The District of Elkford has announced their reopening plan as COVID-19 restrictions start to lift throughout the province. Like many municipalities in the region, the Elkford reopening plan will use a phased approach to returning to normal.
Phase one reflects where we are today while phase two marks the beginning of what the district calls “returning to normal operations.” This second phase will take place from mid May onward and will include some significant changes. For example, playgrounds within the district have been open as of May 15, as well as the disc golf course.
Even though some outdoor facilities are now open to the public, strict signage will still be posted reminding everyone to maintain a distance of at least two metres from others, to restrict groups to family units or households, and to respect everyone’s space. The district also noted that they will not be sanitizing surfaces, structures or equipment in these outdoor areas and public washrooms will remain closed.
The district office, Community Conference Centre, Visitor Centre, public works office and the fire hall will all partially open with restricted public access with safety and distancing protocols in place as of June 1. Council meetings will resume on May 25, with restricted public access as well. Although the Elkford Municipal Campground, Elkford Public Library and Arts Studio are listed under the phase two reopening schedule, dates have not yet been set for their official reopening.
Phase three of Elkford’s approach will begin in June and will run until September. It will see the aquatic centre, outdoor and indoor leisure programming and possibly outdoor washrooms opening up only once provincial guidelines have been announced. Once these facilities are open, they will still face restrictions regarding numbers of participants and distancing protocols.
Finally, phase four marks a return to full operations. This would see the restoration of full public access to all District of Elkford facilities, spaces, programs and events. There is no date set for phase four as it is still some ways off, although the district promises to continue monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation in order to act accordingly with provincial and regional guidelines.
Currently, the ice arena and curling rink do not have a reopening date but rather will be reassessed in the late summer or early fall.
In a press release, the District of Elkford once again reminded residents that “staying safe and healthy is everyone’s responsibility.”
“Please do your part by following the ongoing guidelines and restrictions of health authorities, and the public advisory signage when visiting Elkford’s indoor and outdoor facilities.”
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