The District of Saanich says that the Flipside Teen Centre located at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre will not be reopening this fall.
While the Pearkes Centre has already reopened for certain recreation programs, the teen centre space is currently being used to house Saanich Fire Department crew from Fire Station #1.
The District says this move was made to allow physical distancing for fire crews and to keep emergency services running efficiently.
“We are well aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social and physical isolation has had on youth in the community,” said Saanich’s Youth Programmer Chris Filler.
”Teens are disproportionately affected by the social impact of COVID-19 and as a result of the disruption to school, social connections, music, art and sport routines, youth have had a hard time connecting with each other as well as meeting their own needs of self-care and well-being.”
Programs such as the Outdoor Club, LGBTQ2+ Social program and Crafters Club will be available through the Upside Teen Centre at Saanich Commonwealth Place and the Backdoor Teen Centre at Gordon Head Recreation Centre.
The District says they will be focusing on community partnered work in the Tillicum neighbourhood while the Flipside Teen Centre is closed.
Information on programs being offered through Saanich’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services is available online through the Active Living Guide.
