PITT MEADOWS, BC – Beginning on Saturday, May 23, Pitt Meadows residents may once again use the City’s sports courts and other outdoor amenities, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
On March 16, following directions from B.C.’s Chief Medical Health Officer, the City closed all public facilities to help protect community health and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now, as the province enters Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan, City staff are working diligently to develop plans for the eventual reopening of all municipal facilities.
“We appreciate the efforts of residents and businesses to stay home and practice physical distancing, and feel for community members, who have been impacted physically, emotionally and economically by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Mayor Bill Dingwall. “The City is taking a gradual, measured approach to reopening facilities to ensure that we don’t put our loved ones and most vulnerable citizens at risk. While everyone is eager to resume regular activities, we ask for your patience as we navigate the new normal.”
On Saturday, May 23, tennis courts, sport courts, the Skate Park, BMX Track and washrooms at Harris Road Park, Pitt Meadows Athletic Park and the BMX Track will be reopened from dawn until dusk. Signage will be posted reminding residents to practice physical distancing, along with additional safety measures such as individual play and no sharing of equipment. The City will be closely monitoring the use of these spaces and will make adjustment as needed. All playgrounds and the spray park will remain closed at this time.
“Our Emergency Operations Centre team is working on risk assessments and reopening plans for a variety of City services. Safety of our staff and the community is our highest priority as we gradually reopen facilities,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “We are continuing to receive guidance and updates from the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC, and will share more information in the coming weeks.”
Safety measures that will be considered to protect staff, patrons and the community at large will include a combination of physical distancing measures; physical barriers or modifications to workplaces and facilities; additional cleaning and sanitization; rules and guidelines; and personal protective equipment.
Information about reopening other City facilities will be shared at pittmeadows.ca/COVID19.
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Contacting the City
While City Hall remains 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.).
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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca