.00 for a family
21 EAST ELGIN COMMUNITY COMPLEX 531 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-5631 • www.eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca Adult Horseshoes (Seasonal) Weather permitting 6:30 pm until dusk. Call or email [email protected] Ages: Adults • Cost: Free Shuffleboard Monday and Wednesday 1:30-3:30pm Ages: Adults • Cost: Free Tiny Tots Tuesday and Thursday 10:30-11:30am Cost: Free Adult and Public Skate Please see website for details. All Ages • Cost: $2/student, $3/adult, $6/family Mini Shinny, Shinny, Super Shinny Pick-up hockey for a variety of ages. All Ages • Cost: $2-$5 Pickleball Mon, Tues, Wed 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm; and Tues, Wed, Fri 9:00-11:00am Call or email [email protected]. Ages: All, Seniors • Low Cost - $3/person In Be’Tween Shinny Shinny hockey for kids. Call or email [email protected] Ages: Children ages 6-12 years • Low Cost - $3/person
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide AYLMER COMMUNITY SERVICES & YWCA ST THOMAS-ELGIN 25 Centre St, Aylmer 16 Mary St, St Thomas 160 Main St, West Lorne Toll Free: 1-800-461-0954 • 519-631-9800 • [email protected] www.ywcaste.ca Aquatics Program for Children See website for details and cost. Aquafitness for Adults At Terrace Lodge, 475 Talbot Street E, Aylmer. Ages: Adults • Cost: $7/class or $85/12 classes Therapeutic Pilates Improve joint stabilization, strength, mobility, and balance. Join in exercises to address arthritis and common joint conditions. At New Sarum Public School, 9473 Belmont Rd, St Thomas. Ages: Adults • $6.75/class or $54/8 classes Drop-In Recreation for Children At the Dutton Dunwich Community Centre. Ages: Children ages 6-12 • Cost: $2.50/visit
23 EAST ELGIN FAMILY HEALTH TEAM 424 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-3715 ext 136 • www.eefht.ca Group Lifestyle Balance Program (Weight Management & Prediabetes) 12 month healthy lifestyle program that will teach you all about nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, etc. Ages: Adults • Cost: Free
ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADETS 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 1-800-561-4786 • www.ontario.armycadetleague.ca 7 Army Cadets Leadership program including fitness and healthy living Ages: Teens • Cost: Please see website. Fall Field training Exercise Canoeing at Springwater Ages: Teens - Open to registered members of the Army Cadets ONLY • Cost: Free Expedition and Orienteering Training Wednesday nights in September and October Ages: Teen members of the Cadet Corps • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 46900 Brouwers Line, Aylmer 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 47502 Sparta Line, Sparta 519-773-9037 • [email protected] www.catfishcreek.ca Education/Interpretive Educational and recreational programming for the Active Naturally Project. Experience Carolinian wildlife, build a joy for outdoor recreation, and meet new community members. All Ages • Cost: Free Healthy Hikes with CCCA Springwater Conservation Area, Springwater Rd. All Ages • Cost: Free Hiking Hiking the 4.2 km (Brouwers Line) or 8 km (Springwater Rd) trail, offering a wide variety of Carolinian wildlife. Perfect year round. All Ages • Cost: $3/day for trail maintenance
AYLMER POOL 7 Myrtle St, Aylmer 519-765-3131 • www.aylmer.ca Summer Swimming Summertime outdoor swimming. Some free swims are sponsored by Tim Hortons. All Ages • Cost: Free - $3-5/person; $12/family
25 PORT STANLEY ARENA 519-782-3072 • www.centralelgin.org Public Skating Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm; Sundays 1:00-2:30pm (Please call ahead, as ice times may be cancelled due to tournaments, holidays, etc.) All Ages • Cost: $2 for adults, and $1.50 for children (12 and under), or $6.00 for a family
THAMES TALBOT LAND TRUST Hawk Cliff Woods, Hawk Cliff Rd, Union 519-858-3442 • www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca Hawk Cliff Weekends Seasonal in September. Presentations of live raptors and monarch butterflies. All Ages • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide Activities in St. Thomas
ST THOMAS SENIORS CENTRE 225 Chestnut, St Thomas 519-633-2850 • www.stthomasseniorscentre.com Various activities including: Qi Gong Letting energy flow freely, allowing us to feel more balance. Designed to relieve stress on the body Pickle Ball Fitness Pickle Ball - A mix of table tennis, badminton and tennis Somatics Exercises that are gentle movements. Easy Does It Chair Yoga Easy access and improved flexibility
Ages: Seniors • Low Cost, see website for rates. Day passes available as well as hot meals for a fee.
27 ST THOMAS PUBLIC LIBRARY 153 Curtis St, St Thomas 519-631-6050 • [email protected] www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca Studio Demo Session Sessions on using the studio for audio, video and photography are available. Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Call ext. 8013 or email. All Ages • Cost: Free Creators’ Community Café Explore the CC Café in the studio. Tuesdays 4pm to 8pm. All Ages • Cost: Free 123 Read With Me Program for families with young children. Read to your child and connect with other adults. Ages: Families with newborn-preschool children • Cost: Free OEYC Playgroup Drop in Playgroup for children and their parents/ caregivers. Activities, games, songs, crafts, stories and fun. Ages: Families with children newborn - 6 yrs • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide JOE THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE 75 Caso Crossing, St Thomas 519-631-1680 • [email protected] www.stthomas.ca Dance 2 Music Easy dance/exercise All Ages • Cost: $3/person Public Skating Presstran Rink, Sundays 1:15-2:45pm All Ages • Cost: $3 age 17 and under, $3.50 18ys+; $10/family Drop-In Programs See website for current activities. All Ages • Cost: $3/person Indoor Walking Track Open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm, except for holidays, Stars games and special events. Great option for walking in the winter months! All Ages • Cost: Free
RAILWAY CITY CYCLING CLUB www.railwaycitycc.com Group Road Rides Group rides Monday evenings, Wednesday and Friday mornings and at least one day on the weekend. Ages: Adults and Youth • Cost: $65 for one season
29 YMCA ST THOMAS-ELGIN 20 High St, St Thomas 519-631-2418 • www.ymcawo.ca Seniors Drop-In FREE admission to the facility on Thursdays from open to 2 pm. Access to the fitness centre and to some classes. Ages: 55+ • Cost: Free on Thursdays. Please call to inquire about day pass and membership fees.
