Saanich reopens some outdoor facilities

May 20, 2020

News release

For immediate release

Saanich reopens some outdoor facilities

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich will reopen some of its outdoor recreation facilities in Saanich parks by May 21. Reopening these facilities and activities will allow residents to enjoy outdoor sports in a careful and safe way.

“Outdoor recreation is an important part of the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “I’m delighted we have reached a point where we can reopen these facilities with guidelines that address safety precautions for the public and our staff. Safety is our number one priority now and into the future.”

The recreation facilities in Saanich parks that will reopen include:

Public washrooms with running water are open with more frequent cleaning protocols in place. Portable toilets will not be reinstalled at this time. All playgrounds will remain closed until further notice.

We ask residents to follow these guidelines when using the outdoor recreation facilities:

  • practice physical distancing by keeping at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households;
  • wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and use your own hand sanitizer;
  • avoid touching your face;
  • cough or sneeze into your elbow or tissue;
  • limit use at busy times and don’t create a crowd;
  • don’t share equipment, water bottles or snacks; and
  • stay home if you’re feeling unwell – no exceptions!

Saanich Parks closed its outdoor public recreation facilities March 23 out of an abundance of caution to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Saanich thanks residents for their patience and understanding during our unexpected closure of these facilities and for following the provincial health officer’s orders and recommendations to stay safe and healthy.

Learn more

Visit Saanich.ca/COVID-19 for the most up to date information on service interruptions, re-openings and financial and community resources to assist citizens. Updates and reminders are also available on Saanich’s corporate social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter).

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Media contact:
Information Officer
Emergency Operations Centre
250-475-5581
eoc.Info@saanich.ca