City facilities likes pools, arenas and the civic centre are tentatively expected to reopen starting in August, according to a report to city council.
In the report, which will be presented to council on Monday, city director of community service and public safety Adam Davey outlined the proposed reopening schedule for a number of indoor civic facilities. Provincial public health authorities are expected to allow the reopening of indoor recreational facilities in Phase 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan, Davey wrote.
"Phase 3 may begin as early as July; however, there is no exact date yet. This
may include pools, arenas and recreational (civic) facilities," he wrote. "Based upon province-wide discussions with other communities, the general consensus supports tentative reopening dates of arenas, pools, and community centres in the August to September timeframe. The additional time provides the ability for community groups, local sport organizations and local governments to navigate current uncertainties surrounding insurance and liability, COVID-19 Safety Plans, and Return-To-Play Plans. It is expected to take several weeks to work through these processes."
When facilities reopen, they will be required to maintain two-metre physical distancing between patrons, and facilities will be limited to 50 people at a time. It's expected that sporting events with spectators won't be allowed until Phase 4 of the Restart Plan, which may not happen until 2021 or later.
The tentative date to reopen the Prince George Aquatic Centre is Sept. 8, Davey wrote. The centre is undergoing a sand filtration system replacement in July.
When the Aquatics Centre does reopen, it will be with a modified schedule and operations, which the city will make public in August, Davey said.
"It appears that swimming lessons, close-contact programs and sports may not be allowed until Phase 4," he wrote. "As such, the Four Seasons Leisure Pool will remain closed until further notice."
As for arenas, Kin Centre 2 and 3 are tentatively scheduled to reopen in early August for a number of hockey and figure skating camps. Kin 1 and CN Centre may open in September, if there is user demand.
"It is unknown what the overall ice user demand will look like for the 2020/21 season," Davey wrote. "Based upon the city’s financial and operational restraints, it is unlikely that all six sheets of ice will be utilized."
The Prince George Civic and Conference Centre is tentatively scheduled to reopen in August, depending on user demand. However, the 50-person limit on gatherings will remain in effect until lifted by public health officials.
"Safety plans may be required for all user groups, in addition to further insurance requirements. Details are not clear on this yet," Davey wrote. "Revenue and cost-recovery rates are expected to be significantly reduced across all facilities. Under modified operations, the city’s service delivery model is going to look much different."
