PITT MEADOWS, BC – The City has made the difficult decision to not open the Harris Road Outdoor Pool this summer due to a number of logistical and safety concerns.
“We know how much community members look forward to using the pool in the summer, so this was a tough decision for Council” said Mayor Bill Dingwall. “Through discussions with staff, we realized that the size of our pool wouldn’t accommodate social distancing measures, and the safety of residents and staff is paramount to the City.”
The Harris Road Outdoor Pool is typically open from July 1 to the Labour Day Long Weekend in September and is managed on behalf of the municipality by Recreation Excellence.
Despite the Province of B.C. announcement to relax some COVID-19 pandemic restrictions through the phased BC Restart Plan, the decision to not open the pool was made early, because it takes time to prepare the pool for the season and is based on:
- the small size of the pool, which would make social distancing difficult for staff and patrons;
- information pending from the Province about levels of cleaning required for facilities;
- the inability to offer swimming lessons or other programming, as a result of social distancing requirements; and
- potential issues with staffing, as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Additional announcements about other Pitt Meadows outdoor facilities will be made in the coming weeks.
Contacting the City
While City Hall is closed to the public, we are still open for business. Our eServices provide online access to City accounts and services 24 hours per day, seven days per week at mypittmeadows.com. Customer Services can also be reached by email info@pittmeadows.ca or phone 604-465-5454 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Visit pittmeadows.ca/COVID19 to find out more.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca