The Sportsplex and Community Centre will be temporarily closed later this month when generators are being installed to provide back-up power for lights, heating and communication systems in the event of a community emergency.
“Recent flooding, heavy rains and power outages are a reminder that emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere and without warning. If a community emergency were to take place, the Sportsplex and Campbell River Community Centre would act as emergency reception centres and receive people who need shelter or services,” said Ross Milnthorp, the City’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “We’re installing generators to provide back-up power to keep the lights, heat and communications systems running in the event that electricity was cut off from these facilities during an emergency. We apologize for the disruption and any inconvenience that these temporary facility closures may cause.”
During the final phase of installing new generators, electricity must be completely disconnected, so each facility will be temporarily closed to complete this work before the new year. The work will be done when the facilities are least busy and will require a four-day closure (Dec. 21 to 25) at the Sportsplex and one-day closure (Dec. 29) at the Community Centre.
People with a valid one-month or longer fitness pass on Dec. 21 will automatically receive a one-week pass extension.
Although there is never a convenient time to temporarily close the doors, the work is being done when these facilities are least busy.
The Sportsplex will be closed Dec. 21 to 25, and the Campbell River Community Centre will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 29.
When the Sportsplex is closed, people can register for recreation programs or make inquiries by calling the Campbell River Community Centre at 250-286-1161. On the day the Community Centre is closed, contact recreation staff at the Sportsplex at 250-923-7911.
The City of Campbell River provides funding and is an active participant in the Strathcona Regional District emergency preparedness program. The program aims to enhance safety and emergency preparedness in Campbell River, Sayward, Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos, Electoral Area A (Kyuquot/Nootka-Sayward), Electoral Area B (Cortes Island), Electoral Area C (Discovery Islands-Mainland Inlets) and Electoral Area D (Oyster River-Buttle Lake).
Campbell River residents are encouraged to create household emergency plans and can find valuable resources and tools on the Prepared BC website.