(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

"too early to say" says mayor

Westerner Days status remains up in the air

Apr 14, 2020 | 8:18 PM

The status of Red Deer’s largest annual summer event remains yet to be determined as the city deals with the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Westerner Days is currently scheduled to run from July 15-20, 2020 at Westerner Park. But with The City of Red Deer having shut down all public events until at least June 30, along with closing recreation and culture facilities, Mayor Tara Veer says they won’t be in a position until the second or third week of June before they can decide whether the event can go ahead.

“It’s simply too soon to tell, unfortunately, the future of major community events, or even smaller community events, in July and August,” Veer said Tuesday. “The City of Red Deer’s response has been from day one, and will continue to be in will be in complete alignment of the direction provided to us by Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. Whether events are cancelled or postponed will highly depend on the health curve that the provincial government releases, the capacity of our healthcare system, and when we are able to lift up on the restrictions that we find in place.”

Veer says the fate of Westerner Days will also depend largely on whether the province declares an immediate return to normal activities, when the time comes, or whether there will be a gradual lifting of social restrictions similar to how they were implemented.

Another factor affecting the status of Westerner Days is the fact that Westerner Park has temporarily laid off 90 per cent of its staff, and Veer says there may not be enough time to hire them back and have facilities ready in time for July 15.

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CentreFest, which usually runs in late July, is in a similar situation as Westerner Days, Veer noted.

“The first and foremost priority that we have at this time continues to be the health and safety of our residents, and our visitors and guests,” says Karen Mann, Red Deer’s Emergency Management Director.

Mann says the City is working with organizers of events slated for July and August on contingency plans but noted that decisions to cancel or postpone them lies largely with event organizers.

Mann did announce on Tuesday a number of additional spring and summer amenities closures through June 30, including River Bend Golf and Recreation Area, Discovery Canyon, Recreation Centre Outdoor Pool, spray parks, and the Ross Street Patio.

Lions Campground, which is operated by The City of Red Deer, is also closed through June 30.

In addition, neither the Red Deer Public Market nor the Downtown Farmers’ Market will be happening until at least July.

The Mayor’s Garden Party and Mayor’s Recognition Awards, which are both held each year in June, have been postponed until further notice.