COQUITLAM, B.C., Sept. 1, 2021 – Coquitlam is on track to roll out more recreation opportunities in September while continuing to prioritize public health and meet all COVID-19 health protocols.
Residents can look forward to more drop-in and registered programs, longer facility hours and the return of some of their favourite in-person activities next month in Coquitlam. Thanks to the City’s cautious approach to expanding programs and services, the deferral of Step 4 of BC’s Restart has minimal impact on its plans for September.
Expanded Recreation Options Planned
Along with a larger inventory of registered programs, more drop-in opportunities are on the way, including:
- Swimming – Outdoors at both Spani and Eagle Ridge Pools until Oct. 3 and indoor only at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex during the City Centre Aquatic Complex maintenance shutdown Sept. 7 to Oct. 3;
- Weight rooms – Reopening of Pinetree Community Centre’s weight room and a full inventory of equipment at all permanent sites;
- Skating – Toonie skates, youth skates and special events drop-ins;
- Aqua Fit – Water running and shallow, gentle and deep fit;
- Youth Sports & Active Play – Volleyball, badminton, table tennis and basketball;
- Early Years with Adult Participation – Gym Bugs, Time for Tots and new Baby and Me Playtime;
- Youth – Drop-ins at the Landing and Getaway youth centres, basketball, badminton and volleyball; and
- Fitness – Zumba Gold, Pilates, Essentrics, Step Remix, Fit 360, yoga and more.
A few select pre-registered drop-ins will continue into September, including Stick, Ring & Puck, Cycle Fit, new 50-plus and female-only (18-plus) hockey, adult and family sport court bookings and the Glen Pine and Innovation Centre weight rooms. See www.coquitlam.ca/registration for up-to-date information.
Other plans for September include longer facility hours, adult (16-plus) participation in beginner level swimming lessons, more low-cost activities and in-person programs at the Pavilions, and other returning programming.
In conjunction with seniors’ advisory groups, the City has been planning the safe reintroduction of in-person programs and activity groups at Dogwood and Glen Pine Pavilions, the reopening of the Pavilion cafés in late September, and volunteer opportunities. For information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/glenpine and www.coquitlam.ca/dogwood.
Youth programming will also increase, including the Youth Leadership Committee, weight room orientations and volunteer opportunities that qualify for the graduation requirement. For information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/youth.
Stay Up to Date During these Changing Times
As they have throughout the pandemic, plans are subject to change based on direction from the Provincial Health Officer and other pandemic impacts. While program registrants are advised of any changes that affect them, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media and watch www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates.
In addition, www.coquitlam.ca/registration continues to provide the most up-to-date information about drop-in and registered programs.
Health Protocols at Facilities
Masks are currently required indoors for anyone age 12 and older (removal permitted during sports and fitness activities).
B.C.’s new proof of vaccination requirement for indoor social and recreational activities will apply to all Coquitlam recreation centres. Proof of a first vaccination will be required as of Sept. 13, followed by proof of full immunization (seven days after the second dose) on Oct. 24. The City is awaiting information from the PHO on how this new requirement will be implemented, and will keep the public informed as details are provided. Please watch www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates.
Toonie Swims and Regular Fees Return
Regular drop-in rates return Sept. 7, including toonie swims (cash only) at Spani and Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pools.
The temporarily reduced drop-in rates during the pandemic are being phased out as services and operations begin to return to normal levels, and the City brings back its ONE PASS cards and an improved Financial Assistance for Recreation program. The reduced rates were subsidized through the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, the City’s dedicated pandemic-relief program, to support safe activities when options were limited.
Skate and helmet rental fees will return Sept. 7 as well.
Drop In for Less with ONE PASS
Do you enjoy drop-in swimming, skating, fitness and more in Coquitlam? The ONE PASS is your gateway to discounts for drop-in aquatics, arena, fitness and gym programs across the city. Relaunching Sept. 2 with new options, the all-inclusive pass is valid at all Coquitlam recreation facilities and offers discounts based on age, pass type and frequency. Get more flexibility with 10-visit passes valid for two years, or deeper discounts with unlimited visits over a month or year. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/onepass for details.
Financial Assistance Available for Recreation
Starting Sept. 1, it will be easier than ever to access financial support for Coquitlam’s recreation services. The City is relaunching a more user-friendly Financial Assistance for Recreation program – formerly known as Get Connected, Get Active – with easier sign-up and income verification plus more flexibility than ever. Each year, qualifying Coquitlam residents will receive 50 free drop-in visits plus a $225 credit they can use for an expanded range of admissions, passes, programs, lessons, exam fees, supplies, rentals and more. For details or to register online, visit www.coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec.
Thank You for your Patience
The public’s patience and interest in recreation is appreciated as the City works to safely increase capacity, scale up operations and continue to protect public health. Throughout the pandemic, Coquitlam has been proud to be a leader in maintaining services to the public – it was one of the first Metro Vancouver municipalities to successfully re-open facilities in 2020, and one of the few to keep them open when permitted during subsequent waves. In turn, residents embraced the opportunity to remain active and engaged, logging an average of 5,000 pre-registered drop-in visits each month.
Stay Connected
Keep up-to-date on City news, program offerings and updates:
Media contact:
Jennifer Keefe
Manager, Community Recreation and Culture Services
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386 (4FUN)
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca