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Cranbrook, BC (March 16, 2020) – Effective at 4:00pm MT, Monday March 16 the City of Cranbrook will be closing the Memorial and Kinsmen arenas, Western Financial Place including the aquatic centre, racquetball court and walking concourse, all recreation programs and the Cranbrook Public Library until further notice.

The decision was made in the best interest of public health and to support the actions across the country to minimize unnecessary social interactions.

The City of Cranbrook has been closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19. This is a constantly evolving situation and we continue to work closely with Interior Health and provincial health authorities to ensure our practices and operations reflect the latest information available.

Affected users of the city’s aquatic centre and arenas are asked to follow the guidelines below for refunds and are not required to come to the facilities:

• Aquatic Users – For patrons that have purchased aquatic passes, we will extend the expiry date by the length of the closure.  No action is required by you. 
• Arena Users – Staff will contact user groups to arrange for refunds or credit toward future rentals.
• Recreation Programs and Swim Lessons – if you have enrolled in one of our recreation programs, including aquatic swim lessons, you will receive a credit on your account  - if you prefer a refund, please call (250) 489-0220 or (250) 489-0221.
• Concert Refunds –  Patrons have been asked to hold their Gord Bamford tickets until a rescheduled date is announced, however if you require a refund, please contact our box office at (250) 426-7328.
• City Parks – city parks remain open for individual use, however group bookings (exceeding 50 people as per Provincial guidelines), will be cancelled.
• Bus Passes – passes will be available for purchase at City Hall.

During this closure, some services within the Cranbrook Public Library will remain available:

• Patrons can access the library’s many online resources from home.
• Staff will be on site to answer questions by phone @ 250-426-4063 or by email [email protected].
• Anyone who has materials currently on loan can return them through the exterior book drops.
• Library fines and fees will be waived during this closure.

City Hall and the Building and Bylaw offices will remain open to the public for now. We strongly encourage any customers who may not be feeling well, to please stay away temporarily from City facilities until you are well.

We encourage you to access any City information and services you need by phone or email. If you have bills to pay, you can mail them to us, you can pay those through your bank or through our online payment portal.
It is important to do what you can to keep yourself and your community healthy.

• Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water. This is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a sleeve/tissue and turn your head away from others when coughing or sneezing.
• Use tissues to contain secretions and dispose of them promptly in a waste container.
• Practice social distancing. Try to keep an optimal six feet away from other people.

We are a strong, caring community well known for looking out for one another and looking after those in need. We encourage you to check in on and support your neighbours, share supplies, and please don’t hoard products and goods by buying only what you need.

We encourage you to visit https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19 for the latest information on COVID-19.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this difficult time as we work together to ensure the well-being of everyone in our community and help slow the spread of COVID-19.