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(Paul Woods)
Restrictions In Place

Lacombe elects not to implement REP at Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex

Sep 28, 2021 | 2:13 PM

The Alberta government’s Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) will not be in place at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex in Lacombe.

This despite the government declaring a state of public health emergency on Sept. 15.

New temporary measures to reduce transmission and protect the health care system came into effect on Sept. 16, note City officials. These public health actions are acknowledged as being required due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

On Sept. 20, new public health restrictions came into effect within the Province of Alberta. These guidelines required recreation facility operators to either:

  • Adhere to new restrictions; or
  • Implement a Restrictions Exemption Program (REP)

For the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex (GMAGS), the City of Lacombe consulted with the Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks and Culture Board, impacted user groups, and Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.

After gathering this important feedback, officials say the City of Lacombe has chosen to not move forward with a facility-wide REP for the GMAGS.

This decision not to implement a REP means that mandatory restrictions will remain for sport, fitness, and recreation at the GMAGS.

Measures in place for youth (under 18) sport, fitness, recreation, and performance activities pertain to indoor group classes, training, and competitions which are permitted, but participants need to:

  • Screen for symptoms
  • Maintain two metres distancing, except youth while engaged in physical activity
  • Wear a mask, except youth while engaged in physical activity

Spectator attendance is restricted to 1/3 fire code capacity; attendees are limited to a single household or two close contacts if living alone and must be masked and maintain two metres physical distancing.

The following restrictions apply for adult (over 18) sport, fitness and performance activities unless the REP is implemented:

  • Indoor group classes and activities are not permitted
  • Indoor competitions are paused except when vaccine exemptions have been granted
  • Indoor one-on-one training and solo activities are allowed with 3 metre physical distancing”

The City of Lacombe thanks all users for adhering to the public health measures.