Nanaimo shuts down all recreational facilities due to COVID-19

Nanaimo City Hall is shown in this undated Google Maps image.

VICTORIA — The City of Nanaimo has shut down all of its public recreational facilities, following an announcement made Monday by the B.C. government that banned all gatherings of 50 people or more to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The public facilities affected by Nanaimo’s shut down include the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre, Beban Park recreation and social centre (pools and arenas included), Bowen Park complex, Oliver Woods Community Centre and “other rental facilities.”

All facility rentals and scheduled programs at these recreation centres, including day camps and drop-in activities, are closed until further notice, says the municipality.

The closures will come into effect at 6 p.m. Monday.

“Moving forward, the City of Nanaimo will continue taking its direction from the Provincial Health Officer and health authorities and any measures taken by the City will be aligned with their recommendations,” said the municipality in a release Monday.

Nanaimo’s decision to close down its public recreation centres comes the same day that the City of Langford announced closures at two if its public facilities.

The City of Nanaimo says that it is conducting a press conference at 2 p.m. Monday for updates to the community.

Similarly, the City of Victoria says that it will make announcements regarding its facilities and local businesses at 3 p.m. Monday.