Town Council approves gradual reopening of Pyramid Recreation Centre

Financially viable return to programming slated to begin October 1

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 25, St. Marys Town Council approved a reopening plan for the Pyramid Recreation Centre (PRC) that will see a deliberate, gradual return to programming so the facility remains as safe as possible to use as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Key to the reopening plan is clarification from the Province that the PRC can have 50 people per area -- provided that social distancing can be maintained -- and that each area have a separate entry with capabilities for contract tracing. Enhanced cleaning practices and COVID-19 protocols will put in place at the PRC to protect the health and safety of staff and patrons.

Council has allocated a $250,000 COVID operating shortfall target for municipal operations, and the PRC reopening is forecasted to cost approximately $100,000. The plan as approved will exceed Council’s overall target by $37,111. The shortfall will be recovered by some fee increases as well as funding from the recently announced provincial and federal governments’ “Safe Restart Agreement” funding.

Recreation staff presented the report in portions, acknowledging that all programming will not simultaneously return as each of the amenities within the PRC has its unique challenges when it comes to social distancing. More details will be provided as the opening of each amenity approaches.

Ice Pads

Council approved the opening of one ice pad on October 1, with a focus on minor sports teams, including the St. Marys Lincolns. All of the ice must be reserved and paid for in advance. Only when all the ice time has been used will council consider installing the ice on the second pad. Users must come ready for play: change rooms will be closed, but there will be areas to put on/remove skates. No spectators will be allowed, nor will there be canteen or bar service. Rental fees will increase to reflect the increased cleaning and contact tracing costs due to the pandemic.

Aquatics

Council approved the Aquatics Centre to reopen on November 2, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule of 25 hours. Programs offered will be aquafit, lane swim and family swims. Hours of operation are scheduled to be 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but may change based on need. Pre-registration and pre-payment will be required, and no YMCA or Library passes will be accepted. Participants must arrive dressed to lessen time in the change rooms and encouraging social distancing.

Senior Services

Council approved a gradual implementation of in-person programming, beginning in October. The COVID-created Community Wellness Program and Friendship Centre Without Walls virtual programming will continue, and programs that can operate with physical distancing, such as exercise classes, carpet bowling, shuffleboard, pickleball, line dancing and scrapbooking, will come online. Home Support Services will continue to operate its health-related programs.

Recreation and Youth Services

Council approved the continuation of current youth programming, which is virtual. Council also approved the Town potentially offering before- and after-school programming to families of Little Falls Public School, if sufficient staff cannot be hired to operate it at the school. Sufficient staff exists at Holy Name of Mary to operate its own before- and after-school programming.

If the number of COVID-19 cases increases after the PRC reopens, Huron Perth Public Health will guide any potential reduction or shuttering of programming and the facility.

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Contact

Stephanie Ische | Director of Community Services
519-284-2340, ext. 624 | sische@town.stmarys.on.ca