The Comox Valley local governments are advising residents that indoor recreation facilities in Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) remain closed until further notice.  These facilities have been closed since March 17 to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The local government recreation departments are participating in a broad, provincial discussion on reopening community recreation centres through the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA).  The BCRPA will be developing tools and guidelines for recreation facilities that will assist them in meeting provincial standards. This plan will form the basis of how and when each facility opens and offers its services to the public and ensures compliance with WorkSafe BC.

“Local governments are working together to carefully develop staged reopening plans based on the WorkSafe BC, BCRPA and the Province of BC’s guidelines for our regional and municipal indoor recreation facilities,” explains CVRD Board Chair and EOC Spokesperson Jesse Ketler. “Once all the site-dependent plans are completed they will be posted online and at each facility. Consistency, collaboration and safety of our staff and residents is of utmost importance as we continue to move forward.”                     

Please visit your local government website for details regarding individual recreation facilities closures:

• Comox Valley Regional District https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/schedulechange
• Town of Comox http://comox.ca/recreation/
• City of Courtenay https://www.courtenay.ca/recreation
• Village of Cumberland https://cumberland.ca/recreation

Residents are encouraged to please follow the CVRD social media channels @comoxvalleyrd on Facebook and Twitter, as well as visiting the CVRD website www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/covid19 to remain up to date on accurate information. All Comox Valley local governments are centralizing regional COVID-19 information through these channels. The Emergency Operations Centre is standing by to support the lead agencies, Ministry of Health and Island Health, if requested at the federal and provincial level.

The Emergency Operations team with representatives from the DND/19-Wing Comox, K'ómoks First Nation, CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, Fire Chiefs Association, and many other external agencies and organizations are working together to collaborate on response measures and best practices for the region.