Prince George, BC – The Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre (NSC) will re-open to the public on Friday, Aug. 18.

Most areas in the facility will be open to members, except for the gymnasium and field house. Regular programming and drop-in sessions will resume in September.

“The Northern Sport Centre and the University of Northern British Columbia thank its members and the public for their patience and understanding while the facility was used as a group lodging centre for wildfire evacuees,” said UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “We’re excited that this outstanding facility will soon re-open for its members, the University family and the Prince George community.”

For the remainder of August, the NSC will be open Monday – Friday, 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

In September, the hours will be: Monday – Friday 5:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Members can continue to get their refunds for July and August at the reception desk from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Non-members can utilize the facility at the regular drop-in rate.

The NSC had been closed since July 10 while it was being used as a group lodging site for evacuees from the Cariboo region that were under evacuation order due to wildfires affecting a large portion of the province.

In early August, the remainder of the evacuees who were still under an evacuation order were relocated to commercial lodging in Prince George.

The demobilization of the NSC began on Aug. 10 as crews removed cots and the plywood flooring from the field house. Thorough cleaning and maintenance followed.