Leisure facilities, libraries in Saskatoon to close in response to COVID-19

The City of Saskatoon is closing most city-run facilities on Monday to battle the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Charlie Clark and Director of Emergency Management Operations Pamela Goulden-McLeod announced the following closures at City Hall on Sunday:

•    Leisure Centres

o    Cosmo Civic Centre (and Caryle King Public Library)

o    Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre

o    Lakewood Civic Centre (Cliff Wright Public Library)

o    Lawson Civic Centre (Rusty MacDonald Public Library)

o    Saskatoon Field House

o    Shaw Centre

•    Indoor Rinks

o    ACT Arena

o    Archibald Arena

o    Cosmo Arena

o    Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena

o    Lions Arena

•    Outdoor Rink Buildings (warm-up shacks)
•    Golf Courses (for pre-season sales)

o    Holiday Park Golf Course

o    Silverwood Golf Course

o    Wildwood Golf Course

•    Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

“We want to focus on maintaining the essential services of the city,” Goulden-McLeod said. “We will be working together with our emergency operations centre to determine compensation for all those that are affected by these closures.”

All locations will remain closed until further notice.

The Frances Morrison Library in downtown Saskatoon was set to remain open because it is listed as a warm-up location for vulnerable members of the population, but Saskatoon Public Library announced Sunday evening the downtown location will also be closing.

Residents were highlighted as the key cog in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by Goulden-McLeod. All residents are encouraged to go to the city’s COVID-19 website for assigned tasks to complete, such as cancelling large gatherings of 250 people or more, isolating yourself if travelling internationally on top of practicing proper hygiene and distancing.

“We each have a role to play,” Clark said. “In order for us to fight this response, you all can play a role.”

Monday’s governance and priorities committee at City Hall is also being pared down so only essential items related to the city’s function will remain on the agenda. Councillors will have the option to phone in to the meeting.

Goulden-McLeod added that City Manager Jeff Jorgenson is returning from a trip abroad this week and will be isolating himself for 14 days upon his arrival in Saskatoon.

Program registration for the Spring and Summer 2020 will continue on as previously planned via online and phone registration. Walk-in registrations will not take place at the leisure centres due to facility closures.