(paNOW/File Photo)

By Alison Sandstrom

COVID closures

City clarifies no decision has been made on facility opening dates

May 29, 2020 | 12:01 PM

The City of Prince Albert is clarifying its position on city facilities.

In a media release the City said it has not made any decisions on the opening dates of pools, arenas and rinks and staff continue to refer to the provincial Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan for further guidance.

This follows an announcement Thursday in which the city offered a financial forecast based on the assumption that facilities would remain closed until the end of December,

“We need to clarify that despite the headline of a local news organization yesterday, [paNOW], the City of Prince Albert has not made any determination on the opening date for facilities,” said Jim Toye, City Manager. “We’ve made assumptions for the purpose of financial forecasting, but no decisions have been made. There are many factors that are unknown and we are committed to doing a full analysis that takes into account not just financial considerations, but the needs of our community. This has been the priority all along. We are taking this one day at a time, just like everyone else, and will make announcements as we learn more.”

Announcements on each individual facility will be made as they are available.

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The city also laid out the steps is taking in setting the opening dates for indoor and outdoor facilities:

1. Assess the most current information released from the Province on phases of the reopen plan.
2. Confirm the implementation dates from the Province on these respective phases
3. Comprehensive review of the facility guidelines that we are required to comply with. This will include additional cleaning, disinfecting, and safety measures.
4. The Community Services department will then assess the feasibility of opening by considering the facility guidelines, user group demand for revenue projections, expenses for the additional measures, etc.
5. Once a determination is made that the facility will open, we will move forward with finalizing a schedule for our ice plants and set a date for the opening of each Arena, City Hall, Field House, EA Rawlinson centre, Arts Centre, Margo Fournier Centre, Cosmo Lodge, Community Clubs, Outdoor Playgrounds, Tennis Courts and Park Amenities.

The city further announced the opening of Tennis and Pickleball Courts effective Friday May 29. The current ten person limit on group gatherings must be adhered on the court. Users are also asked to practice safe hand hygiene and refer to Tennis Canada recommendations.

An announcement on the opening of the Alfred Jenkins Field House Fitness Centre is expected the week of June 15. A feasibility analysis is currently underway.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom