A staggered, proactive return plan for reopening indoor sport facilities is needed in Surrey. The plan is being substantially delayed, in contrast to other BC municipalities and other provinces, especially considering the fact that in BC all provincial requirements regarding facility operations resumption were developed in May and implemented by sport organizations accordingly.
“Indoor sport facilities, Surrey’s assets for livability and attraction for workforces and businesses to live, work and play, are places where people of all abilities can come to and enjoy in a safe environment,” said Anita Huberman, CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. “Especially during the pandemic, access to indoor sporting facilities is even more important to ensure physical activity and connections to community – all contributing to good mental and physical health.”
The negative economic implications of our recreational facilities, particularly our pools and gyms, remaining closed are substantial. The business community that rely on recreational facilities being open are facing increased costs with no reasonable revenue available to them. Many other cities such as Saanich, Burnaby, and Coquitlam are creating safe reopening plans by working with Provincial mandates, complying with WorkSafeBC protocols, and developing sport-specific protocols.
“The City of Surrey needs to begin formulating a reopening strategy that is safe and is communicated. This plan should include equitable access.”
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
