News release

For immediate release

Recreation facilities update

Saanich, BC – Saanich’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department staff continue to monitor the information and guidelines provided by the Province, Island Health and other authorities to develop plans to reopen recreation facilities in a manner that ensures the health and safety of the public and staff. 

“We appreciate that our programs and services are especially important to you and our community and we are working on plans for resuming services as soon as we can,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “Although the timeline for reopening Saanich recreation facilities has not been finalized, we are committed to keeping the community informed as we move forward.”

What is available now

Saanich’s parks, trails, beaches, outdoor sport courts, natural areas and the Cedar Hill Golf Course are open for your enjoyment. Saanich encourages residents to enjoy these amenities and to stay active and connected while respecting the recommendations for physical distancing and healthy hygiene practices. The Community Services team continues to connect with the community in a variety of ways and will share additional opportunities for our residents to connect from a distance.

Saanich Parks, Recreation and Community Services is working toward June 29 to start summer day camp services. Parents will be contacted this week with details on camp registrations and program delivery.

Reopening will look different

When Saanich recreation facilities do reopen, your participation will look different. The number of people in facilities will be controlled and monitored through registered drop in to maintain physical distancing and adequate cleaning protocols. It will be a gradual process of reopening and it will take time to implement these new protocols to ensure the health and safety of the public and staff, which remains the first priority. Safety plans will be posted for the public with the reopening of facilities and programs. 

Passes

Due to new regulations which limit group sizes, drop-in attendance and enhanced safety protocols, Saanich Parks, Recreation, and Community Services will cancel all time limited recreation centre membership passes such as annual passes (pro-rated from March 17, 2020) and will apply account credits respectively. The credit may be used toward the purchase of single activity registrations, future admission punch cards, program registrations, and/or facility bookings once programs and services resume operation. 

Saanich will not sell monthly or annual recreation centre passes for the foreseeable future. If you would prefer to have a refund, please contact any Saanich recreation centre for assistance.

Learn more

You can find ongoing updates on programs and facility planning on Saanich’s social media channels, in the Parks Recreation and Community Services newsletter and at Saanich.ca/COVID-19.

Please contact any of Saanich’s four recreation centres with your questions.

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Media contact:
Charlene Parker
Manager, Saanich Commonwealth Place
charlene.parker@saanich.ca
250-475-7604