News release

For immediate release

Saanich begins gradual reopening of recreation centres

Saanich, BC – Saanich residents will soon have access to more recreation services just in time for summer as the District begins to gradually reopen its four recreation centres over the coming weeks.

The first phase saw Saanich Day Camps resume on June 29 with COVID-19 protocols. Visit saanich.ca/recreation for more information and registration. 

The second phase will see in-person reception services and weight rooms open at all four recreation centres July 13. Online and phone-in registration is preferred.

“We are thrilled to start to welcome residents back into our world-class recreation centres,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “Recreation is a vital part of our community well-being. We understand that our residents can’t wait to return to the services and facilities they love. I, council and staff join them in this, albeit with understanding that there will be modifications and new safety protocols in place.”

Weight rooms

Starting July 13, a new protocol will require patrons to reserve a 90-minute time slot for weight rooms. You may reserve a time online at saanich.ca/recreation or over the phone through each centre. Time slots will be available for booking five calendar days in advance.

Ice services

Starting July 20, ice services will restart in the Green Arena at G.R. Pearkes.

Aquatics

Aquafit will reopen at Gordon Head, Jul 20, and limited aquatic programs at Saanich Commonwealth Place, Aug 4. Additional services will resume later in August and beyond.

Staff have been carefully planning over the past months to welcome residents back into Saanich facilities with the safety of residents and staff as the top priority. In preparation, Saanich has increased the cleaning frequency in all facilities and trained staff in new safety protocols.

Participation in recreation activities will look different as centres reopen. The number of people in the centres will be controlled and monitored to maintain physical distancing. This means, all services, including drop-in, will be by reservation only for the foreseeable future. You can register for activities online at saanich.ca/recreation or by calling the centre.

Saanich encourages residents to review the safety protocols for specific activities before registering.

Please do not visit a recreation centre if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath
• New muscle aches or headache
• Sore throat
• Have travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days
• Are a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19

The recreation safety protocols were developed based on guidelines and requirements from the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafe BC, Island Health, BC Recreation and Parks Association, and the Lifesaving Society of BC. Saanich closed its four recreation centres March 17 to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. Safety plans are available to the public at Saanich.ca/recreation and at each facility.  

Learn more:

Visit saanich.ca/recreation for a detailed listing of what services are available at each centre and the relevant safety protocols. You can find the most up-to-date information as Saanich resumes its services and reopens facilities at saanich.ca/COVID-19.

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Media contact:

Sandra Pearson
Manager, Gordon Head Recreation Centre
sandra.pearson@saanich.ca
250-475-7102