SUDBURY -- Public swimming pools in Greater Sudbury should remain closed at least until September, says a staff report headed to city council Tuesday.

The report also recommends city-owned campsites stay shuttered for the season, and that the city use the pandemic as an opportunity to permanently tighten security and restrict the public's access to city hall.

When it comes to pools, the report says usage normally plummets in the summer months by 60 per cent. The pool in Onaping doesn't normally open in the summer, and keeping the other four closed until September would save about $128,400.

"Although these facilities are able to reopen, changes in usage requirements and projected increases in maintenance costs will result in lower revenue and a higher net subsidy," the report said.

Whether they should reopen from September to December is unclear, the report said, since physical distancing rules will limit capacity for the foreseeable future, and "citizen concern about the COVID-19 virus may impact usage rates.

"Staff will assemble information and best practices and provide options, including financial impacts, at the finance and administration meeting of Aug. 11," the report said.

Keeping the city's three campgrounds closed would save about $70,000-$104,000, minus the $23,200 the city would have to pay based on current service contracts.

"Staff do not recommend providing campground services this season to avoid increasing the projected operating deficit," the report said.

As for Tom Davies Square, the report said workspaces are not configured for physical distancing, and recommends moving ahead with security changes that have been planned for a while.

"Public access is not controlled in a manner that would help to mitigate the chances of viral spread," the report said. "The current closure of TDS presents an opportunity to review our approach and address several issues for visitors and staff."

Changes would ensure the building can adhere to physical distancing requirements and "further enhance customer service efforts and create one stop service opportunities."

Brendan Adair, the manager of security and bylaw, is leading a team working on the proposed changes.

"This team is working to consolidate all transactional services to the ground floor of TDS when the building reopens," the report said. "Public access to the second, third and fourth floors will be limited to visitors with prearranged appointments.

"Upon initial stages of re-opening, public access to TDS will be streamlined to specific entry and exit points ... Physical changes at Tom Davies Square to create a 'one stop' experience for all municipal over-the-counter services will not only enhance customer service, but will also improve staff and visitor safety."

Read the full report here.