Activities update

Nov 19, 2020 - The Provincial Health Officer announced new province-wide restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions are in effect from Nov 19, 2020 at midnight to Dec 7, 2020 at midnight.

In response to the orders, the following programs and activities have been suspended:

• All indoor group fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, tai chi and Qigong
• Dance classes 
• Adult hockey programs
• Aqua fitness classes

Program participants are being contacted and will be given a credit on their account for their missed class or classes. To request a refund, contact the Registration Call Centre at reghelp@richmond.ca or 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

The following programs and activities continue to operate with the City's enhanced health and safety protocols in place:

• Registered swim visits
• Registered fitness centre visits
• Skating lessons
• Swimming lessons
• Racquet sports registered visits and court bookings
• Tennis lessons
• Walk Richmond outdoor walks
• Licenced Preschool and Out of School Care
• Arts programs
• Sport programs (individual skill development)

Staff are working to review and update the City of Richmond's COVID-19 Safety Plans for the suspended programs and activities so that we may resume them in an approved and safe manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will membership passes be put on hold again?
No, as passes can still be used for registered swim and fitness centre visits. If you would prefer your pass to be placed on hold, contact the Registration Call Centre at reghelp@richmond.ca or 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

When you are ready to re-instate your pass you will need to contact us again, either by completing the form found at www.richmond.ca/register or by calling the Registration Call Centre at 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Please allow up to one week for your membership to be re-activated.

Are swimming pools still open?
Yes, the Minoru Centre for Active Living Aquatic Centre is open for registered visits and swimming lessons, with the City's enhanced safety protocols in place. 

Are Fitness Centres still open?
Yes, the following fitness centres are still open for registered visits, with our enhanced safety protocols in place:

• Minoru Centre for Active Living
• City Centre Community Centre
• South Arm Community Centre
• Thompson Community Centre
• West Richmond Community Centre

Why are sports programs still happening? Aren’t they considered indoor physical activities?
Indoor sport programs are permitted under the Health Order as “individual exercise or practice that allows everyone to maintain a safe physical distance.” They City's program protocols require participants to be distanced by a minimum of 2m and there are currently no group activities included in these skill development programs.

Are outdoor sports permit holders impacted by the new guidelines?
No, with the exception of spectators no longer permitted to attend outdoor sport activities. All permit holders are expected to comply with these updated rules and are to communicate this update to their staff and members who are required to enforce it on-site.

How long will programs be suspended for?
According to the Health Order, the suspension is until Monday, December 7 at noon, or until the City's COVID-19 Safety Plan has been reviewed and updated, if necessary, and approved by the local Medical Health Officer. Work is underway to review the City's plans as quickly as possible so that these programs may be re-instated in accordance with the Provincial Health guidelines. 

Will I be given a refund for my cancelled program?
Yes, a credit will be applied to your account within five business days. Once the credit is applied a refund can be requested by contacting the Registration Call Centre at reghelp@richmond.ca or 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Please note it may take up to two weeks to process a refund; we appreciate your patience.

Are there any additional precautions being taken for the programs that are still running?
All of our programs have COVID-19 Safety Protocols in place that include adherence to all public health requirements, including enhanced cleaning and physical distancing. Programs are designed to focus on individual skill development where participants stay a minimum of 2m apart from one another.

We also would like to remind participants that the City of Richmond is requiring the wearing of masks in all public buildings as an additional risk management measure.

How can I get updates on future program changes?
Check www.richmond.ca/register regularly.