About the YMCA of Northern BC’s Response to COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus, is a current cause for global concern and local preparedness, with confirmed cases within British Columbia. Medical experts with the British Columbia Ministry of Health have assessed the risk to British Columbians as low at this time. This situation is being monitored very carefully by local, provincial, and federal agencies. The health and safety of our members, patrons, participants, staff, and volunteers is paramount, and we take risks to that safety seriously. We have developed a plan specific to COVID-19 and are following the recommendations laid out by BC Health Services.
Member Updates
Members and Participants
All memberships were reactivated on Monday, July 6th, 2020. Credits for time that had been paid for prior to shutdown will be applied beginning on the July 6th and payments will resume as scheduled prior to the facility closure.
If you are not comfortable with returning to the facilities yet, or need to make changes to your membership, you can do so using the following form: Update Membership Here
Please note: As of August 1 2020, requests for a change to your membership must be made at least 7 days before your next scheduled payment. Due to the significant volume of requests please note it may take 3 business days to process requests. While we have waived the 15 day change policy please ensure your request is made with as much notice as possible to prevent additional payments being taken. Staff are working as quickly as possible to make all requested changes.
If you are interested in joining the Y, learn more or sign up here: Membership Page
Membership during Covid-19:
All membership passes will be reactivated as of Monday, July 6th, 2020. Credits for time that had been paid for prior to shutdown will be applied beginning on the July 6th and payments will resume as scheduled prior to the facility closure. The following options will be available for making changes to your membership:
- Extended Holiday Hold – we have adjusted our holiday hold policy to allow members to extend their holds to the end of the calendar year.
- Downgrade – if not everyone is ready to return, we can put some family members on hold or remove access.
- Cancel – If you are not planning to return you can request your cancellation using the form. If you are cancelling due to financial circumstances, please let us know and we will follow up with information about our Financial Assistance program.
Alternatively, if you are not ready to return at this time, but would like to continue to support your Y, you can keep your membership active, and fees will be taken following your bi-weekly payment schedule after July 6, 2020. No further action is required on your part and your membership will be ready for you whenever you return. If we do not hear from you prior to July 6, 2020, or you do not notify us that you wish to make changes to your account, you will be charged your regular fees on your regular bi-weekly schedule as per your membership agreement on your next payment date following July 6, 2020. Your Y membership is important to a strong and stable Y for today and tomorrow, and we appreciate your continued support. Thank you for staying with us. We are excited to have you back!
Member Updates
Updated June 26th, 2020 June 23th, 2020
We are working diligently to re-open our doors at the Prince George Family Y on July 6, 2020! In preparation, please take note the following important information. We will open slowly and cautiously to ensure the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and members. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community – especially our most vulnerable neighbors – is our top priority. At all times, we will be guided by recognized health authorities locally and provincially. We appreciate your patience as our teams work to ensure all necessary safety precautions are in place to support a safe environment. You can expect there will be some changes to our physical spaces and procedures to ensure our facilities meet the highest standards for safety and hygiene. After opening, we will continue to re-evaluate to ensure our safety measures are effective, and adjust programs as needed. It is our intention to add services as we can; however, we are also prepared to introduce new measures if required. We ask for your support as we navigate this next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of July 6th, we will begin phase one of our reopening. In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, the following modifications will be in effect at the Prince George Family Y:
- Hours of operation:
- We will be operating on reduced hours:Monday – Friday • 8:00am-8:00pm Saturday & Sunday • 8:00am-6:00pm
- Programming will be limited to:
- Strength and conditioning fitness areas (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, weights, etc.)
- We will be operating on a first-come, first-serve basis with maximum capacities for each fitness area.
- Facility capacity for fitness users is currently a maximum of 60 people, with lower limits during scheduled cleaning closures.Strength and Conditioning floor capacities are as follows:
- Main Floor: 15
- Upper Floor: 20
- Lower Floor: 25
- Members are asked to limit their stay to 90 minutes or less.
- Change rooms will be closed at this time. Please arrive at the YMCA in athletic attire.
