(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

COVID-19 response

City of Red Deer closing rec and culture facilities

Mar 15, 2020 | 7:47 PM

The City of Red Deer is temporarily closing all of its recreation and culture facilities to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The move takes effect at closing time of each facility today (Sunday, March 15).

City officials say the decision was made in alignment with Alberta Health’s recommendation to cancel all K-12 and post-secondary classes in the province and to promote social distancing and minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.

There are no confirmed cases of the virus in Red Deer, according to Alberta Health Services, and the risk to residents remains low.

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Facilities impacted by closure include:

• Collicutt Centre
• G.H. Dawe Community Centre
• Recreation Centre
• Michener Aquatic Centre
• Servus Arena
• Kinsmen Community Arenas
• Kinex Arena
• Setters Place at Great Chief Park
• Intermediate School Site (Culture Services Centre)

The closures also include all leased spaces within City recreation facilities including food vendors, retail stores, and private recreation providers such as the dance studio and gymnastics centre at the Collicutt Centre. Not included are spaces that have an external public access (i.e. Red Deer Public Library G.H. Dawe branch, Exalta Gymnastics and Red Deer Minor Hockey Association office).

Additionally, the Northside Community Centre is closed to the public, under the direction of The YMCA of Northern Alberta.

“This was a difficult decision, but it’s in the best interest of our residents and City employees,” said Karen Mann, Emergency Operations Centre Director. “While we don’t know how long these closures will last, we want to assure residents and staff that our first priority is, and always will be, your health and safety. We will continue to be guided by the province’s public health officials in taking actions to protect the public.”

The City says they are in contact with the operators of River Bend, Heritage Ranch, Bower Ponds, Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery and neighbourhood activity centres. City officials say business decisions regarding these facilities remain with individual operators, though the City acknowledges that further closures may be necessary.

Other measures being taken by The City of Red Deer at this time include:

• Part-time and permanent staff will be paid for two weeks

• Continued activation of The City of Red Deer Emergency Operations Centre

• Continued activation of The City of Red Deer call centre daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for residents to make non-emergency inquiries about City services and policies (403-342-8111)

• Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services in high traffic areas

• Mandatory 14-day isolation period for City employees who are symptomatic and/or have returned from international travel after March 12, 2020.

• Notifying customers affected by program cancellations at City facilities including fitness classes, swimming lessons, educational and cultural courses and child minding services.

• Revised cancellation policies for passes, programs and room rentals. Details are posted at www.reddeer.ca.

City Hall, City of Red Deer offices at the Professional Building downtown, Sorensen Station, Red Deer Transit Service offices, and all RCMP detachments remain open to the public at this time.

More information on COVID-19 is at Alberta.ca/covid19.