Popping into one of Port Moody’s recreation centres won’t be possible until sometime this fall when the city anticipates moving into the third phase of its four-phase reopening plan.
The city is currently in the second phase, reopening sports fields and courts, as well as playgrounds, that were closed last March to limit transmission of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. As well, the library is offering curbside pick-up and drop-off of books, limited outdoor fitness programs are operating by registration again, and some city hall services can be accessed by appointment.
Westhill Pool is scheduled to reopen July 6 for registered programming and swim club, and most spray parks are opening on June 29. But the pool at Rocky Point park will remain closed, as will the spray park there.
City manager Tim Savoie said opening the former didn’t fit in with the city’s reopening plan and its staffing capacity, while the latter is undergoing repairs for a mechanical failure and will remain out of operation until it's fixed.
Savoie said the library will also be reopening July 6 with a reduced schedule of 6.5 hours a day. Although what those hours will be has yet to be determined.
Coquitlam reopened its two public library branches this week, but is limiting the number of visitors who must enter and exit through separate access points. They’re also being asked to limit their time in the facility to an hour.
As well, Coquitlam’s Spani and Eagle Ridge outdoor pools are opening on Saturday, while Port Coquitlam opens its two outdoor pools on July 2.
Savoie said other city services like summer day camp programs are also slowly being brought back on stream, although with limited capacity and various modifications to procedures.
“The safety of our residents and our staff continues to be our top priority,” he said, adding staff is also formulating a plan that would return in-person council meetings to the Inlet Theatre when provincial ministerial orders and health officer guidelines allow.
Phase three will accommodate booking of civic facilities for small gatherings, drop-in services at the rec centres and library as well as the resumption of fire prevention education and community outreach activities by Port Moody Fire Rescue.
Meanwhile the Port Moody Firefighters Charitable Society has announced its 43rd annual pancake breakfast that’s normally held in conjunction with Golden Spike Days and Canada Day festivities will be an online event on Aug. 2. The society said it hopes the event will raise $40,000 for local charities.
