Programs

LEISURE PROGRAMS

Please note: all municipal facilities are closed to the public as of Monday, December 14. All in-person Town programs have been cancelled until facilities reopen. This closure will affect the arenas, fitness centre, group fitness, aquatics and gymnasium drop-in programs. The closure is scheduled for a minimum of 28 days.

Virtual programs will be offered during the shutdown period, and more will be added periodically. Program information will be released as it becomes available, please visit the WSPlay Online Virtual Programs Calendar frequently for updates.

All in person programs previously scheduled during the lockdown have been cancelled and a credit will be placed on your WSPlay online account.

Winter virtual programs will begin on Monday, January 11, 2021. Registration will open on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. for residents. If you have any questions, please contact us at leisure.services@townofws.ca or 905-642-PLAY(7529). For Community COVID updates, please visit Stouffville Re-opens.

Preschool programs have been designed for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. From physical literacy to school preparation we have something for every child. Our programs focus on learning social skills and developing gross motor skills in a fun, safe and nurturing environment; some allow children to participate independently, while others involve parent/guardian participation.

Children's program are for children 6-12 years old. These programs have been designed with your child's development in mind and will give children the opportunity to acquire new skills, develop existing skills and build friendships in a healthy environment. Children will improve their physical literacy and social skills while they have fun! The primary focus is to teach children the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle.

Family programs have been designed so everyone can play and learn together. Our family programs will focus on co-operative skills and physical literacy for all ages through fun activities the whole family will enjoy.

We offer a variety of youth programs for children aged 13 to 17. These programs have been designed to keep youth active and engaged in their community and with their peers. We provide a safe environment for your children to improve their physical literacy, learn life skills and engage with one another.

With our adult programs, it is never too late to learn a new skill or refine an old one in a fun and supportive environment. We offer a wide range of programs that include art, physical activities for a healthy lifestyle, education and much more. You can participate in weekly programs or one-time workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville offers a variety of programs that cater to the needs and goals of those 55+ years of age. We offer everything from seminars, workshops, active aging programs, to wellness classes and games. Explore the diverse range of programs that can be enjoyed with other like minded individuals wanting to connect in our community.

For those interested in more social opportunities, consider becoming a member of the 55+ Club.

We are committed to providing recreational opportunities for participants of all abilities. Our adapted programs offer smaller instructor to participant ratios and are designed to provide additional support to those who may next extra assistance.

Adapted programs provide participants with social opportunities for personal growth and to develop life skills through creative activities.

We also offer integrated programming opportunities for individuals who may require additional support to be successful in other programs.

Drop in programs are available for participants of all ages. Our gymnasium offers many opportunities for residents to get active! From pickleball to basketball to parent and tot gym time, we have activities for all ages and interests. Participation in drop in programs is pay-as-you go or with a gymnasium 10-pass.

The fitness centre offers activities and programs for all ages and levels of fitness or ability. Programs are led by certified exercise professionals who are able to adapt activities to your individual needs. Whether your goal is rehabilitation, maintaining your health, increasing energy, improving your physique, training for a sport or just keeping active, our fitness team is eager to meet you.

The idea for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum (WSM) began in 1969 as a civic-minded project by a group of local residents with a passion for Canadian history and a love of their town. Since 1971, the site has grown from the original museum building - the Bogarttown School House (1857) - and now includes the Vandorf Public School (1870), the Log Cabin built by Abraham Wright (c. 1870), a farmhouse built by James Brown (c. 1860), an historic barn and an outhouse. In 2012, the WSM welcomed the addition of a modern facility that blends the old with the new. In addition to rental spaces, this new facility includes a Research Room, Exhibition Gallery, Discovery Room and Gift Shop. The WSM also houses and preserves over 16,000 artifacts in its collection! Here you can experience the local lifestyle of the 1800s combined with modern amenities.

The WSM offers a variety of programming and service options for the entire family including:

General Museum and themed experience tours
Permanent and changing exhibitions
Curriculum-based education programs (on site, in class and online)
Summer and March Break camps, PA Day programming
Specialty workshops for adults, youth and children
Themed birthday party packages
Annual events including A Candlelight Christmas, Victorian Tea, Antique & Classic Car Show, An Evening with..., Doors Open WS and more
Research appointments
Volunteer opportunities
Rental amenities including two indoor multi-purpose rooms, outdoor area for tented events and a fully equipped, certified kitchen
Wedding ceremony, reception and civil marriage packages
Wedding and photo packages

Please visit the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum and Community Centre for more details or contact us directly by phone at 905-727-8954 or by email at wsmuseum@townofws.ca.

Join In & Jump Start

Our financial assistance program helps to remover barriers to participation. There are several convenient ways to register for the programs you are interested in taking.

Play Buddies Program

1:1 support opportunities are available when possible through the Play Buddies Program. Some programs have also been adapted to better accommodate those with special needs.

Program Proposals

Are you interested in partnering with the Town to offer a recreational or lifestyle program?

Program proposals should be no more than two pages in length and include a summary of your skills, experience and qualifications; a course outline (e.g. 10 weeks for a full program, 1 - 2 weeks for a specialty workshop); room/material requirements; and information on the age group best suited for your program.

Please forward your program proposal by email to leisure.services@townofws.ca.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

Participants in fitness and gymnasium programs must wear a mask to enter and exit the building through the South Entrance (gymnasium side entrance). Please arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to the start of your scheduled program and come dressed to participate; change rooms are not available at this time.