City recreation facilities to open following BC Restart Plan

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 6, 2021 9:00 AM

Summary

On June 29, the Province of British Columbia confirmed that Phase 3 of their BC Restart Plan will begin on July 1. Phase 3 will see the following changes at Parks, Recreation and Culture:

AS OF JULY 1:

• Mask use for indoor activities is not required but encouraged.
• Fitness classes - all indoor fitness classes allowed to run with normal capacity.
• Weight Rooms operate with gradual increase to normal capacity and with no physical distancing requirements (pre-registration required until September 7).
• Indoor spectators of 50 people or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
• Outdoor spectators of 5,000 or 50% capacity (whichever is greater) permitted.
• All pre-registered sessions (swimming, skating, gymnasium sports) have increased capacity (pre-registration required for these sessions until September 7).
• New Communicable Disease Guidelines will be in place.

AS OF JULY 12:

• Oliver Woods Community Centre, Bowen Complex, Nanaimo Ice Centre and Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will open to the public for registration, washrooms and/or water fountains.
• Hot tub, slides and saunas are open at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

AS OF AUGUST 18:

• Beban Pool lobby (registration office) will open for fall 2021 registration. In addition, the washrooms will open and water fountains will be turned on. The public is invited to visit the "Celebration Stations" on this day in various recreation centre lobbies to welcome the community back and to share information on fall programs and events.

SEPTEMBER 1-15:

• Beban Park will be undergoing a major electrical upgrade so the Social Centre will not be open; however, the pool lobby and registration will be open.

AS OF SEPTEMBER 7:

• Pre-registration for swimming, skating, gymnasium sports and pottery will no longer be required. Please register at the facility prior to your session.
• Active Pass memberships for 1 year will be available for sale with monthly scheduled payment plan available.

AS OF OCTOBER 4:

• Beban Pool and Weight Room will re-open.

The City has taken a very thoughtful, informed and cautious approach to reopening its facilities and offering programs as a way to ensure the health and safety of everyone that uses the facilities or participates in programs. This method also provides opportunity to carefully navigate the unforeseen issues that may arise with the easing of restrictions.

Adjustments will be made as staff continue to review and update safety protocols that align with the province and other governing bodies, including WorkSafe BC, Island Health, viaSport, BCRPA (British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association) and other organizations. For up to date information, visit www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture.

Link to Strategic Plan: Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents supports a livable community.

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Email Address

What you were doing

What went wrong

reCAPTCHA failed - Please try again.

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.