With B.C. moving to Step 3 of the Restart Plan, Courtenay Recreation is expanding services and welcoming more participants back into its programs.
City of Courtenay facilities closed to the public on March 16, 2020. Since that time, recreation facilities have gradually reopened with limited availability for program participants in compliance with changing Provincial Health Orders.
Facilities will reopen more fully this month and continuing throughout the summer. This gradual, phased approach will allow staff to address capacity increases and operating changes. Courtenay Recreation thanks patrons for their patience and understanding as this process evolves.
The following priority areas have been identified for expansion of services and access:
• Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor Pool
• Wellness Centre & Lewis Centre
• Recreation Programs (drop-in fitness, Evergreen Club 55+, etc)
• The LINC Youth Centre
Courtenay Recreation encourages participants to continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. As per the Provincial Health Officer, effective immediately masks are especially recommended (not required) to be worn inside Courtenay Recreation buildings for anyone 12 years and over who are not yet fully vaccinated (14 days after second dose).
For up-to-date information, visit courtenay.ca/rec, check out the City of Courtenay Facebook Page or call 250-338-5371 or 250-338-1000.
City Hall, fire hall reopen
City Hall, Public Works Services, and the Courtenay Fire Hall have also reopened to the public.
“It has been a long road for our community, and being able to reopen our doors is a huge positive milestone,” said Mayor Bob Wells. “As we are not entirely out of the woods with COVID-19, virtual services remain available to safely access city services from the comfort of home. We respectfully ask for patience and understanding as we implement changes based on updated guidance from the Province of B.C.’s Restart Plan and Worksafe BC. Some services may take longer to fully reopen to the public than others, so if unsure, please call or check out our website before you visit.”
Improved or new virtual services that were implemented over the past year remain available, and residents and businesses are encouraged to continue accessing many City services without needing to attend City Hall in person.
While Council meetings and public hearings remain virtual for now, more information about in-person participation at public meetings will be provided in the coming weeks as details are aligned with provincial guidelines and recommendations.
In-person cemetery administration services will be available as of July 19, with full service remaining available by phone and email.
For ongoing updates to City facilities and operations during Step 3, visit www.courtenay.ca/covid19