Port Coquitlam is clarifying rules for proof of vaccination for its leisure facilities and offering help to those who are having trouble getting their B.C. Vaccine Card.
The city is providing the updated information as it opens its leisure pool and 425-space parking garage at the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC).
PoCo is also planning a grand opening on Oct. 2 for the new $132-million facility.
Proof of first vaccination and ID have been required since Sept. 13, but not all amenities require the paper or electronic card, according to the Provincial Health Officer.
Here’s where it’s needed:
- Indoor fitness classes, weight rooms (12 and older)
- Sport activities and arena sports (22 and older)
- Any indoor event/activity attended by more than 50 people, such as spectating at a hockey game (12 and older)
Here’s where it’s NOT needed;
- Sport activities for age 21 or younger
- Indoor or outdoor pools and aquatic amenities – all ages
- Arenas (but does apply to ice sports aged 22 and older)
- Terry Fox Library – all ages
- Non-recreation civic facilities such as city hall and Annex, public works and fire halls
If you need help to get your B.C. Vaccine Card, Terry Fox Library staff are available to help.
Meanwhile, the city is opening other recreation centres as well.
Other recent expanded services include the reopening of the weight room at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, longer recreation facility hours, and more drop-in and pre-registered opportunities.
You're encouraged to visit the City of Port Coquitlam's restart page for more information recreation centre activities and schedules.
Many people have been eagerly awaiting the return of the PCCC pool, which opened on Mar. 7, 2020, but was closed later that month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Focused on leisure use, the pool has an accessible sloped entry, lazy river, play features, large hot tub and two 20-metre leisure swim lanes. Nearby are accessible change rooms, seating and lounge space, a steam room and sauna.
Like the rest of the PCCC, the pool area features a modern, airy design with B.C. wood architectural elements and expansive windows for optimal viewing of the south concourse and direct access to the spray park.
The hours will be limited at first but will expand as demand grows.
PCCC pool hours of operation are:
- Monday, Thursday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 4 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Pool hours will gradually be expanded through the fall.
For more information, you can visit the pools page of the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
