Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) has delayed the opening of the Comox Strathcona Garden Education Centre in Campbell River until further notice. This difficult decision was made after a thorough internal review of health and safety guidelines as they relate to the ongoing pandemic and latest provincial direction.
While the Garden Education Centre is normally open late April through to the fall, opening of the centre has been delayed until at least after May 24, 2021. No new workshops, school programs or tours will be scheduled, and no drop-in visits to the centre will be permitted. Unfortunately, previously booked school programs will have to be cancelled for the time being.
This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of the public, staff, and contractors at the centre. Although outdoor activity is encouraged at this time, it is not without risk. The hands-on nature of the Garden Education Centre programming, in addition to the challenging layout of the garden beds, makes it difficult to ensure all necessary layers of protection can remain in place.
We are following the Provincial Health Officer’s lead in encouraging everyone to stick to the same close contacts, even outdoors, and to be purposeful about who we see and where we go while transmission rates remain high in British Columbia.
We are hopeful that in the coming weeks we see a drop in COVID-19 infections and are soon able to invite everyone to get their hands dirty at the Comox Strathcona Garden Education Centre once again.
If you have any additional questions about these measures, please email Colleen Robson, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator.