OTTAWA – Get a workout in, learn a language, or a martial art, or a dance, all from the comfort of your laptop.

 “The city’s new Virtual Arts and Recreation Centre opens its door to fitness, creative arts, and special interests right into your home,” city staff released in statement yesterday (Jan. 7).

The city’s new Virtual Arts and Recreation Centre opens opportunities to get fit, learn a new language, recipe or instrument, or discover your talents with a brush and palette – virtually, right in the comfort of your home. The winter class offerings will be online at ottawa.ca/recreation on Monday, Jan. 11, with registration starting on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 9 p.m.

A mix of short workshops and multi-week courses will begin on Monday, Jan. 25. There will be offerings for every age group. Programs will include:

• Language classes (French and Spanish) 
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs (STEM)
• Cooking classes
• Visual arts: drawing, painting, digital arts
• Fitness: Zumba©, bootcamp, yoga
• Dancing: ballet, hip hop and others
• Martial arts, Tai Chi
• Leadership programs

“Virtual classes help support everyone’s COVID-19 prevention efforts,” city staff said. “Staying active and occupied with live-streamed, interactive classes is a perfect way to promote physical and mental well-being.”

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401).