City of Powell River has announced it will be reopening some of its facilities to the public on June 1.
“The health and safety of our community and staff is our utmost concern during the COVID-19 state of emergency and we’re putting plans in place consistent with the requirements and recommendations of the provincial health officer, Vancouver Coastal Health, WorkSafeBC and the federal and provincial governments,” stated chief administrative officer Russell Brewer in a media release. “We’re confident our plans will keep our community and staff safe as we begin lifting restrictions and closures of city facilities and services.”
The media release stipulated the following information:
City hall: Only the finance department will be open for property tax payments and other city financial business. Four people will be allowed in city hall at any one time. Plexiglass shields will be in place at the cashier counter. Surfaces and debit card keypads will be disinfected regularly. Physical distancing markers will be in place. A marshal will be present to assist people, answer questions and ensure physical distancing is observed and will direct people to alternate methods of payment online or at financial institutions.
Airport terminal: Only passengers with reservations will be allowed into the terminal building. Physical distancing markers will be placed every two metres. All drop-offs and arrival greetings are to be done in the terminal parking lot. Customers will not be allowed into the terminal to make reservations or book cargo shipments. Residents are urged to contact Pacific Coastal Airlinesabout requirements for air travel.
Wharfinger office: The wharfinger office will be limited to one person at a time to maintain physical distancing. A plexiglass shield will be in place for the protection of the wharfinger and customers, and surfaces and debit keypads will be disinfected regularly.
Willingdon Beach campsite: Priority will be for those who have pre-booked campsites. Those with previous reservations will be contacted and asked if they wish to keep their booking. This may take some time. Once the city has accommodated all those reservations, it will begin to take new reservations, including out-of-province campers.
Playgrounds: Restrictions on the use of playground equipment will be lifted. The public is urged to follow the physical distancing and handwashing recommendations provided on signage that will be posted. Parents are reminded to bring hand sanitizer for before and after their children use the playground equipment.
Powell River Recreation Complex: The city continues to review the criteria necessary to reopen the recreation complex and other facilities and will inform the community when it is ready to proceed and under what conditions.
The city is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency and follows the orders and recommendations of the provincial health officer and the federal and provincial governments.
