Services at the Humboldt Uniplex, including those of the aquatic centre facility, will be set to return in February. Following a decision at last Monday’s City Council meeting, services will reopen within the boundaries of the current health restrictions, set to last until at least mid February.

In December, Community and Leisure Services reduced or shuttered many of its services in the face of tumbling revenues and limiting health restrictions. A review of that decision in late January, particularly following a presentation by Glenda Lees on behalf of residents concerned about the closure of the pool, prompted the turnaround.

The City states that the temporary shutdown aided in correcting the anticipated budget shortfall. The decision of the Humboldt Curling Club to suspend operations means that the curling rink can be repurposed for other activities that will generate revenue. The winter months of February and March generally see increased revenues for the Uniplex, which means it's important to have those facilities open.

According to Community and Leisure Services Director Mike Ulriksen is to see the aquatic centre staff recalled for shifts beginning on February 8 with an eye to resuming regular pool operations, within the current health guidelines, on February 10. Regular Administration Office and fitness centre hours would resume on February 8.

“When it comes to the aquatic centre and regular operations,” qualified Ulriksen, “I mean that we are back and open for use by the public, but I do anticipate there will be some service scheduling differences. There are still restrictions as to what we can do for swimming lessons and fitness classes.”

The changes in schedule are designed to balance community access and fiscal responsibility, noted Ulriksen.

Some Uniplex services will remain suspended or diminished until increased use warrants their return. Temporary layoffs of concession staff will remain in place, the Program and Event Manager position is to remain vacant, and continued restriction to weekend arena hours will remain.

The announced extension of current health measures made by the province on January 26 has little impact on the City’s decision to reopen, given that the plans took into account those measures announced at the end of December, 2020.