THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay has unveiled its plans for allowing access to indoor municipal facilities under the Ontario government's third stage of Roadmap to Reopen.
The schedule shows the first reopenings will happen Fri. July 16, with others to be phased in over the coming weeks .
Both the Vale and Jumbo Gardens Community Centres will become accessible on Friday. West Arthur Community Centre will be closed until early September.
On Mon. July 19, Volunteer Pool will reopen from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday to Friday for limited activities.
The Canada Games Complex will remain closed until July 26 when it reopens from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays for limited activities. Churchill Pool will stay closed for maintenance until October.
Current River Arena (summer ice) will also reopen on July 19, but Port Arthur Arena won't be accessible until Sept. 11, and Neebing, Grandview and Delaney Arenas until Sept. 26.
Fort William Gardens will remain closed for improvements until October.
On July 21, the city will reopen the Centennial Botanical Conservatory from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week.
Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre will open its doors for use of amenities on Aug. 3, but programs there and at West Arthur Community Centre won't resume until Sept. 13.
At Victoriaville Centre and McKellar Mall, public access will be expanded through all public entrance doorways, and eat-in dining will be available within the food court while respecting physical distancing.
"We are pleased to be reopening more city services and amenities to the public, and earlier than anticipated under Step Three," said City Manager Norm Gale. "We are making all final arrangements for these reopenings and do so with safety in mind."
The city's announcement noted that public health and workplace safety measures will continue to be enforced.
All reopened facilities will follow strict health and safety guidelines including COVID-19 screening and contract tracing, capacity limits, physical distancing, mask requirements where applicable, and cleaning and disinfecting practices.
The most up-to-date list of local service changes is available online.
