Fall program sign-up an exercise in futility for some residents

The Town of Newmarket is apologizing to residents upset by technical challenges in registering for fall programs this morning.

The town responded as multiple residents reported struggles getting into the program of their choice when registrations opened at 8 a.m., with the website unable to refresh or disconnecting at the payment step.

“Getting into swimming lessons is like winning the lottery,” one resident said on Facebook. “There have to be better options available.”

The municipality had advertised the registrations for weeks leading up to today. The registrations are primarily done online on a first-come, first-served basis and include programs for all ages across the town’s public facilities.

The town acknowledged that many were disconnected at the payment step or were unable to access the registration website at 8 a.m.

“We recognize that the limitations of our system are unacceptable,” the municipality said in a statement. “We hope that you were able to eventually register for the programs you wanted, or at minimum have been waitlisted as this is the best way to get yourself or your child registered in a program.”

Several residents said they faced technical issues with the website.

"This is ridiculous, I’ve been logged in since 8 but it just keeps spinning and going nowhere," one local said. 

But those difficulties could be solved going forward. The town said it is launching a new system that “will alleviate many of the technical difficulties,” and that will be ready for the winter program registration.

However, for this season, those who did not get in can only hope for the waitlist.

“At this time, we cannot override current registrations, withdraw those already registered or increase the class sizes,” the town said. “Staff will monitor and manage waitlists as best possible, no later than one to two weeks prior to the start of programs to accommodate as many waitlist participants as possible.

“We would like to thank residents for their continued support for our recreation and culture programs,” the municipality said. 

Non-residents will be able to start registering for programs Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. through newmarket.ca/activityguide.