These Metro Vancouver cities have closed their public facilities

There have been sweeping closures across Canada as leaders and citizens try to slow the spread of COVID-19.

People have been urged to practice social distancing, and those who have travelled outside of the country have been asked to self-isolate.

Many cities have closed public facilities such as gyms, pools, community centres, and libraries in a bid to encourage people to stay home. Here’s what Metro Vancouver cities are doing:

Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has declared a state of emergency, just days after it announced Monday that all of its fitness centres, pools, libraries, ice rinks, and golf courses are closed. Attractions such as Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, the Bloedel Conservatory, and the Stanley Park Train are also shut. The city’s public parks and essential services to help people who are homeless remain open.

Vancouver Public Library. (Alex JW Robinson/ Shutterstock)

Surrey

This was the first Metro Vancouver city to announce Sunday its public recreation facilities would close. Mayor Doug McCallum encouraged residents to “take advantage of this spell of good weather to get outside.”

Burnaby

Burnaby announced Monday it’s closing all libraries, recreation and cultural facilities, golf courses, and city-operated restaurants. City Hall and Burnaby’s three warming centres will remain open.

New Westminster

All recreation facilities in New Westminster are closed, effective March 17. That city also declared a state of emergency on March 19, announcing it’s stopping Q to Q ferry service and closing City Hall.

• See also:
  • BC Health Officials ban gatherings of over 50 people
  • Canada closing borders to anyone who isn’t a citizen or permanent resident
  • Attendees of 2020 Pacific Dental Conference asked to immediately self-isolate

West Vancouver

On Sunday, West Vancouver also said it would close all district-run public facilities. The only things remaining open are Municipal Hall, the West Vancouver Police Station, fire halls, the Operations Centre, and the Capilano View Cemetery.

City of North Vancouver

This municipality has cancelled all city-run events with more than 50 people, and has increased cleaning frequency at its facilities. It hasn’t yet announced if it’s public facilities will close.

District of North Vancouver

There’s no word yet on whether public facilities here will close, but leaders issued a joint statement Friday encouraging residents to take health precautions.

Coquitlam

The City of Coquitlam announced Monday it’s closing all recreation facilities and cancelling city-run events and camps. City Hall, city parks, and the Coquitlam Animal Shelter will all remain open.

The City of Coquitlam will be closing most of its civic facilities to the public and cancelling events and spring break camps until further notice. To see a complete facility listing and further details: https://t.co/av73VMFeaS pic.twitter.com/d4TXHvdD27

— City of Coquitlam (@cityofcoquitlam) March 16, 2020

Port Coquitlam

Recreation centres and libraries in Port Coquitlam are closed as a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus spread, the city said Monday.

Port Moody

Port Moody’s recreation centres and libraries will be closed beginning March 17, according to the city’s website.

Richmond

Richmond has closed all of its  community centres, libraries, swimming pools, arenas, and arts, cultural and heritage buildings. The Richmond Olympic Oval is also closed.

Delta

Delta’s recreation facilities, pools, arenas, libraries, city archives, arts centres, and seniors centres are closed, the city announced Sunday. It’s also suspending senior bus services. Certain children’s spring break programs will continue as planned.

White Rock

White Rock has temporarily suspended programs and closed its recreation facilities, effective March 16. Anyone who signed up for programs affected by the suspension will receive a refund.