*Revised November 17, 2020
In addition to Saturday’s announcement suspending all Lower Mainland indoor programming for the next two weeks, we would like to further outline the steps that Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is taking to ensure our alignment with new provincial health orders.
Stay up-to-date on all CAN program and health updates at canucksautism.ca/health.
Suspended In-Person Programs
All Lower Mainland indoor in-person programs are suspended until Tues, Nov 24.
- Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Burnaby (Scotia Barn), Langley (TOCA), Maple Ridge (Maple Ridge Leisure Centre), New Westminster (Futbol 5), Surrey (Uplands Sports Centre), Vancouver (Britannia, Jewish & West Point Grey Community Centres) - Skate (3-6 & 7-12yrs)
Coquitlam (Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex) & Vancouver (Britannia Arena)
Suspension of these programs is in alignment with provincial health orders to suspend all indoor group physical activities in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.
*We will provide another update towards the end of the two-week suspension period on Friday, November 20 as we anticipate an announcement from provincial health authorities on Thursday, November 19 at 3pm.
Continued In-Person Programs
All Lower Mainland outdoor in-person programs will continue as scheduled.
- Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Vancouver (Hillcrest Park) & Surrey (Cloverdale Athletic Park) - Monthly Youth & Adult (13-17 & 18+yrs)*
Surrey (Bear Creek Park)
*Please note that this program was mistakenly listed as suspended in our original Saturday announcement.
Continuing these programs remains in alignment with provincial health orders permitting outdoor activities, as long as physical distancing can be maintained.
Our program team has carefully assessed each program. We are confident in our ability to safely deliver outdoor programs while enforcing necessary health precautions.
All Kelowna, Kamloops and Nanaimo programs will continue as scheduled:
- Active (3-6yrs) & Multisport (7-12yrs)
Kelowna (Mar Jok Elementary School) & Kamloops (West Highlands Community Centre) - Skate (3-6 & 7-12yrs)
Kelowna (Capital News Centre) & Nanaimo (Cliff McNabb Arena)
Continuing these programs remains in alignment with provincial health orders as new restrictions apply only to the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.
Upcoming Family Experiences
All Family Experiences across BC will continue as scheduled:
- Glow Gardens (Greater Vancouver Zoo, Langley)
- Bright Nights Train (Stanley Park, Vancouver)
- Holiday Skate (Propsera Place, Kelowna)
Provincial health orders continue to permit outdoor gatherings, as long as families/households can maintain physical distancing.
Both Family Experiences at Glow Gardens and the Bright Nights Train in the Lower Mainland are set to take place in large open spaces, while Prospera Place in Kelowna does not fall under indoor restrictions for the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions.
We have been working hard with all three venues to ensure that all the necessary precautions are in place to ensure strict health and safety protocols.
Confirmed safety measures include, but are not limited to, one-way paths, signage to enforce physical distancing, ample personal protective equipment available to all attendees and removal/adaptation of high-touch spaces or attractions.
Virtual Programs & Winter 2021 Update
Our team is working hard to expand virtual opportunities for the Winter season. We are excited to share with you some fun new opportunities for children, youth and adults. Our Winter Program Guide is set to be released in late-November.
Registration for in-person and virtual weekly programming will take place Monday, November 30 at noon to Friday, December 4 at noon.
In the meantime, participants and families are encouraged to access pre-recorded program content at canucksautism.ca/online. This includes two 8-week sports and rec programs – Active with Coach Neesh and Multisport with Coach Robbie – and much more.
Ongoing program safety
Our team continues to follow all of the latest recommendations from the health authorities for safe program operations. As new information becomes available, we will continue to update our already comprehensive Safety Plan and ensure that we are always offering CAN programs in alignment with best practices.
We will provide more details on specific changes in our next update by Thursday, November 19.
Next update
*Canucks Autism Network will provide another update towards the end of the two-week suspension period on Friday, November 20 as we anticipate an announcement from provincial health authorities on Thursday, November 19 at 3pm.
Please stay tuned to our social channels, canucksautism.ca/health and the monthly member newsletter.
Our team is keeping a watchful and discerning eye on any subsequent provincial health updates. We are working hard to ensure that our in-person programming will remain in accordance with official health orders and guidelines.
Our team is ready to take action to continue in-person and indoor programming in the affected regions as soon as provincial health authorities allow. In the meantime, it is of utmost importance to protect the health and safety of both the CAN community and the larger provincial community we are a part of.
We are here for you.
We recognize the challenges that our members face during this difficult time. For those affected by suspension of in-person and indoor programming, please know that we are here for you. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, don’t hesitate to email info@canucksautism.ca.
During this time, the community of support that we can provide for each other is more important that ever before. To our entire CAN community – know that we are working hard to continue supporting you in new and creative ways.
Whether it is online or in-person, please continue to be kind, be calm and be safe.
Additional reading & resources
Health Updates | canucksautism.ca/health
CAN Online Resources | canucksautism.ca/online