Port Coquitlam, BC, June 4, 2020. . . Summer is looking brighter for Port Coquitlam families as the city takes steps to open spray parks, outdoor pools, outdoor summer camps and events.

In line with B.C.’s Restart Plan, Port Coquitlam is opening spray parks on June 15. Outdoor pools will re-open by July 2.

The city is also planning modified outdoor summer camps – with priority registration starting June 12 for Port Coquitlam residents and June 15 for the general public. Plans are also underway for modified Canada Day celebrations and the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market

“This is great news for the community. Parents across Port Coquitlam have been eagerly awaiting more fun and safe activities for their kids,” Mayor Brad West said. “I’d like to reinforce that public health is and will always be our top priority. We’ll be relying on the community to be responsible so that we can keep these much-needed amenities open.”

Like the city’s playgrounds and other outdoor amenities, the status of spray parks and pools will depend on users following social distancing and other public health requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19, as well as sufficient public demand.

The following amenities will be available this summer:

• Spray parks at Castle, Lions and Sun Valley Parks – Reopen on June 15.
• Robert Hope and Centennial Outdoor Pools – Reopen on July 2 for public rental opportunities and regulated public swims that comply with public health guidelines.
• Outdoor Summer Camps – A small selection of outdoor camps for children and youth with modifications to protect public health will be offered starting July 6– providing there is enough interest after registration opens June 12 at www.portcoquitlam.ca/register.
• Summer events – Following the success of the reformatted May Days festival, a modified version of Canada Day is being planned to celebrate Port Coquitlam’s resiliency and support local businesses.

City staff are also exploring the potential of offering some public swimming lessons where physical distancing can be maintained, with more information to come in June. At this time, there is no set timeline for the reopening of the Routley and Sun Valley wading pools or indoor pools and recreation facilities.

“We’re happy to be able to provide more options for active, healthy and low-cost or free activities at our parks and facilities,” noted Cllr. Steve Darling, Council’s designate for recreation matters. “We thank the public in advance for their patience as we determine how to operate within the new normal and safely provide access to our amenities.”

Public Health Will Remain the Priority

The city’s reopening plans will be scaled back or changed as necessary to ensure public health and comply with orders from the Provincial Health Officer.

Users of all outdoor amenities in Port Coquitlam are required to follow public health requirements posted at the sites, such as:

• Keeping at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households,
• Avoiding large groups and gatherings,
• Washing hands thoroughly and frequently before and after play and touching shared surfaces, and using hand sanitizer if a washroom is not available,
• Avoiding touching the face,
• Covering coughs and sneezes,
• Limiting use of amenities at busy times, and
• Staying home if feeling sick – with no exceptions.

While bylaw enforcement staff will be monitoring some locations, all users are expected to maintain physical distancing and follow the health guidelines. Users are reminded that parents are responsible for supervising their children and that the city does not clean or disinfect outdoor equipment or play structures.

Residents who see others not complying with provincial health orders can report incidents with the reporting form linked at www.portcoquitlam.ca/bylawservices for follow-up by bylaw officers.

Stay Informed

Many city services continue to be available by phone, email and online. For information, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 or follow the City of Port Coquitlam on social media.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line a: 1-833-784-4397, or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool, visit BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.ca.

For more information and updates please contact the following resources:

• Fraser Health Authority – fraserhealth.ca
• Public Health Agency of Canada – www.canada.ca/publichealth

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca