In light of the Province's announcement to close all K-12 and post-secondary schools, as well as daycares and preschool programs, the Town of Okotoks is closing many of its public facilities.
Effective March 15, the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Pason Centennial Arenas, Rotary Performing Arts Centre, Foothills Centennial Centre and Okotoks Public Library are closed until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following facilities remain open: the Southridge Emergency Services building, Okotoks Municipal Centre, the Operations Centre and Eco Centre, and the Okotoks Art Gallery and Okotoks Museum.
In addition to these measures, the Town of Okotoks opened its Emergency Operations Centre earlier in the week. It has also implemented flexible cancellation policies for recreation facility passes, programs and rentals.
Enhanced cleaning and janitorial services have been employed in all public facilities, and there is a mandatory 14-day isolation period in place for all Town of Okotoks staff showing symptoms or those who have travelled internationally.
"The health and safety of our residents is the number one priority," said Kelly Stienwand, protective services director, in a press release. "We know some of these proactive measures will effect your daily lives; however, we strongly believe these are necessary steps in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in our community."
While the library is closed, it hasn't closed the book on providing service.
It will continue to offer a modified curb-side hold pick-up service from Monday to Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. To pick up held items meet library staff at the main doors with your library card.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.okotoks.ca/COVID-19 for continued updates.