- Lockers and storage spaces will not be available. Please limit items that you bring into the facility. We encourage you to leave all valuables at home.
- Please bring a full water bottle as filling stations and water fountains will not be available as per Health Authority requirements.
- We will not be offering children or youth programming at this time. Planning for re-introducing child minding and recreation programs is underway and will be evaluated as we re-open.
- We encourage older adults with compromised immune systems or underlying health issues to use discretion in visiting the Y at this time, as they are more at risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Traffic flow in the centre has been modified and equipment has been removed and re-positioned throughout the facility to support physical distancing.
- Enhanced cleaning measures are in place including scheduled rotating closures of fitness areas for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
- Members should wipe down equipment prior to and after use.
- Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer is encouraged.
- Be sure to review the updated Member Code of Conduct – this will be posted on our website prior to opening.
- For more detailed information, please stay tuned as we continue to update our website with Frequently Asked Questions.
Membership during Covid-19:
All membership passes will be reactivated on Monday, July 6th, 2020. Credits for time that had been paid for prior to shutdown will be applied beginning on the July 6th and payments will resume as scheduled prior to the facility closure.
If you are not comfortable with returning to the facilities yet, or need to make changes to your membership, you can do so using the following form: Update Membership Here Staff will begin processing requests on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020.
The following options will be available for making changes to your membership:
- Extended Holiday Hold – we have adjusted our holiday hold policy to allow members to extend their holds to the end of the calendar year.
- Downgrade – if not everyone is ready to return, we can put some family members on hold or remove access.
- Cancel – If you are not planning to return you can request your cancellation using the form. If you are cancelling due to financial circumstances, please let us know and we will follow up with information about our Financial Assistance program.
Alternatively, if you are not ready to return at this time, but would like to continue to support your Y, you can keep your membership active, and fees will be taken following your bi-weekly payment schedule after July 6, 2020. No further action is required on your part and your membership will be ready for you whenever you return. If we do not hear from you prior to July 6, 2020, or you do not notify us that you wish to make changes to your account, you will be charged your regular fees on your regular bi-weekly schedule as per your membership agreement on your next payment date following July 6, 2020. Your Y membership is important to a strong and stable Y for today and tomorrow, and we appreciate your continued support. Thank you for staying with us. We are excited to have you back!
June 17th, 2020 Essential Child Care Information
- As per the June 15th announcement from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) - Emergency Child Care Remain in place until August 31st, 2020.
- Thus, until August 31st, we will continue to prioritize children of essential service workers and not charge fees for children we are temporarily withdrawn.
- As of September 1st, we will return to our pre-pandemic standard YMCA Child Care model.
- Emergency Workers
- We will continue to prioritize care for you, as an Essential Service Worker, until August 31st.
- For Licensed Summer Club programs, we will try to prioritize your space where operationally possible, please contact our YMCA Child Care Administration Team to register.
- Effective September 1st, our facility will revert to its pre-pandemic enrolment and our pre-existing families with non-essential worker parents will have the option to return to their original child care space.
- If you will require child care after August 31st we encourage you to inquire as soon as possible with our YMCA Child Care Administration Team or contact our Child Care Resource and Referral.
- YMCA Child Care Families who are Temporarily Withdrawn
- If you wish to re-enroll your child over the summer, please contact our YMCA Child Care Administration Team. We will continue to serve pre-pandemic YMCA Child Care families where spaces permit.
- To ensure direct communication, families will be contacted directly by YMCA Child Care Administration by July 11th, 2020.
- YMCA Child Care fees will resume on September 1st, 2020.
- If you wish you permanently withdraw from YMCA Child Care, as per YMCA Child Care Policies in Parent Handbook, withdrawals must occur one month prior to the date of withdrawal. Thus, if you wish to permanently withdrawal your child and not return to your YMCA Child Care on September 1st, then you must notify YMCA Child Care Administration in writing by August 1st, 2020.
- As of September 1st, your child can return to their space.
- For Licensed Summer Club programs, if you are already registered, your space is secure. If you are not registered and would like to register, please contact our YMCA Child Care Administration Team or contact our Child Care Resource and Referral.
