Kelowna closes public sports, cultural facilities

The City of Kelowna will close 10 public facilities today, following yesterday’s direction from B.C.’s medical health officer to prohibit gatherings of 50 or more people.

“Our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees and public and we will continue to follow the advice of the medical health officer,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “Staff, council and I are very aware this will affect many people in many ways, however we all need to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to lessen the impact on our healthcare system.”

The 10 facilities that will close by the end of today are:

Parkinson Recreation Centre

Kelowna Community Theatre

Black Box Theatre

Rutland Arena

Memorial Arena

Rutland Activity Centre

Parkinson Activity Centre

Okanagan Mission Activity Centre

Kinsmen Field House

Mission Media Centre

Staff and contractors at these facilities have been informed about the need to close facilities in the best interest of public safety.

“We are dealing with a rapidly changing situation that even public health professionals find challenging to keep up with. This is new territory for everyone and we continue to listen to the direction of the B.C. medical health officer and take local action in the public’s best interests.”

All monthly memberships at Parkinson Recreation Centre will automatically be put on hold until the facility resumes operations. If customers would prefer to withdraw their memberships for a credit on account or partial refund, please call 250-469-8800.

“As I said yesterday, these are anxious times. But Kelowna has seen many difficult times before and I believe we can rise to the occasion and again show our best selves in the face of adversity.”

For more information about the actions the City is taking to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, visit kelowna.ca and ylw.kelowna.ca.