Skip to content

RSC, pool to close May 9

Ramped up provincial restrictions force three-week closure
WES - RSC May 2021 IMG-7998
Increased COVID-19 restrictions have forced the Rotary Spirit Centre and Westlock Aquatic Centre to close to the public effective May 9. The facilities are slated to re-open in three weeks.

WESTLOCK – Due to increased provincial COVID-19 restrictions enacted this week, the Rotary Spirit Centre and Westlock Aquatic Centre will be shuttered for three weeks starting May 9.

Town of Westlock CAO Simone Wiley said the closures are necessary as the province combines the Town of Westlock and Westlock County when completing its COVID calculations — using the metric of 50 cases per 100,000 people and at least 30 active cases, the town is identified as a high-case region, a town press release notes. For complete details on the increase public health measures visit the province’s Stop the Spike, Stronger Health Measures website.

“From the information we’ve seen, when our COVID recovery taskforce met yesterday (May 5), it’s not optional to close recreational facilities, they must close is the wording that’s on the website. That’s outside of the town’s control,” said Wiley May 6.

“We hope that it’s only for the three weeks and that we can come back and get people back into the facilities.”

Although the pool won’t be drained and there is other work staff can do at the ball diamonds and campground, plus prepare for upcoming summer programs, 20 staffers will be laid off.

“It’s hard, this is the third time we’ve had to lay off staff. Those are for the most part lifeguards and customer-service representatives,” said Wiley. “We’re keeping water in the pool so still need staff members there to continue water testing and keep it ready so that when we’re ready to open, we can open right away.

“We have an operator that will shift to outdoor maintenance because we still need to maintain the ball diamonds, the grounds around the Spirit Centre, as well as the campground. And one of the operators becomes the supervisor of the summer grass crew, so they do kind of a transition to their summer maintenance anyways.

“And we are keeping staff at the Spirit Centre because we still have planning to do for summer programming for youth and Canada Day planning — we’re crossing our fingers that we’re going to be able to do those things.”

In addition to the three-week closures, outdoor recreation is also curtailed at town-owned facilities. Use of outdoor facilities is open for household use only, or two close contacts if you live alone, while the tennis court, playgrounds and skatepark usage is limited to no more than five users. In the same news release the town notes the changes remain in effect until further notice and are subject to change without notice.

In compliance with the provincial work from home order, the main town office remains closed to the public — residents can get assistance by phone at 780-349-4444 or e-mail [email protected].

The Westlock & District FCSS office will be open by appointment only — call 780-349-5900 or e-mail [email protected] for information.

George Blais, TownandCountryToday.com

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks