Reopening of Older Adult Centres

Thank you to all those who provided input in our online survey to help guide the reopening plans for 55 Plus programs. The survey is now closed.

55 Plus Program Update:

The Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre reopened its doors to the public on Sept. 14, 2020. Operating Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Registered programs and classes began the week of Sept. 21. 55 Plus Programs at the West Arthur Community Centre have also resumed.

To help mitigate the risk of COVID-19, masks are required to enter the buildings and must be worn in all public areas. They may be removed for fitness classes once in the space. No entry will be permitted prior to 10 minutes before a participant’s activity starts, and screening will be done upon entry or with an advanced online screening tool. Other precautions include capacity limits, no use of change rooms or shower facilities, additional time between classes for cleaning and disinfecting, floor markings, and new touchless water fill stations available for participants to fill their own water bottles.

The Centre’s River St. Café offers take-out service only, with no seating in the café. The Library, Gift Shop, Billiard Room and Puzzle Exchange cupboard remain closed for the time being.

To register for 55 Plus programs call 625-8463.

For more information visit: www.thunderbay.ca/55Plus

Background:

A survey was created to assess the level of comfort with reopening the two Older Adult Centres (the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre and the West Arthur Community Centre 55 Plus Programs) operated by the City of Thunder Bay. These Centres were closed at the time the pandemic began.

The responses helped inform the direction the reopening process . All reopenings follow applicable Provincial and industry guidelines, as well as recommendations of the Medical Officer of Health, such as increased cleaning, mask use, reduced numbers, and social distancing.

The survey, which ran Aug. 17 - Aug. 30, 2020, is now closed.

In addition to public input, current users of the Centres were also be invited to share feedback.

The information collected helped guide the reopening process in terms of when the centres may open, what programming may be made available, and what safety measures the patrons feel comfortable with.

Thank you for sharing your input.