The Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program applies to all City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities, such as the Collicutt Centre. (City of Red Deer file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

1 dose proof by Sept. 28., 2 dose proof by Oct.25.

City of Red Deer to adopt Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program

Sep 17, 2021 | 4:09 PM

The City of Red Deer will adopt the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program, effective Monday, September 20, 2021.

Officials say the program will apply at all City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities.

On Sept. 15, the Government of Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency due to the rising hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19. As a result, they are implementing province-wide restrictions in an effort to reduce the impact of the pandemic.

In order to continue providing recreation and culture opportunities in a safe and responsible way, the City has decided to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program for all City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities.

Starting September 20, all vaccine-eligible visitors to City owned and operated recreation and culture facilities will require proof of vaccination, medical exemption or a negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities.

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From September 20 to October 25, proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than two weeks before visiting facilities. After October 25, proof of full vaccination (two doses) will be required.

Recreation Superintendent Barb McKee says much like all of the other decisions they’ve made throughout this pandemic, this was not made lightly.

“Ultimately, if we didn’t implement the program, we would be subject to additional restrictions that would significantly limit access and program options in our facilities. Our goal remains providing safe and accessible recreation opportunities, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of staff, customers and visitors.”

Acknowledging that not all Red Deerians may be able to immediately access their proof of vaccination, the City will allow access to facilities from Monday, September 20 to Monday, September 27 with verbal confirmation of vaccination.

“We recognize that not everyone will agree with this approach,” said McKee. “Our focus remains protecting the health and safety of our community in the best way that we can with the information and guidance we have today. Please remember to be kind and respectful to one another, and to our staff when you visit our facilities.”

The Restrictions Exemption Program also applies to all leaseholder spaces within City facilities. Lease holders will be responsible for sharing these new requirements with their customers.

Third-party operators (e.g., River Bend, Bower Ponds, Heritage Ranch, Neighbourhood Activity Centres, etc.) will make their own decisions regarding their operations. Rental permit holders for City operated recreation and culture facilities will be responsible for sharing recreation facility requirements with their memberships and visiting teams. For organized sports, you’re encouraged to check with your sport organization for more information about specific requirements.

As mandated by the Government of Alberta, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces. Therefore, all visitors are required to wear a mask in City facilities, unless actively participating in activities. Effective September 20, anyone unable to wear a mask will be required to provide a medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. More information about mask exemptions is available at alberta.ca/masks

Refunds are available for customers who would like to pause or cancel their monthly pass or program registration. Please contact recreation@reddeer.ca or 403-309-8411 to request a refund.

Please visit www.reddeer.ca/RecUpdate for more information about the Restrictions Exemption Program at City facilities, and the Government of Alberta’s website for full details on the September 15 provincial announcement. https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx

Q&A Backgrounder: Restrictions Exemption Program and mandatory masking (pdf)