As COVID-19 restrictions ease with Step 3 of B.C.’s Restart Plan, Port Coquitlam facilities are gradually beginning to return to normal operations and program capacity.

As of July 2, the City’s formerly closed facilities and amenities will slowly begin to reopen. Visitors will be able to enter City buildings without a health screening and move around more freely. While masks are no longer required indoors, they continue to be recommended for those age 12 and older who are not fully vaccinated.

Recreational opportunities are also expanding, in alignment with the Restart Plan and recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer. Residents are encouraged to monitor portcoquitlam.ca/restart for information. Some of the initial changes will include:

• Continuing pre-registration with increased capacity and fewer restrictions for drop-in activities such as swimming, weight rooms and Aquafit,
• Reopening of swimming pool showers,
• Welcoming back a limited number of parents and spectators to watch indoor sports and activities,
• Increased capacity for outdoor and low-intensity fitness classes as of July 5 and a return of high-intensity fitness classes on July 12,
• At Hyde Creek, the return of pre-registered racquetball and squash as of July 12 and weight room access in August,
• The Lions Park Artists-in-Residence free art workshops will increase capacity (registration required – details at ca/air), and
• The Michael Wright Art Gallery and Outlet Gallery in Leigh Square will be open to the public to view exhibitions on Saturdays starting July 17^th. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/exhibitions

The community’s patience is appreciated as staff work to refine procedures for a safe reintroduction of services.

Additional capacity will be added in some summer camps, starting with those on waiting lists. The City will also be phasing in longer operating hours and more activities over the summer based on community demand.

Council meetings and public hearings are anticipated to continue via Zoom video conference until September. Planned return to in-person meetings in Council Chambers will resume on September 14, 2021 with COVID-19 safety plans in place, and as per Provincial Health Orders.

Details are posted at portcoquitlam.ca/restart and expanded pre-registered activities can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/register. All City reopening plans may be adjusted to reflect any new guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.

Outdoor events such as the Farmers Market and Shaughnessy Pop-up Park activities continue. Watch portcoquitlam.ca/summer for updates.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Acting Manager of Communications
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca