Starting October 1, the Collicutt Centre and G.H. Dawe Community Centre, will return to regular hours of operation.

In July, The City began a gradual, phased plan to re-open facilities and resume recreation and culture activities and programs, in line with the provincial health orders, restrictions and guidelines. With a better understanding of community demand and our new operating environment, we are able to return to regular hours of operation at the Collicutt Centre and the G.H. Dawe Community Centre.

Set to open September 14, hours at the Recreation Centre will be limited as we monitor and respond to demand. With the opening of the Recreation Centre, hours of operation at the Michener Aquatic Centre will also be modified to provide broad public access to aquatic amenities. Hours for specific facilities are available here.

“This is a significant step forward in our re-opening plans and we are excited to see that citizens and user groups are increasingly using our facilities,” said Barb McKee, Recreation Superintendent. “While we remain focussed on ensuring the health and safety of both users and staff, we are looking forward to increasing access to our facilities, through the change in hours, increased services and our fall programming.”

Citizens can participate in programs and activities in two ways:

• Activity Reservations – With no drop-in access or classes, all activities must be pre-booked. Everything from lane swimming to walking on the track requires an Activity Reservation – this means customers need to plan ahead and sign up in advance before arriving at a recreation facility. For more information and to pre-book, visit reddeer.ca/reserve. Reservations are available 14 days in advance.
• Fall programming – Registration for fall programs is open. These are programs that recur for a set period of time (e.g., swimming lessons). Create a custom online Activity Guide to find and register for programs.

Amenities and facilities continue to open. As previously announced, the Recreation Centre will open September 14 for registered programs, facility rentals and Activity Reservation. Also on September 14, fitness areas at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre will be available for use, through Activity Reservations.

Also effective October 1, the temporary discount for facility passes and admission will no longer be available. In early July, entrance fees were temporarily reduced to better reflect reduced hours of operation, service and program offerings.

“As we planned our gradual re-opening of amenities, we knew program and services would initially be limited, which is why we offered a temporary discount,” said McKee. “As we continue to increase our service levels, we also need to return to regular admission rates to ensure sustainability.”

The existing Activity Reservation Pass will not be available for purchase as of October 1. Anyone who purchases an Activity Reservation Pass in September will be offered a prorated credit as of October 1 toward the purchase of a new pass. More information about facility admission rates and passes is available here.

Visitors to recreation facilities are asked to wear a mask when a distance of two metres from others cannot be maintained. Mask wearing during intense, physical activity is not recommended.

The fire displaced an estimated 20 residents. The residents were shuttled to a temporary reception centre at G.H. Dawe Community Centre and were put up at a local hotel overnight.

Due to fire and water damage, the building was destroyed and will be torn down. Investigators will remain on scene overnight.