Strangway Centre, BlackburnNews.com file photo. Strangway Centre, BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

Sarnia council to consider phased reopening of Strangway Centre

Plans to reopen the Strangway Centre in phases will be considered by Sarnia council Monday.

Low cardio fitness programs like yoga and tai chi, "learn how" workshops, the hobby shop, music instrument lessons and guest speakers would resume in November.

Mayor Mike Bradley said the programs, which are mostly used by seniors, have been reviewed and modified.

"There is no question there's heightened concern," said Bradley. "It was the first facility we closed when it was understood that COVID had a very serious and damaging impact on seniors. There's a lot of things that are being done on the staff side to protect people, (both) on the staff side and the people coming to the centre."

The reopening approach would be consistent with other seniors and community centres in southwestern Ontario, like Sarnia's YMCA, which is currently offering pool and fitness classes, but no room rentals.

"Obviously we have to work within the COVID guidelines the province has as it relates to the number of people, but it will be a phased-in approach because we're obviously concerned about the safety of the staff and the people that will be attending the Strangway Centre."

Before the pandemic hit, the East Street site was averaging over 275 participants a day and offered over 50 programs.

Details of the reopening plan can be found here.

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