With all the cancellations and closures happening all over the province, country and world; we decided to put together a list of what is happening with events and activities in Ridge Meadows.
This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as new cancellations happen, or other info comes forward.
SPORTS AND LEISURE
All Fraser Valley Regional Libraries will be closing as of March 17 until further notice, althought there will still be access to their digital content. According to a notice on their website, all fines have been suspended during the closure perioid and all libraries will be sanitized before they reopen. All book drops will remain open and items that cannot be returned through the book drop such as telescopes and ukuleles can be kept until libraries reopen.
Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association said following the Canadian Lacrosse Association’s recommendation, that they will be postponing all lacrosse activities until April 5.
It looks like Maple Ridge Mastodons will finish off their season
#TJHL will allow its #playoff matchs to take place. It is recommended fans use common sense, wear a mask, wash your hands and dont sneeze and cough on people. #mapleridge we will take extra steps to ensure our fans and players are safe. #hockey #sports #canada #CoronaVirusUpdate
— Maple Ridge Mastodons (@MapleMastodons) March 12, 2020
Haney Neptunes president Jim Baxter is still unsure of what the swim season will look like.
“We will see what plans the city has for the pool during this scare,” Baxter said.
“I am in constant touch with the Directors of the British Columbia Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA), as the governing body for Summer swimming decisions will be made for the whole organization, province-wide.”
Organizers for the upcoming Ruskin Slo-Pitch season are in wait-and-see mode.
“Our season does not start for another month and a bit,” said president, Darren Gosselin.
“Realistically we will need to assess the situation closer to our opening date.”
The Leisure Centre will remain open for now.
“At this time, City facilities [including] Maple Ridge Leisure Centre [and] Greg Moore Youth Centre remain open during business hours and programs will continue to run unless otherwise specified,” said Russ Brummer Recreation Manager for parks, recreation and culture, City of Maple Ridge.
“Based on the direction from Health Authorities, the city is taking measures to ensure social distancing can be maintained.
“To mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Sauna and Steam Room will be closed until further notice and attendance at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre will be tracked to maintain appropriate levels of participation.
“Working with our maintenance and cleaning staff, we have enacted enhanced protocols around regularly disinfecting common areas which, combined with personal hygiene [like] hand washing, and social distancing, will keep the risk of transmission in our facilities low.”
They have also ensured hand sanitizer stations throughout the facilities are stocked.
READ MORE: The ACT cancels shows of more than 250 people during COVID-19 outbreak
EVENTS
Earth Day 2020 that was to be held on April 18 has been cancelled until further notice.
The Maple Ridge Community Foundation has postponed their annual fundraising dinner where they announce the Citizens of the Year to Sept. 19. The nomination deadline has been extended to July 31.
The 22nd annual Rotary Wine Festival that was to take place at the end of April, has been postponed until further notice.
However, the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association is still holding their annual Spring Treasure Hunt, although, said executive director Ineke Boekhorst, a couple of busninesses have pulled out. Participants can download a passport or pick up one from a participating business and then find the hidden eggs in busnesses downtown Maple Ridge. Find a hidden egg and then bring it to the front counter to have your passport stamped. Collect at least 25 stamps and drop off the completed passport to any one of the participating businesses to win one of five giant Easter baskets.
Ridge Meadows Recycling Society has cancelled today’s (March 14) Repair Cafe.
Founder, Leanne Koehn, said, “The safety and well-being of our volunteers (many of whom are seniors) and our community members is paramount and we would hate to be the reason someone develops an illness.”
Please check www.mrrepaircafe.ca for updates on the April 18 Repair Cafe
The LIONS Club is cancelling the upcoming Spaghetti Dinner, which was scheduled for March 27.
The next two monthly Lions meetings on March 19 and April 7, have also been cancelled.
A spokesperson said there has been no illness but they are taking precautions.
While Amsterdam Gardens’ Nature Day event for next Saturday (March 21) is cancelled, they will still hold the two kid’s workshops which were scheduled.
All concerts of over 250 people will be cancelled at ACT Arts Centre as per provincial direction.
Prior to the provincial announcement, the theatre had planned to continue as usual with elevated cleaning and sanitizing measures throughout the building, along with installing an increased number of hand sanitizing gel stations.
Maple Ridge Museum’s Alice’s Tea Party will be postponed.
The Spring Break event will be rescheduled for later this year.
“We were really looking forward to sharing a day of whimsical fun with you! Unfortunately with the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot in good conscience continue with the event on March 22nd,” the museum said on its website.
More updates to follow.
ronan.p.odoherty@blackpress.ca
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