​PORT COQUITLAM, BC – May 7, 2020… Port Coquitlam residents may once again use the city’s sport courts and other outdoor amenities  – as long as they do so responsibly.

The city is reopening tennis and basketball courts, lacrosse boxes, leash optional dog parks and bike skills and skate parks for activities where physical distancing can be maintained.

Port Coquitlam was among the first in March to proactively close these sites over concerns that users were not maintaining a safe social distance, as directed by the Provincial Health Officer to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We took the actions necessary at the time to help slow the spread of the virus, and I thank our community for doing their part,” said Mayor Brad West. “Because of that, we’re able to take this next step of opening more city amenities for residents to enjoy. The physical and mental well-being of our community is important and I know people will be pleased they have more options to stay active.”

The reopened amenities, along with City sports fields and parks, are open from dawn to dusk.

Residents are reminded to:

• Keep at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households,
• Avoid large groups and gatherings,
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently,
• Covering their cough or sneeze,
• Limit their use of the amenities at busy times, and
• Stay home if they are feeling sick with no exceptions.

Signs reinforcing these safety measures will be posted at the sites and enforced by the City’s Bylaw Services.

“It’s very important for residents to use these amenities responsibly and follow health orders so that we can keep them open,” said West. “We have come as far as we have because we’ve all done our part so let’s keep it up for the health and safety of everyone.”

The city continues to monitor updates from local health authorities to determine when other recreation facilities may re-open. Playgrounds remain closed at this time.

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 – www.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