Prince George city council will consider possibly reopening the CN Centre for an indoor walking program at an upcoming meeting.
On July 27, council voted to keep the CN Centre closed along with the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, Elksentre, Civic Centre and Four Seasons Leisure Swimming Pool to help offset the 2020 budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kin Arenas, however, reopened on Aug. 17 and the Aquatic Centre is set to open its doors on Sept. 8 under new COVID-19 guidelines.
During an update on the Kin Arenas reopening, Mayor Lyn Hall put forward a motion for staff to research the possibility of reopening the CN Centre to accommodate an indoor walking program during the winter months.
In his report to council, director of community services Adam Davey, identified the CN Centre as the most cost-effective method to provide an indoor walking service, but noted administration does not recommend providing one at this time due to the overall budget shortfall.
“I want to update council on a meeting I had with the [Prince George Council of Seniors]. Representatives contacted me and I met with them regarding their concern around the upcoming opportunity for them to have a walking location,” said Mayor Hall.
“The concern they brought forward was very legitimate regarding their inability – particularly come, probably, October – to be able to have a location, as they’ve had in the past, for secure, safe walking.”
He said the intent of the recommendation is to have city staff create a report examining what reopening the CN Centre for indoor walking would look like including the process, any COVID-19 ramifications and added expenses.
“I do think it’s an essential program in our city during the winter months,” said Coun. Terri McConnachie, who voiced her support for the recommendation.
“The ice can break a bone no matter how old you are, it does make it tough to get out there and get your steps in on the city streets in the winter.”
Coun. Murry Krause also noted the importance of the indoor walking program.
“Seniors become virtual prisoners in their own homes during the wintertime, so it’s critical they get out and get physical exercise so it really is all about health and wellbeing.”
Hall requested city staff return the report to council by the Oct. 5 city council meeting before his recommendation was passed unanimously.
However, in response to Coun. Garth Frizzell’s comments around the financial aspect, Mayor Hall acknowledged reopening the CN Centre for walking would also be an additional cost to the city.
“As we open facilities that doesn’t mean that we are generating revenue. Our subsidization, as we were told a couple of meetings ago, continues to increase as we open up because of various cleaning protocols because of COVID,” said Hall.
“We are not seeing people in the stands, so we are not generating a whole lot of revenue given the minimal amount of people who are able to attend facilities at any one time.”
In terms of the Kin Arenas reopening, Davey noted it has been successful so far.
Administration will provide another report in September that addresses the evolving return-to-sport environment and potential demand for additional ice.
