The Comox Valley Regional District has announced the intended plans to reopen the Comox Valley Sports Centre in the second week of September.
The recreation centre, located at 3001 Vanier Drive in Courtenay, will be reopened to the public beginning on September 8.
The facility has been closed for nearly the duration of the global pandemic, shutting its doors to the public back on March 17.
“The re-opening of the Sports Centre, including the pool facility, has been a top priority to ensure the well-being and health of our community,” said Sports Commission Chair Daniel Arbour in a written statement. “The Aquatic Centre will remain closed for now while we monitor the demand and COVID-19 risks prior to re-opening this facility. In order to protect the health and safety of users and the staff please remain home if you are sick or showing any signs of COVID-19.”
Despite reopening, the pool offerings at the facility will be limited in order to help follow health and safety guidelines outlined by B.C. officials and WorkSafe BC.
According to the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), available pool programs will include aquacise, rehab swim times, lane swim times, and select swim lessons.
Residents who want to use the pool will be required to reserve 55-minute time slots online through Perfect Mind or over the phone. The CVRD suggests that reservations will be limited per time slot and standard drop-in rates will apply.
The Comox Valley Sports Centre facility and pool will be open between 6 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the weekends.
The district highlights that refunds will only be available if a swimming reservation is cancelled 24 hours in advance or more.
Along with the pool offerings, the CVRD has posted its Fall Recreation Guide amid COVID-19, which can be found online.
The district adds that the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre will remain closed at this time.
More information on the re-opening is available by calling 250-334-9622 or visiting www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/registration.
Graham Cox
