Swimming in an indoor pool or working out at a public gym could occur on a limited basis as soon as next month in Coquitlam.
The city said it is moving ahead with Stage 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, which means some indoor recreation facilities are expected to come back online over the next few weeks. While drop-in access to city hall, the Austin Works Yard, the Archives, the Animal Shelter and Town Centre Fire Hall began this week, registered access to the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (PSLC) arenas, the pool at City Centre Aquatic Complex and the gyms is expected to start on Aug. 10.
Registered pool access at PSLC will occur on Sept. 8 along with access to programs at Pinetree and Poirier Community Centres as well as seniors programs at the Dogwood and Glen Pine Pavilions.
“Coquitlam’s gradual reopening has been guided by its four-stage Phased Reopening Framework, developed with health and safety as the priority and careful consideration of staffing, financial and other impacts,” the city said in press release.
“The popular outdoor and online recreation programs introduced during these stages will continue in Stage 3, which will enable participants to access indoor activities and services. The plans were designed to provide the maximum community benefit, including providing services to vulnerable populations such as youth and seniors.”
Strict safety protocols will be in place as facilities begin to reopen, according to the city.
Staff will closely monitor activities, limiting group size and making physical alterations to encourage distancing. The city will also increase cleaning efforts and enhance staff training. All indoor public facilities in the Tri-Cities have been closed since March in response to the public health crisis.
For more information about Coquitlam’s reopening plans, go to coquitlam.ca/covid19.
