UPDATE: Jan 3, 2022
The Western Student Recreation Centre will be closed for in-person programming, in line with the provincial government’s new measures, until January 26. Campus Recreation digital programming starts January 3 and will continue throughout January, visit www.uwo.ca/campusrec for more info. In-person student athlete training will also be paused until further notice.
More information can be found at https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/updates/jan3-2022.html
UPDATE: February 16, 2021
As the London area moves out of the lockdown and into Red, Western and Sport and Recreation are also reopening some of our in-person programming. For more information about Sport and Recreation in-person programming please visit:
FAQs: Campus Recreation Phased Reopening of WSRC and TRAC in-person programming - Sport and Recreation Services - Western University (uwo.ca)
UPDATE: September 17, 2020
As the University is reverting back to Phase 3 of the Return to Campus Plan, we will therefore be pausing our in-person services and temporarily closing our facilities, in Campus Recreation and Sport. More information can be found at https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/updates/sept17.html
What new measures have you introduced to help improve safety at the WSRC?
Sport and Recreation appreciates that health and safety is a shared responsibility with those using its facilities. We have implemented a number of measures, including directional arrows, signage, and placement to ensure physical distancing can be achieved. Where possible, equipment may be disabled and/or relocated to facilitate this. Members are still expected to use best judgement when determining if a piece of equipment or workout area can be used safely while maintaining the recommended 2 metres (6 ft) of physical distancing.
What cleaning protocols do you have in place at the WSRC?
We have new protocols in place to ensure robust cleaning measures in the WSRC. Staff will be performing a deep clean each night with new Electrostatic sprayers. Members will be asked to clean after each individual use using wipes provided by the WSRC. And staff will clean after every booking, prior to the next block of bookings.
Will participants be asked to apply hand sanitizer immediately upon entry and upon leaving WSRC?
Yes. We will be asking members to apply hand sanitizer upon entry to the facility, and we will have an increased number of hand sanitizer stations available throughout the WSRC.
We will not require Members to apply hand sanitizer when leaving, but it will be available.
What will the welcome desk look like?
Our Membership Services Associates will be behind plexiglass barriers at the front welcome desk. We ask that all members observe physical distancing. New signage and way finding information will be posted in the WSRC and outdoor fields upon reopening.
Do not enter the sport facilities, if:
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You have travelled outside Canada during the previous 14 days.
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You have symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling unwell.
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Someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days.
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Anyone in your household has been exposed to someone who has or is recovering from COVID-19.
Will Campus Recreation have self-screening tools?
We are working with Western to determine this process. Details TBA later in August. There will be signage at the entrance to the WSRC, TRAC, and TD Stadium about new procedures and protocols.
Will members be required to wear masks while working out?
To be confirmed. We are currently seeking guidance from the Middlesex London Health unit.
What are the hours of operation for each facility?
WSRC - Daily hours of operation will be announced later in August. We anticipate having similar hours to last year, with some adjustments for additional cleaning measures.
Thompson Recreation Athletic Centre - Daily hours of operation will be announced later in August. We anticipate having similar hours to last year, with some adjustments for additional cleaning measures.
To ensure physical distancing, what is the capacity in each facility?
Western Campus Recreation is adhering to the provincial guidelines, and Western is working with a global architecture and space planning firm, to inform guidelines, signage and wayfinding. The provincial guideline currently limits us to 50 members indoors. However due to the size of our space (over 100,000 square feet) we are working with the province to see if our indoor capacity may be increased. We are also looking at outdoor programming in our outdoor spaces. The provincial guidelines currently allow 100 members outdoors.
What about faculty, staff, alumni and others who have been WSRC members in the past?
Students will be first to access the WSRC. Timing for staff, faculty, alumni, external stakeholders and community users will be announced in the coming months.
How do I make a booking/reservation?
Members will be required to make a reservation using our new online booking system. There will be no walk-up workouts available initially.
Example of current proposed procedures:
We are currently proposing 45-75 minutes per workout. After which time, we would close the doors to the WSRC and clean all surfaces. For example: 6 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. workout; clean 7:15 a.m. – 7:50 a.m.; next booking would start at 8:00 a.m.
Can I use the water fountains?
No. Members are encouraged to bring a pre-filled water bottle for their workouts. Water fountains will be equipped with bottle fillers, but members are not permitted to drink directly from the water fountains.
Are you offering equipment rentals?
No. Equipment rentals are not available at this time. Members are encouraged to bring their own small equipment, where possible.
What's closed?
To reduce the number of potential touch points the following services and amenities will be closed for now, based on recommendations:
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Showers
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Pool
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Massage Therapy
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Towel Service
Will I be able to book a workout more than once per day?
We are looking into this and will update when we have more information. We are watching other private and university gyms to see how their procedures are working and develop our best practices from there.
How far in advance am I able to book my workout?
We are looking into this and will update when we have more information. We are watching other private and university gyms to see how their procedures are working and develop our best practices from there.
What if I need to cancel my workout?
We are looking into this and will update when we have more information. We are watching other private and university gyms to see how their procedures are working and develop our best practices from there.
When will intramurals start again?
We are currently planning to begin Fall Intramurals starting at the end of September. Registration would take place in September.
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E-Sports: Starting Monday, September 28
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All indoor and outdoor Intramurals: Starting Tuesday, October 13
Are the changerooms and washrooms open?
Washroom facilities are open. Proper physical distancing must be maintained at all times. Watch for new protocols, and any changes in capacity, on signs posted outside the washrooms.
Change rooms will remain closed for the time being. They will reopen in the coming months.
Are lockers available?
No. Initially, locker rentals will not be available. We are looking to reopen these at a later date. Members will be required to take their bags with them to their workout pods.
Are showers available?
No. Showers will not be available when the WSRC first reopens. They will reopen at a later date.
What about Group Fitness Classes?
Western Campus Recreation will be adhering to Ontario provincial guidelines – currently at 50 indoors, as well as new room space physical capacities where applicable. We will have more details about our fitness class options and how to sign up and register by mid-August.
Will Campus Recreation continue to have digital offerings?
Yes. Campus Recreation will be using a hybrid approach, with a mix of in-person programming (indoor and outdoor) and online digital programming, to service both students on-campus and students studying remotely.
How will varsity bookings for athletes and teams work?
We're working on a booking protocol that will be messaged to coaches and players.
For more information on Mustangs Sports:
https://westernmustangs.ca/sports/2020/6/5/fall-sports-announcement.aspx?id=916
For more information on Western and Covid-19:
www.uwo.ca/coronavirus
Western is committed to achieving barrier free accessibility for persons with disabilities studying, visiting and working at Western. Please let us know if you require information in alternative formats or if any other arrangements can make our services accessible to you.
