Member Update – March 16, 2020

Covid 19 and the Health & Safety of our Members and Staff

Dear Members,

First and foremost, we care about everyone’s safety, and are closely monitoring the recent COVID-19 situation and guidance from the BC Public Health Officer and the World Health Organization (WHO).

As stated in our recent March 13th email to Members, and based on recommendations from those authorities at that time, the Board approved the Club to remain open for restricted use, and cancelled all banquets and large group gatherings. We also stated that this was a fluid and changing situation.

With today’s announcements of new and enhanced precautions in BC (banning gatherings of more than 50 people, asking people to practice social distancing of 1-2m apart and other recommendations), the Board of Directors and Management team have together made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Club as of midnight tonight, March 16th, 2020.

Our top priority is the safety of our members and staff and their loved ones, and slowing/preventing the spread of the virus. We have been fortunate that no members of our community (that we are aware of) have tested positive for the virus, but due to the high risk associated with social contact, we believe closing the Club is the most socially responsible decision at this time.

The Board and Management will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis. The COVID-19 health crisis is forcing each of us to make sacrifices and changes none of us wants to make; however, we know that the decisions we make today are for the greater good in the long run.

We understand the closure will have a significant impact on our members. Below are answers to some of the questions you may have. If you have further questions about the closure, please email Joanna Hayes, General Manager, at jhayes@nswc.ca.

We also understand that this closure will have an impact on our employees, and the Board is committed to doing all that we can to ensure they are taken care of during this temporary closure.

As always we will provide regular updates via future emails such as this one, or in the weekly ‘Let’s Get Connected’ newsletter, and on our website.

Rest assured, this is not an easy decision, and the Club will re-open as soon as there is no longer a risk to our members and staff. These are very stressful times for all, and we thank you again for your support for the NSWC, your neighbours, and your community.

On behalf of the entire Board and Management team, thank you for your understanding and support.

James Cronk | Board Chair

Joanna Hayes | General Manager

 

FAQs:

Are we the only Club in our area to close?

No, several other clubs in Greater Vancouver Area have closed their clubhouse facilities and sports amenities.

Will any facilities be open for member use during this closure?

No, all facilities will be closed until further notice.

How will the staff be affected by this closure? How will they manage?

We will treat our staff responsibly. Our staff are the backbone of our operations and will be supporting them as best we can during this closure. In this challenging labour market, it is essential that we retain our staff and adhere to employment standards legislation.

 Will we receive a rebate on our monthly membership dues?

No, the NSWC is a non-profit, member-owned society.  The club relies on its monthly dues to pay for our annual operating costs, including labour, taxes, utilities and many other costs that we will continue to incur during this closure.

Will we be reimbursed for the programs and lessons for which we are currently registered in? 

Yes, if a program is cancelled prior to starting you will receive a full refund and all other program refunds will be reviewed on a program by program basis.

Will the Club take this opportunity to clean and sanitize all facilities?

Yes, thorough cleaning and sanitization of the Club will be completed.

Will the facilities be maintained and secure during this closure?

Yes, all required maintenance will be completed throughout the closure.  An engineer will be scheduled 24/7 as required by Technical Safety BC, and managers will be onsite throughout the closure.

Has a re-opening date been established?

No reopening date is able to confirmed at this time, and the Board of Directors and Club Management will continue to monitor the situation and the recommendations of the Provincial and Federal health authorities. The situation will be reassessed as new information is received, and we will maintain frequent communication with our members throughout the closure via email and at www.nswc.ca.

What if I have an event booked in the next 30 days or want to book one for the future?

Our Catering department will be in contact with you to discuss possible alternate dates. For future bookings or other event-related inquiries, please contact Kim Hirji at khirji@nswc.ca.  

Can I collect items from my locker after the closure?

If you require access to your personal belongings during the closure please call the Barb Hufsmith at 778-588-9496 on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please give us 24 hours notice, and we will be able to give you access pending the following medical clearance: 

• You have not returned from travel outside of Canada after Tuesday, March 3, 2020. 
• You are not ill or have been in contact with an individual who has been ill.

 Who do I contact for more information?

Joanna Hayes, General Manager  jhayes@nswc.ca