Saanich COVID-19 update: temporary closure of Saanich outdoor recreation facilities

 

Saanich, BC – Effective immediately, the District of Saanich is closing all outdoor public recreation facilities, including the Cedar Hill Golf Course to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This closure includes all outdoor facilities such as lacrosse boxes, tennis courts, basket and sports courts.

Other service interruptions: 

• All current park permits used to reserve park space have been cancelled.
• Cedar Hill Golf Course 2020-21 Annual Pass sales have been suspended until further notice.
• All porta-potties will be removed temporarily.
• Public washrooms with running water will remain open with deep-cleaning protocol in place.

 

Parks, fields, trails and beaches will remain open at this time, but Saanich strongly recommends that the public follow appropriate protocols outlined by the Provincial Health Officer, including: 

• frequent hand washing
• coughing sneezing appropriately
• practicing effective physical distancing

The decision to temporarily close Saanich’s outdoor recreation facilities was made out of an abundance of caution in response to public concerns that some recreation facility users are not practicing physical distancing as ordered by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer. The temporary closure affects only municipal outdoor recreation facilities located in Saanich.

Signage will be posted advising of the closures at all facilities. Facilities will be locked where possible.

Families are encouraged to enjoy the parks and trails throughout the community, while avoiding groups and maintaining a safe physical distance of more than two metres.

What is physical distancing?

Physical distancing is a way that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact with others. Even though we are not sick, we should still keep about two meters (six feet) or the length of a queen-sized bed from one another when we can when outside our homes.

There are many ways to practice social distancing:  

• limit activities outside your home
• use virtual options to connect with others
• if you are out in public, try to keep 2 metres between yourself and others.
• ‎keep your hands at your side or in your pockets when possible
• stay home when you are sick
• cough into your elbow or sleeve instead of your hands
• avoid social activities in large gatherings of more than 50 people

 

Parents are also urged to reinforce the importance of physical distancing with their children.

What’s next?

We will communicate to the public as soon as more information about service interruptions become available. Please visit saanich.ca/COVID-19 or on the Saanich social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

 

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Media contact:

Information Officer
Emergency Operations Centre
250-475-5581
Eoc.Info@saanich.ca