YWCA ST THOMAS 16 Mary St W, St Thomas 519-631-9800 • [email protected] www.ywcaste.ca Games for Adults/Seniors Cards, scrabble, crokinole, floor shuffleboard, pickleball, ping pong and dominos Ages: Adults • Cost: Free Newcomer Youth Club Various Locations. Provides assistance for newcomers to help them settle and adjust to life in St Thomas and Elgin. All Ages • Cost: Free
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide VON MIDDLESEX-LONDON Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St Thomas 519-637-6408 • www.vonme.ca Bereavement Walking Program For individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one. Provides bereaved individuals the opportunity to walk with others in similar circumstances and receive support of volunteers and fellow walkers. All Ages • Cost: Free
31 SHARE THE ROAD
Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas are Share the Road communities. Bicycles are vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, with the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Same Road, Same Rules, Same Rights
DEDICATED BIKE LANES Bike lanes are marked lanes on a roadway to be used by cyclists only. • Cyclists do not have to ride within bike lanes, and may ride outside the lane (to avoid hazards, pass slower cyclists, turn) after yielding to motor vehicles in the vehicle lane Bike Lane • Drivers cannot park in a bike lane • Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes at intersections and when passing
SIGNED BICYCLE ROUTES Bicycle Route Marker signs provide route guidance on shared roadways within a bikeway network. • Drivers and cyclists share the same lane Signed Routes with Edge Lines • Edge lines show a shared Shared Route roadway; this gives cyclists with Edge Line space outside of the roadway to ride
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide NON-SIGNED ROADS Remember that ALL roadways are shared roadways for cyclists and drivers,even if there are no signs posted. • Bicycles may be on the road in all seasons • Cyclists should ride to the right of the driving lane, one metre from the curb and parked cars (to avoid doors opening), in a single-file line • Cyclists may enter the driving lane to avoid hazards or to make a left-hand turn • Drivers must leave at least one meter when passing a bicycle - it’s the law! • Drivers should always do an over-the-shoulder check for bicycles when turning right and opening their door when parked • Cyclists must follow all traffic laws, including pavement markings, signs and signals
SHARED USE LANES Shared Use Lane Markings, or ‘sharrows’, show drivers and cyclists the correct line of travel for cyclists. Sharrows Shared Use Lane with Sharrows Share the Road signs appear where shared use lanes are wide enough for cyclists to ride beside drivers, and sharrows appear near the curb.
Single File signs appear where shared use lanes are too narrow for cyclists to ride beside drivers, and sharrows appear in the centre of the lane.
Single File Shared Use Lane 33 PAVED SHOULDERS Paved shoulders create a buffer zone to provide separation between drivers and cyclists traveling in the same direction on rural roads. • Paved shoulders also make room for stopped vehicles, emergency use, and pedestrians
MULTI-USE TRAILS Multi-Use Trails may be used by both pedestrians and cyclists. • Pedestrians have the right of way • Use your bell or horn when passing
SIDEWALKS & PEDESTRIANS Sidewalks and crosswalks are only for pedestrians. • Cyclists must get off of and walk their bicycle across when using crosswalks • Children (those with bicycle wheel diameters under 510mm/20”) are allowed to ride their bicycles on sidewalks, but should watch for pedestrians, driveways and intersections
OTHER FINES • Cycling within a crosswalk: Cyclists must walk their bike when using a crosswalk ($110) • Not stopping for traffic signals and signs: Cyclists must stop for red lights and stop signs and follow all other signs ($110-$325) • Dooring cyclists: Drivers must check to make sure there are no cyclists before opening their door ($365) • 1-metre passing: Drivers must leave a one-metre distance where possible when passing cyclists ($110 and 2 demerit points)
Free & Low Cost Activity Guide CYCLING SAFETY INFORMATION
PROPER HAND SIGNALS FOR TURNING
LEFT > STOP >
< RIGHT > (2 options)
MAKE YOUR BIKE SAFE & LEGAL • Helmets must be worn by all cyclists under the age of 18 ($80 fine), and are strongly recommended for all ages; parents or guardians should not knowingly allow cyclists under 16 to ride without a helmet • All bikes must have a white front light and red back light or reflector when you ride between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise ($110 fine) • All bikes must have white reflective strips on the front forks and red reflective strips on the rear stays • All bikes must have a working bell or horn to let cars and pedestrians know you’re there ($110 fine) • Riders should wear bright and/or reflective clothing when cycling at night
35 Southwestern Public Health works with community partners to ensure the health of the whole community. We serve the 200,000 residents of Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas. Our programs: • Respond to public health emergencies • Promote healthy lifestyles • Help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community • Promote positive change and social conditions that improve health
The health unit has primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas.
1-800-922-0096 | www.swpublichealth.ca Free & Low Cost Activity Guide