Local sports are one step closer to launching in the Comox Valley.
Courtenay council has approved the option to start taking sports field bookings, effective immediately.
The city’s Director of Recreation and Cultural Services, Dave Snider, says before approval, however, each group must have a COVID-19 safety plan attached.
“Sports field organizations through this process will be required to develop their own safety plans. Those safety plans, for the most part, have been created by and vetted by and distributed from the provincial sport organizations that they have distributed to the local agencies for adoption,” explains Snider.
He adds that the fields throughout the valley should be good to go by July.
“We’re anticipating that will be around the end of the month that all of the fields would be in playable condition, (but) some are in playable condition now.”
Snider also says a recent order from the province is encouraging to see because it showcases that everyone wants to be able to get back on the field as soon as safely possible.
“Recently a ministerial order was created by the province to extend liability protection to user groups associated with the spread of COVID-19 and we see this as a great statement from the province that is endorsing the idea of getting people out and being active.”
The new bookings will also apply also to horseshoe pitches, and the lawn bowling green, as well.
Councillor Doug Hillian says the approved policy is good news for those looking to get back onto the pitch, diamond, court, or green.
“I know there are a lot of people in our community who have been anxiously awaiting the resumption of their ability to play on our playing fields and I know that many of those organizations and groups will have safety plans that they will be ready to present.”
