Township Plans to Open More Amenities as COVID Subsides

In late May, the Province of British Columbia announced a multi-stepped restart plan focused on protecting people and safely getting life back to normal. The Township of Langley has been cautiously opening its recreational and cultural amenities over the past few months, and as COVID-19 case counts fall and vaccination rates rise, the Township plans to open more.

To date, the Township has opened recreation centre pools for public swimming sessions and public and private swimming lessons, arenas, parks, fields for sports user groups, playgrounds, sport courts (tennis, basketball and others), and many other amenities. Later in June, the main Township civic facility will open for several days for those who wish to make their property tax payments in person versus online.

Following the BC Government’s multi-step restart plan, the Township continues their planning to open more amenities, programs, and services over the coming weeks subject to vaccination rates, declining case counts, and other indicators.

“Our goal throughout this pandemic has been to keep our community members and employees safe,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “As we progressed through it, we opened some facilities and programs and are excited that we can open even more as we advance through the BC Government’s recently announced multi-step restart plan.”

Of special note, and subject to public health orders and limitations that may be announced in the BC Government’s June 15 update, the Township is planning to open the Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience Waterpark, at the already open Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre Arena and Outdoor Pool, in early July for registered sessions.

Also planned for July openings are outdoor day camps and the Walnut Grove Community Centre’s fitness facility for registered sessions as part of a phased opening of fitness facilities. Registrations will be able to be made at tol.ca/recregister Additional fitness facility openings at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre and the WC Blair Recreation Centre will follow.

The Township is also working with School District 35 and hopes to offer the Active Beyond the Bell program in some schools (yet to be determined) beginning mid-September 2021, subject to Public Health Orders and both TOL and SD35 COVID-19 safety protocols.

The Langley Centennial Museum has been open for several months with visitors registering for sessions to discover among its many community historical items, a collection of Indigenous belongings including Coast Salish baskets, masks, stone tools and carvings as part of its permanent displays. The Exhibitions Centre Gallery hosts temporary displays of art, history, or science with a local, regional, or national focus. Book a museum visit today at tol.ca/recregister.

As summer approaches, there are also many outdoor activities for individuals and families. Splash into summer and cool down at one of the Township spray parks, play tennis, pickleball, basketball, disc golf, bocce, volleyball, and skateboard. Have lunch outdoors - pack a picnic or grab take out from a local business and enjoy it at your local neighbourhood park. Find out what is available at a park near you by visiting tol.ca/parks.

Community members can view all present recreation, museum, facility, and park statuses and updates on the Township’s COVID-19 website at tol.ca/covid19. As the Township continues to open, updates will be communicated through the website and other channels including social media.