DIDSBURY – Town council has approved a schedule to reopen municipal community service facilities over the coming weeks, including the aquatic centre on July 13.
The move came during the June 23 regularly scheduled council meeting.
The schedule includes opening dates, proposed hours, COVID-19 prevention items required at the facilities, and operational updates.
Reopening on July 6 will be the Didsbury train station, the Didsbury Memorial Complex, the multi-purpose room, the curling rink upstairs lobby, and Didsbury Neighbourhood Place.
The Didsbury Aquatic Centre will reopen on July 13.
All facilities will have COVID-19 social distancing signage, hand sanitizer stations, and hours of operation will in some cases be reduced pending the province’s Phase 3 of reopening.
Updated cleaning protocols will also be in place for all facilities.
While the Aquatic Centre will reopen on July 13, the opening will not include the hot tub, rope swing or stream room.
Swimming lessons can be introduced during the current provincial Phase 2 reopening, and will be implemented once staff and patrons are comfortable with new protocols, council heard.
There will be some increased training for lifeguard staff in areas such as first aid administration, cleaning, rescue protocols, person protective equipment and guarding procedures.
Mayor Rhonda Hunter says there is public interest in the opening of recreation facilities.
“This is a responsible approach. We are going to follow the guidelines of the Chief Medical Officer,” said Hunter.
Administration is tracking COVID costs across the municipality, including for recreation facilities, council heard.
The arena remains closed during an ongoing construction project.
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