The provincial government is ahead of schedule with Alberta's relaunch strategy, but it will take time to make sure the City of St. Albert's indoor recreation facilities and spray parks are ready to reopen.
Stage 2 of Alberta’s economic relaunch will begin June 12, a full week earlier than the province originally targeted.
Some amenities originally scheduled under Stage 3, including indoor fitness and recreation centres, will be allowed to reopen. Gyms and arenas can reopen, and pools for leisure swimming also received a green light.
However, don't expect Servus Place, Fountain Park, the city's ice rinks and spray parks to reopen immediately, St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron wrote in a Facebook post.
"Although we were planning and getting ready for this announcement, now that it has come we will require some time to get prepared," she wrote.
"We will need to bring back staff (and I hope all do return to the city), pools will need to be filled and treated, ice needs to be put on the rinks and much more."
Another huge consideration will be the new health guidelines issued by the province for the city's facilities.
There's a lot to be done. Staff need to be equipped with personal protective equipment, physical distancing measures need to be established for pools and gyms, and barriers need to be set up, among other recommendations.
Staff need time to read about the new guidelines, digest and train for a post-COVID world, Heron wrote.
"I ask for your patience. I guarantee our staff will be working extremely hard to welcome you all back."
The decision to open city facilities will also be based on community demand, and if the facilities are ready to reopen. Municipal resources and financial viability will also be assessed, according to a press release.
More to come.
