The City of Dryden is looking at its options for operating the Recreation Centre as we are now under a stay at home order until February 11.
The arena, pool and fitness centre will remain closed and no decision has been made on the status of the ice.
Manager of Community Services Steve Belanger admits they have taken a bit of a hit due to COVID-19 shutdowns.
“Just shy of $12,000 for forecasted revenues for the period that we are closed at this time. Over on the pool side we were at about $6,200 for this two week period. So we’re under $20,000 in revenues.”
However, Belanger says through reduced utilities and staffing requirements, the financial impact has been reduced by about 50%.
Belanger adds they have been able to save some money with help from their workers.
“Staff were aware of the situation. They understood where we were last summer when we shutdown and what we’re faced again with right now. So although holidays in early January are not always top picks for staff, I’m really pleased to see that everyone took a look at and an opportunity here to try and reduce these costs for the department.”
Over 347 hours of vacation entitlements and other time off banks were utilized by Community Services staff during the initial shutdown period.
All part-time and student staff schedules have been cancelled and will be on hold until scheduled operations can resume.
The lockdown has allowed staff to carry out needed maintenance and cleaning which will likely eliminate the need for an annual summer shutdown.
Work on the go includes:
-Painting of both the male and female changerooms, staff area, arena office, Pronger Rink washrooms and the downstairs mechanical room floors.
-Re-organization of the pool staff and equipment rooms.
-Counter replacements in both the male and female pool changerooms.
-Updating and installation of emergency evacuation signage in the facility.
-Deep clean of all fitness equipment.
-Buffing of floors in common areas of the Memorial Arena.
