Reopen Surrey Grandview Heights Pool for all local sport clubs

Laurie Cavan, Surrey's general manager of of Parks, Recreation and Culture told the Peace Arch News on February 4 (Thursday): "the Grandview Aquatic Center is set to reopen on February 9. (That's this coming Tuesday). The BC Government, on its covid-19 wbsite said on February 2 (last Tuesday) that covid cases have declined significantly in recent weeks and that this trend will continue with even further declines in the following days, weeks and months. The main drivers of this trend? Improved weather conditions, excellent compliance with mask wearing/social distancing and most important, the province's successful immunization strategy. Thank you Ms. Caven. I shall purchase a new bathing suit tomorrow in anticipation of my first swim (on February 9) in close to 1 year.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/covid-19-bc-february-2 update-1.5897895 *Re: covid-19, officials note 'encouraging trend* "Fewer cases are a welcome sign", B.C.'s provincial health officer said on Tuesday, February 2nd. The province is starting to slow the spread of the disease. (Ben Nelms/CBC). In a written statement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix said: "the latest figures show the number of new cases reported each day is starting to decline". As of Friday, February 5 the covid issue continues to trend in a positive direction. In the February 4th edition of the Peace Arch News, Laurie Cavan, Surrey's general manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture said the Grandview Aquatic Centre is set to reopen on Tuesday, February 9th. Thank you Ms. Cavan. Tomorrow I shall purchase a new bathing suit in anticipation of my first swim this coming Tuesday since March 16, 2020 - almost 1 year ago. What a relief!!

We have a $55 million taxpayer bought and paid for, state of the art aquatic center in South Surrey which has been sitting empty in South Surrey since March, 2020. All because our mayor is busy fundind a new police force. Does this sound "Trumpian" to anyone? Remember the US-Mexico border wall? This is happening in Canada?Someone...please....say it aint so.

"To our mayor Doug McCallum" As an 82 year old senior with rheumatoid arthritis my doctor and I have become increasingly concerned with my rapidly deteriorating and painful condition since I've been unable to use the Grandview Heights Pool. The City of Surrey's decision to withhold permission to open pools is inconsistent with most jurisdictions in BC, all of which have successfully opened their pools. Even small town Vernon has opened a surprisingly, beautiful aquatic center. We pray that you show us some empathy and compassion, adopt the models that have been established elsewhere, pause the police transition temporarily and allow the Grandview Heights and other community pools to open as soon as possible. We pray for a favorable outcome as we are becoming increasingly concerned, upset and afraid of the current state of affairs. Thank you.

This is from the BC Government's Covid Website as of 2021/02/03. Allowed activities: 1. "Public pools and public skating rinks, when not associated with an event, are allowed to continue to operate with a COVID-19 Safety Plan". There you have it Mr. McCallum et al. We beg you; Please get a safety plan together and open up Grandview Heights pool a-sap for your medically/emotionally challenged taxpayers, seniors and others. After all, it was done successfully in Fleetwood!! It's grossly unfair that South Surrey being ignored?

Open this great facility to help people get through the stress of these terrible times and stay healthy for when we get to the end of the tunnel

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Please open this!

Exercise is important for physical and mental health which are all much diminished with Covid isolation. We need our community centres more than ever.

As Surrey Coun. Linda Annis said in September, 2020 all the city’s aquatic centers should open immediately. In her view they only remain closed due to a budget crunch brought about by the mayor's decision to oust and replace the RCMP. Many of us (particularly older patrons) need a regular exercise regimen for medical, mental health and other reasons. Perhaps a civil suit may be the only course of action for the appalling manner "paid in advance" customers have been treated by the city and it's staff.

There is no reason that facility should be closed. Many comparables in different areas are open.

I support the reopening of the Grandview aquatic Center for public use and for team’s use. This is a facility that has potential for widespread use by the taxpayers of Surrey.

Yes open the pool for us to rehab in. It’s been closed long enough

Have been rehabbing bad motorcycle accident. Need pool to get better. Pls. Open the pool

I'm a Surrey senior with osteoarthritis. I, and many others like me, used the pool several times a week before the shut down. Swimming is the only form of exercise that is not hard on my joints. If you want to help people like me stay healthy, PLEASE OPEN THE POOL & give seniors times when we can use it safely. THANKS.

Reopen our recreation facilities to allow our athletes to train and our community to maintain their health and well-being. Indoor pools in Winnipeg, Calgary, Montreal and Saanich have already opened or will be reopening soon. Grandview is an ideal centre for aquatic groups to train. Access to the public could also be achieved if the City of Surrey adapted to safety protocols that have been put in place by countless other businesses in the community. Having no date for reopening is not a “plan.”

Please let our athletes get back in the pool for their health and well being

This amazing multi million dollar facility needs a reopening plan. The cost too operate versus the value of the capital asset is minimal. Lets find a way to reopen.

I miss seeing our athletes smiling faces around the pool deck.

Seniors need the pool open to health & fitness!