The Chapleau arena's ice season is over.
While Chapleau Minor Hockey had requested Council extend the season until April 17th, Mayor Michael Levesque says the decision was made by outside forces.
As Levesque referenced, the entire Public Health Sudbury and Districts is in the "Grey-Lockdown" category of the province's tiered restrictions framework, which closes arenas, though the health unit had already issued a "Letter of Instruction" ordering them closed.
While Chapleau is under those tougher restrictions, neighbouring communities like Wawa and Timmins are not - Algoma Public Health and the Porcupine Health Unit are both in the "Yellow-Protect" category - but Mayor Levesque warns about travelling.
Acknowledging people may feel "penalized" because of the links to Sudbury, Mayor Levesque emphasizes "we have to live with that" and he hopes residents understand that, urging "the same patience" shown so far.
Health officials continue to warn against non-essential travel, especially outside of your home community, particularly when it involves a region of higher infection rates.