May 22nd, 2020 YMCA of Northern BC: COVID-19 Information Update At the YMCA of Northern BC, as a health-oriented charity, the health and safety of the children and families we serve, our valued staff and volunteers, and the broader community is our top priority. As the Province continues into Phase 2 of the Reopening BC Plan, we continue to follow the advice of government and public health agencies as we work to reopen our programs and services to serve our communities. Health, Fitness, and Aquatics As multi-service recreation facilities, our Health, Fitness, and Aquatics Centres – the Prince George Family Y and Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre - are in process of planning a phased reopening plan for summer. We are currently working and waiting on plans with the Province, BCRPA, WorkSafe, National Lifesaving, and the Health Authority, while also securing PPE and cleaning supplies to ensure safety for staff, volunteers, and members. In the meantime, to help us best prepare, we invite you to participate in our member survey to be released May 27th. Community Health Community Health will continue to offer services online, by phone, and in person when indicated and essential. Child Care Child Care centres are still providing service to essential workers, while increasing to regular capacity and ratios within all early years centres. Currently closed school age centres will remain closed until the end of the school year. Licensed Summer Club programs will commence on schedule. At this time, no transportation of children will occur. We are working with the appropriate bodies and YMCA Canada on a safe transportation plan for potentially late summer or fall. Volunteers Our valued volunteers are an important component of our reopening. We know that there are many variables for both programs and individuals that may impact the ability to volunteer. Volunteers can expect individual communication, beginning the week of May 25th. We will continue to communicate with our YMCA community in a timely and transparent manner as soon as new information becomes available to our social media channels and our website at: nbc.ymca.ca/covid19/. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to both serve and protect the health of our community.
May 19th, 2020 - Health, Fitness and Aquatics Update YMCA of Northern BC: COVID-19 Information Update
March 27, 2020 - CCRR Update CCRR supporting essential service workers Child Care Resource and Referral will be open this weekend to support essential service workers during this time. CCRR will be doing email referrals at ccrr@nbc.ymca.ca. For more information please contact 250-563-2483
March 26, 2020 - Child Care Update
YMCA Rolls Out “Essential Child Care” Starting April 1st
Province of BC Funding Enables Care to Continue
Prince George, BC - [March 26, 2020] – The YMCA of Northern BC will continue its child care services in a new and expanded format starting April 1st. The YMCA Essential Child Care program will include care continuing at multiple YMCA Early Years Child Care locations, while YMCA Before and After School Child Care programs will expand to offer full day care.
“Since the pandemic began, the YMCA has been committed to continuing to provide child care as an essential service to families across Northern BC” says Amanda Alexander, CEO. “With the help of the Province of BC’s temporary emergency child care funding, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide child care services, expand our program hours and meet the childcare needs of families who essential work in essential services.”
Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, is encouraging parents who can care for their children to do so at home. YMCA Child care spots will be reserved for families who choose to keep their children at home or who cannot attend YMCA Child Care due to COVID-19. “Many of the YMCA’s programs are not at capacity right now as many families are following the advice of public health,” says Alexander. “We are opening up child care spots where they are available to any parent or caregiver who needs child care during the pandemic.” Fees for YMCA Essential Child Care will remain the same as typical YMCA Child Care.
In order to support families who are needing to work during this time, the YMCA of Northern BC will continue to operate our full day child care at the YMCA Highland Family Development Centre, YMCA Lac Des Bois Care and Learning Centre, and YMCA Early Learning and Care Centre on Massey Drive from 7:45am until 5:30pm. Preschool and regular Before and After School Care Programs will be closed. The YMCA is working on further plans to support essential services workers at more locations during the pandemic.
Families whose income has changed due to COVID-19 are encouraged to reach out to the Affordable Child Care Benefit Program for reconsideration of their application.
Since March 13th, the YMCA has implemented a number of enhanced health measures so that child care could continue operating. The YMCA will continue these measures:
- In compliance with public health recommendations, if a child or staff has had symptoms recently, such as fever, sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, they must self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of the symptoms before returning to child care;
- Health screenings are being carried out and all families are asked to complete a Health Declaration Form at drop-off/sign-in each day;
- If anyone develops symptoms or has a fever during a program, they will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days before returning to the YMCA program;
- Regular handwashing for children and staff is taking place throughout the day; and
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of high touch surfaces are completed at regular intervals.
