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Cranbrook, BC (May 27, 2020) – Several additional City of Cranbrook outdoor amenities are included in the second phase of our restart scheduled to take effect Friday May 29 through to early next week.

Outdoor public washrooms at Rotary, Kinsmen, Gyro, NorthStar Rails to Trails and Idlewild Park on the lake level, will be open on Friday, along with City basketball courts.

Reception areas at City Hall, and Building and Bylaw Services will open to the public on Monday June 1, along with all City playgrounds, the Idlewild washroom on the playground level, the seniors fitness area at Western Financial Place, and the skateboard park.

It is important for all playground and public washroom users to note that these facilities may not be cleaned or sanitized on a regular basis, so please follow all necessary provincial safety protocols, and bring your own hand sanitizer.

“We continue to work with the Province and the BC Recreation and Parks Association, to develop safe processes to open remaining outdoor facilities where there is increased concern over social distancing challenges,” says Chris New, Director of Community Services. “We appreciate the public’s patience while we continue to work hard to opening more outdoor space.”

Splash pads and spray parks will remain closed until further notice. Washrooms located at our sports fields like Moir Park, the Kinsmen Quad Park and the Lion’s field will also remain closed in the short-term. The BMX bike park remains closed during construction. The City will work with the BMX club to determine their opening date.

Both the Cranbrook Public Library and reception at Western Financial Place will also remain closed to the public until at least July. The Library is currently allowing curbside pickup of books and other materials.

Every effort is being undertaken to ensure the health and safety of our staff and the public. The City is aligning our services and how we conduct business with the requirements provided by WorkSafeBC. Our customers are strongly encouraged to continue to access City information and services by phone or by email wherever possible. Customers who require a visit to any of our office facilities must understand and obey the following guidelines:

• If you have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended that you do not visit our municipal hall or facilities.
• Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, which primarily displays as a persistent cough, will not be permitted on the premises. If you are sick, please stay home.
• If you have travelled outside Canada, you are not permitted on our premises until you have self-isolated for a minimum of 14 days.
• If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or you live in a household where someone is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
• Physical distancing is always required (minimum of 2 meters).
• Failure to observe physical distancing risks the closure of the facility, and as such, you will be asked to leave the premises.
• Washrooms on the premises are disinfected frequently and hand sanitizers are available.
• We ask that any financial transactions be conducted electronically and not in cash.

Our reception areas now have plexiglass barriers in place, with hand sanitizer available. Customers coming to City Hall will be greeted outside the building and will be allowed into the main reception area at a maximum of 2 people at a time. If you appear to display sickness, you will be asked to leave and instead contact us by phone or email so we can assist you.

Please visit http://www.cranbrook.ca/restart or further information on the limitations, best practices and guidelines for each of the areas noted above.

Downtown off-street parking fee relief and non-collection at parking meters will remain in place until June 30. Transit will begin collecting regular fares effective June 1. Transit passes will be sold starting June 1 at City Hall only.

While all of these spaces begin to gradually reopen locally, there will be an important focus on personal responsibility as we venture out, including:

• staying home and away from others if you are sick
• following physical distancing by keeping at least 2m apart from others
• practicing good hygiene by washing hands before and after visiting amenities

• being self sufficient and carrying your own hand sanitizer/wipes
• keeping your circle small. Keep your group limited to members of your household and very select friends/family

• not congregating in groups and not participating in large group activities

• waiting your turn at a safe distance and giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the facilities

You can continue to find the latest news and information around the COVID-19 response both locally and regionally on the City’s website at https://cranbrook.ca/residents/covid-19-updates-information/. You can also find important links to additional information from both provincial and federal health agencies and governments.