THUNDER BAY – The city was still shrouded in darkness, but that didn’t stop at least 10 eager exercisers from lining up outside the Canada Games Complex early Wednesday morning.
The city-owned facility has been shut down since mid-March because of COVID-19, and while other fitness centres have been able to open in recent weeks and months, Kim Begin said it took them a little longer to get going.
First and foremost, they needed the OK from city council, which arrived in late August.
Then they needed to work on recalling staff, many of whom had been redeployed to other departments during the pandemic, and institute regular training.
The facility has reopened, but regular users should expect to see a few changes, starting at the front door, where each guest must undergo a brief screening process – which can also be completed ahead of time online – before being allowed inside.
Members and the public are also being asked to pre-book times for certain activities, including use of the pool and squash courts, and aquatic and fitness classes, which won’t begin until next month and open for booking on Friday.
Begin, the supervisor of aquatics, wellness, children and youth for the City of Thunder Bay, said they’ve also used the time to make upgrades to the Complex, including new floors in their main fitness room, renovate the weight room, and painting of some of the squash courts.
It’ll be a little different, but at its core, it’ll be a similar experience, Begin said.
“It’s open to anybody who wants to come. We’re encouraging people to visit our website, www.thunderbay.ca/cgc, that has all of our reopening information. For people wanting to use the pool or squash courts or fitness classes, you’re being asked to pre-book, which is available online or by calling the building directly,” Begin said.
“That’s our biggest change. To be able to come and use the fitness area or weight room or track, there’s no pre-booking required.”
Capacities are strictly limited in each room and area and Begin said there will be staff working in each area to ensure the numbers are adhered to by users.
“They’ll also be maintaining the cleanliness and making sure people are physically distancing ... For swim times, there’s an allotted amount of people in the pool per swim time. For example, for length swimming, it’s one person per lane, unless you’re from the same address and then it’s two people per lane.”
Like all fitness centres in Ontario, masks are required while in the facility, except when actually taking part in a physical activity.
Kyla Strickland, who returned to the Canada Games Complex a couple of weeks ago, after being redeployed to Pioneer Ridge during the shutdown, said it’s great to be back and it’s been nothing but smiles and grins from guests returning to the facility for the first time in months.
“I’m super excited to be back. It’s super awesome. I’ve heard a lot from the public. They’re really excited to hop back in the pool and get back into the groove. It’s been a little difficult. I know there are a lot of challenges being a lifeguard, but we’re overcoming them and we’re getting a little bit better every day.”
Begin said the added screening was necessary under provincial rules to allow them to permit more than 50 people inside the building at any one time.