Use of the sign-in and sign-out table in the main entrance of each centre which restricts public access to the program space.
More information and registration forms for YMCA Essential Child Care can be found at nbc.ymca.ca or by contacting YMCA Child Care Administration at karri.stang@nbc.ymca.ca.
Media & News Updates
April 17, 2020 - YMCA Moves Free Mental Wellness Program Online Popular province-wide program to be delivered virtually Prince George, BC - [April 16, 2020] – The YMCA of British Columbia’s Y Mind initiative to help young people cope with stress, worry and anxiety is moving to an online delivery model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people ages 13-30 can now sign up for Youth and Teen Y Mind programs that start in early May at no cost. “We were midway through our winter programs when the pandemic was declared,” says Sarah Blackmore, Manager of Mental Wellness at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. “We tested online delivery of our program with 30 young people and were successful at achieving the health and social outcomes through a modified format, so we’re really excited to continue doing this to help even more youth.” Y Mind is supported by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and serves the five regional health authorities across the province. Through this program––now in an online model––young people will have the chance to learn strategies to cope with anxiety through evidence-based programming led by trained mental health professionals. “Anxiety and stress are prevalent in daily life for young people at the best of times and this pandemic is making mindfulness and the act of supporting one another that much more critical,” says Blackmore. “We are thrilled that the YMCA was able to convert this valuable program into an online version so quickly,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Now, more than ever, young people need to know that it’s okay to reach out for help to deal with the anxiety, stress, and depression that many people are feeling during this difficult time. Staying connected is more important than ever.” Each online Y Mind group includes 12 participants at a time for the duration of a six and seven-week program for young people ages 13-17 and 18-30 respectively who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. There is no cost to participate and referrals are not required. Each young person typically also receives a complimentary health and fitness membership to their local YMCA for the duration of the program, however access to these facilities is not possible due to the pandemic. Rather, participants have access to an online library of fitness videos available at nbc.ymca.ca. “We live in a world where we think that everyone has everything figured out except for us, and there is nothing more powerful than meeting other people who think the way you do and have similar struggles,” says previous YMCA Mindfulness program participant, Sarah Jickling. “I gained a support network through the program and I also learned how to be mindful about my emotions, that negative feelings are okay and that daily practices are important.” Programs are available across the province and parents or young people interested in the program can go to http://gv.ymca.ca/mentalwellness to register now. In Prince George, the YMCA of Northern BC is registering sessions for 13-17 years and 18-30 years starting the week of May 4th. Spaces are limited, so the Y encourages people to sign up soon. For information on how to register, email ymind@nbc.ymca.ca.
April 15th, 2020 - YMCA of Northern BC Launches YMCA Gym Class FREE YMCA Virtual Physical Education Resources for Local School Boards In response to facilities closures, in collaboration with YMCAs across the country, the YMCA of Northern BC launched YMCA at Home as a free virtual YMCA, connecting people to fitness classes, children’s programs and personal wellness resources. Now, the YMCA has launched YMCA Gym Class, an online platform for educators to deliver virtual physical education programming to their students as a part of their school’s e-learning platform. “Whether it is through basketball or swimming lessons, volleyball or summer camp, the YMCA has an over 100 year tradition of innovative programs and activities that get young people active. We see YMCA Gym Class as an extension of this type of innovation – a virtual gym class in a time of social distancing.” said Amanda Alexander, CEO for YMCA of Northern BC. YMCA Gym Class is instructed by a YMCA certified fitness coach and features content based on YMCA Canada's Health & Fitness programs and Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines. With activities designed to complement physical education course curriculum, the YMCA has made this resource available for schools to use for free. The YMCA is a charity serving our communities for over fifty years. During these unprecedented times, the Y needs your help more than ever to be able to serve those most in need in our community. Donations will continue to be accepted during this pause of YMCA programs. Visit nbc.ymca.ca to make your gift and help the YMCA continue supporting those in need. The YMCA of Northern BC is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body with a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.
April 14, 2020 - YMCA Camp Kanannaq Update The YMCA of Northern BC continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and follow direction from our Governments and Provincial Health Officer. At this time, registration for summer 2020 Camp Kanannaq Day Camp programs and Licensed Summer Club is open. Our Overnight Programs, Aurora and Borealis Expedition, have been cancelled. We encourage families to secure their spaces now; should our programs be cancelled due to COVID-19, all registrants will be notified and issued a 100% refund.
March 27, 2020 - Senior Update
B.C. expands 211 phone line, website to support seniors during COVID-19 pandemic
The B.C. government has launched a new phone line and website to support seniors living at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The call line, 2-1-1, is intended to connect elderly British Columbians with people who can offer support. Services offered through the 2-1-1 line will include meal delivery, help with cooking, delivery of groceries and medications, wellness calls and visits. https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca
YMCA of Northern BC: COVID-19 Information Update Updated: March 26th, 2020 12:00pm YMCA Rolls Out “Essential Child Care” Starting April 1st Prince George (other regions coming soon) - The YMCA of Northern BC will continue its child care services in a new and expanded format starting April 1st. The YMCA Essential Child Care program will include care continuing at multiple YMCA Early Years Child Care locations, while YMCA Before and After School Child Care programs will expand to offer full day care. More information and registration forms for YMCA Essential Child Care can be found by contacting YMCA Child Care Administration at karri.stang@nbc.ymca.ca
March 20, 2020 - This afternoon, Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development, and Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, issued a news release providing more information on how the ministry will continue to support child care providers and parents during this challenging time. Please visit the following link to find out more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/21845 We will continue to work with the Ministry next week to understand all of the details so that we can ensure as much support as possible to the families in our child care.
YMCA Program Status
About the YMCA of Northern BC's Response to COVID-19
Measures being taken by the YMCA to maintain a healthy and safe environment for its members and program participants:
- A COVID-19 Response Team of YMCA leadership staff has been formed. This team is made up of several YMCA leadership staff. The Response Team’s responsibilities include closely monitoring all public health agencies to stay on top of the COVID-19's latest developments and implementing any required health and safety measures based on the recommendation from various international, national and provincial authorities.
- We have increased our disinfecting and cleaning protocols in all of our program areas
- We have sent communication to all YMCA staff and volunteers informing them of the following:
- Steps on how to prevent the spread of illness to those around them.
- Guidance from BC Centre for Disease Control and the Government of BC regarding their civic duty to self isolate for 14 days and to closely monitor themselves for symptoms.
- We have provided a “Stop the Spread of Germs” poster to staff, which is to be posted in all program areas and membership centres.
While our plan includes what the YMCA of Northern BC's response will be should a widespread outbreak occur, our focus at this time is on prevention. At the YMCA, we already maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in all of our centres as part of our goal to provide exceptional experiences to our participants. If you would like more information about COVID-19, please visit the HealthLinkBC website. If you have concerns about your own health, please contact HeathLink by calling 8-1-1. We are committed to keeping you informed about the YMCA's response to COVID-19 as it unfolds. Thank you for your help and support in keeping the YMCA a healthy community where everyone can thrive and belong.
What you can do:
As you know, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely, and while the risk for British Columbians is still considered low, there are steps we can all take now to prevent the spread of illness. These steps include:
- Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve (not your hand!)
- Throw any used tissue into a garbage can immediately after use. Then wash your hands, using either soap and water or sanitizer.
- As best as you can, keep your hands away from your eyes and nose. (Your eyes and nose have mucous membranes; germs (on your hands) can enter your body through the mucous membranes of your eyes and nose.
- If you are sick, stay home, including if you are taking medications to mask symptoms (such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath), and call 8-1-1 (HealthLink). While COVID-19 is mild in most cases, people with underlying medical conditions are at most risk. So while you may be okay, others in our YMCA community may not. We ask that you consider the health and well-being of not only yourself, but those around you.
