The cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are closing a range of civic facilities until further notice to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
But the cities are taking different approaches to spring break camps.
Here's what's closed where:
COQUITLAM
According to a media release Monday afternoon, those currently registered in Coquitlam programs or who have events booked in Coquitlam civic facilities will be able to receive a full refund.
The city said the decision to shut down the facilities came following direction from the federal government and B.C.’s provincial health officer.
“Coquitlam activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Friday… to facilitate advance planning and a coordinated response to the impacts of the current pandemic,” the city said in a statement. “Further to the new direction received today from the health authorities, the city’s EOC staff will continue to assess what additional measures may be required at this time in relation to city facilities, programs, services and events.”
The list of facilities that will be closed includes:
• Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex;
• City Centre Aquatic Complex;
• Glen Pine Pavilion;
• Dogwood Pavilion;
• Pinetree community centre;
• Poirier community centre;
• Smiling Creek Activity Centre;
• Summit Activity Centre;
• Victoria Hall;
• Centennial Activity Centre;
• The Getaway Youth Centre;
• The Landing Youth Centre;
• Coquitlam city archives;
• city hall annex;
• all fire halls;
• and the operations centre (Austin Avenue works yard).
Along with city hall, the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, the Coquitlam RCMP Public Safety Building, Robinson Memorial Cemetery Park and all city parks will remain open.
For updates on the COVID-19 impacts to the city of Coquitlam, go to www.coquitlam.ca/covid19. An information hotline has also been set up to provide answers to question from the public. Residents with questions can also call 604-927-4383. After a recorded update, a caller can press 0 to speak to someone. Residents can also email covid19@coquitlam.ca.
PORT COQUITLAM
Monday morning, PoCo announced its community spaces — including the Port Coquitlam community centre, Hyde Creek recreation centre, Terry Fox Library and Leigh Square — would close effective immediately.
All spring break camps have also been closed and services at city hall and at other municipal venues will be limited; call 604-927-5411 to make an appointment, email info@portcoquitlam.ca or visit portcoquitlam.ca.
“In the best interest and safety of our residents, we have made the right decision to close our community facilities,” said Mayor Brad West said in a press release. “We all have an important role to play to help stop the spread of the virus.”
“We are doing our part,” the mayor said in the statement. “I ask that every Port Coquitlam resident and business follow the advice being provided by health authorities. Together we will get through this.”
Refunds will be given for activities or rentals affected by the shutdown, and library due dates for book returns will be suspended. Call 604-927-7529 or email recreation@portcoquitlam.ca for information about city recreation programs.
Visit portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 to see what the city is doing, how it is providing safe environments and activating precautions.
PORT MOODY
The city of Port Moody is closing many of its civic facilities, including the recreation complex, Kyle Centre, Old Orchard Hall, the library and the Kyle and Glenayre community centres.
But spring break camps that operate out of the rec complex will continue, with enhanced cleaning procedures in place.
In a press release, Mayor Rob Vagramov said the camps’ continuation will “support working parents,” adding the city is “working hard to prevent the spread of the virus and flatten the curve.”
City hall will also remain open, although residents are being encouraged to access city services and information online at portmoody.ca.
Refunds are being offered for any programs or facility rentals — including for the Inlet Theatre — affected by the closures. Late fees for overdue library books are also being forgiven.
For the latest information, go to portmoody.ca/covid19.
