COQUITLAM, B.C., April 27, 2020 – Coquitlam is making good use of the forced closure of City recreation facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City has fast-tracked the annual maintenance and cleaning work that would have closed down the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (PSLC) in June and the City Centre Aquatic Centre (CCAC) in September. CCAC has also been featured in a Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. training video for pool operators.
Annual Maintenance Moved Up
PSLC and CCAC have been closed since Mar. 16 to support the physical distancing guidelines and other measures recommended by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Both facilities typically undergo annual shutdowns – four weeks for PSLC, five weeks for CCAC – for maintenance and cleaning that cannot be completed while the facility is open. The closures ensure a safe environment for staff and the public, reduce the likelihood of equipment failures and extend the life of City assets.
Annual tasks typically include:
- Draining the pools and deep-cleaning the tanks;
- Regrouting tiles and touching up paint;
- Deep cleaning the fitness centres and equipment, lockers, changerooms, showers, lifejackets and pool toys; and
- Inspecting and servicing mechanical systems and other equipment.
PSLC’s maintenance program, underway now, also includes work on lighting, deck showers and the maintenance system controls.
At CCAC additional work will include servicing the moveable floor and wave machine, as well as renewal of pool deck flooring.
Completing these tasks early will allow the two facilities to provide continuous service to the community once it is safe for them to reopen.
Supporting Professional Development
CCAC’s pool facilities were also filmed for a Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. (RFABC) video for students at the pool operators’ program at Langara College. Municipalities across the province – including Coquitlam – rely on the RFABC program to provide trained pool operators for their recreation facilities.
The program instructor recently visited CCAC to take footage of the pool mechanical components for an interactive online course being developed. The empty leisure pool allowed the instructor to open the drain and film other elements that wouldn’t have been possible if the facility was in use.
Once completed, the video will be shared with Coquitlam for professional development and refresher training for its pool operators.
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19
- Email COVID-19 updates
- Call 604-927-4383 (recorded status update)
Coquitlam residents are encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources: