News release

For immediate release

Flipside Youth Centre will remain closed this fall

Saanich, BC – Although G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre has reopened to provide recreation programs to the community, the Flipside Teen Centre at G.R. Pearkes will not reopen this fall.

The District of Saanich has taken many proactive steps to limit the risk of COVID-19. One of those steps this spring was to temporarily relocate one Saanich Fire Department crew from the Saanich #1 Fire Station to operate from G.R. Pearkes on a 24/7 basis. This move allows for appropriate physical distancing while ensuring crews are still able to provide efficient and timely service to the community. This Saanich Fire crew will remain operating from G.R. Pearkes, including the teen centre space, for the foreseeable future.

“We are well aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social and physical isolation has had on youth in the community,” said Saanich’s Youth Programmer Chris Filler. ”Teens are disproportionately affected by the social impact of COVID-19 and as a result of the disruption to school, social connections, music, art and sport routines, youth have had a hard time connecting with each other as well as meeting their own needs of self-care and well-being.”

The Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department looks forward to a new normal this fall with some offerings and opportunities for youth to recreate and reconnect. The Upside Teen Centre at Saanich Commonwealth Place and the Backdoor Teen Centre at Gordon Head Recreation Centre will resume with specialty programs such as Outdoor Club, LGBTQ2+ Social program, Crafters Club and much more.

Programs will obviously look a little different during these unprecedented times, but will occur safely and will follow guidelines and requirements from the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafe BC, Island Health and the BC Recreation and Parks Association. With the temporary closure of the Flipside Teen Centre at G.R. Pearkes, where services are so desperately needed, the focus will be on expanding work with community partners in the Tillicum neighbourhood.

Registered youth programs at Saanich’s four recreation centres will also return this fall. Saanich youth will still have exciting, creative and energizing program options to choose from, including Red Cross Babysitting, Judo, Pottery, Home Alone, Aikido and some organized sports.

Learn more:

You can find more information about Saanich’s teen centres at Saanich.ca. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Active Living Guide with program registration information was released August 15.   

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Media contact:
Chris Filler
Programmer II, Community Services
chris.filler@saanich.ca
250-475-5494