City of New Westminster closes community and recreational facilities to the public effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

New Westminster – Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the City of New Westminster is closing community and recreational facilities to the public until further notice to help reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.

FACILITY CLOSURES

Canada Games Pool

Centennial Community Centre

Century House (modified food services will continue to be offered with further details to follow)

Moody Park Arena

Queen’s Park Arena

Queensborough Community Centre

Youth Centre

New Westminster Public Library (Uptown and Queensborough branches)

Anvil Centre, including the New Media Gallery and New Westminster Museum and Archives

Irving House

Animal Shelter

New Westminster Police Department front counter

FACILITIES THAT WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL

All fire halls

Police Department

City Hall with staff and visitors screened prior to entering

Tow Yard with visitors screened prior to entering

The City’s registered spring break camps, including Jr. Royale, Sr. Royale, Extreme Challenge, and full-day art camps at Anvil Centre will proceed. All licensed childcare programs will continue to operate. We will continue to monitor the situation and make any changes recommended by the health authorities.

Refunds will be provided to anyone who has registered for activities affected by the closure and library due dates will be suspended until the end of April.

City staff have connected with non-profit organizations and other local stakeholders and are developing actions to address issues and impacts resulting from COVID-19. This includes establishing three working groups: one that will deal with issues relating to at-risk and vulnerable populations, one that will deal with issues and impacts relating to frail and isolated seniors, and one that will deal with issues and impacts on local businesses and the economy.

For more details and up-to-date information on the City’s response to the COVID-19 virus, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/covid-19 and follow the City’s social media channels.

-30-

Media Contact:

Blair Fryer, Communications Manager

604-527-4688