Staff will take in a phased-in approach to reopening the arenas in Port Elgin and Southampton. On September 14 Saugeen Shores Committee of Whole tentatively approved the plan to reopen in the coming weeks.

In a Saugeen Shores media release, staff will take a gradual, phased-in approach as they work towards a soft opening of the Southampton Coliseum on September 28 and The Community Complex (The Plex) in Port Elgin on October 13.

The soft opening will initially include minor sports groups only and if operations are running smoothly, Phase 2 will expand to include recreational groups and private ice rentals. Public skating and programming are said to commence in Phase 3.

As reopening takes place, operations will be different in order to manage facility capacity, flow and physical distancing measures.

“We know that our user groups are eager to get back on the ice,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “Town staff are ready to gradually welcome everyone back to the arenas in a safe and measured way.”

Staff are working on a plan for the reopening of community halls and meeting spaces but these facilities will remain closed at this time.

The arenas have been closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March, 2020. A community education campaign will welcome back patrons and inform the public of new precautions and measures in place to lower risk.

More information will be posted at SaugeenShores.ca/Arenas.