The City of Red Deer is preparing for Stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch strategy, which will begin Friday.
But while municipal pools and recreation centres will be allowed to start operations, Red Deer’s facilities won’t be ready to open this week.
A release from the City of Red Deer states that reopening plans are being analyzed to be in alignment with the guidelines outlined in the provincial government’s relaunch strategy.
Recreation amenities, including recreation centres, arenas and swimming pools, are permitted to open as of Friday, so long as they follow public health orders and other guidelines.
However, it will take the city time to put this change into action.
Shelley Gagnon, manager of recreation, parks and culture, said, “We know Red Deerians are anxious to return to their favourite recreation amenities and resume their usual physical activities,” but putting these facilities back into operation requires adequate staffing and other complexities.
“We are working hard to balance the need to get these facilities open with the need to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”
Municipal staff will review the provincial strategy to determine how to best move forward. According to the city, there is work to be done so that users can be welcomed back in a safe way.
Besides recalling staff to work, new policies and procedures need to be developed and implemented, personal protective equipment needs to be sourced and co-ordinated, and facilities need to be assessed, cleaned and inspected.