As COVID-19 restrictions ease in Ontario, some familiar programming is returning to Sarnia’s Strangway Centre.
Italian and Spanish language classes, technology classes on tablet and smartphone basics, art classes, and others are on the list of things set to return for March programming, said the centre’s Mike Neely.
“Now that restrictions are lessening, I’m bringing back more and more of the programs that still kind of follow the guidelines, and now many people can be in the building at one time,” he said.
Capacity restrictions for the center and places like it were dropped in Ontario Thursday.
Other programs, like leather carving, ukulele lessons and mah-jong, are also on tap for 8:30 am to 4:30 pm March programming at the city community center for adults age 20 and older.
Pre-pandemic, programming would be seasonal, but it’s been monthly amid COVID-19 closures, said community services co-ordinator Krissy Glavin.
“Just to accommodate any closures and anything that may kind of come our way,” she said.
Weekend and evening programming has also been on hold during the pandemic, and there’s no plan or timeline to return either yet, she said.
Drop-in programs have also been on hold amid the pandemic for capacity and contact-tracing reasons, Neely said.
The center was closed in January, and programming like pickleball, woodworking and exercise classes resumed Feb. 7, said Neely, noting some seven to 10 programs run per day.
“It was a little slow that first week, but we’re definitely ramping back up and people are, I think, well aware that we’re open,” he said about usership.
Memberships were suspended in 2021 and all users paid member rates.
“Now, moving forward into 2022, we have brought back the memberships,” Neely said, noting they’re $55.50 for the year and include various program discounts.
Center staff are also considering extending the time between requiring program registrations, he said.
“Maybe we’ll start going to eight weeks or what have you, but that’s not set in stone either.”
Details of a planned gymnasium addition at the center – for which the city has $3.6 million in grant money – are pending a Germain Park master planning process underway, Glavin said.
Registration for March Strangway Center programming opens Feb. 22 at ca.apm.activecommunities.com/sarnia.