New provincial health requirements for indoor Town recreation facilities in Ponoka

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New Changes Ensure Adult Recreation Programs Can Continue

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“This was not an easy decision for council to make, but as a municipality, the Town is required to follow all provincial health regulations and requirements,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson. “By implementing these new requirements, the Town will be able to continue offering adult programming at our indoor recreation facilities and resume drop-in activities like public skating,” he said. Mayor Ferguson noted that if the Town opted not to follow the new changes to the Restrictions Exemption Program, requirements for spectators attending indoor Town recreation facilities, adult sports would have to be cancelled at the Aquaplex and Arena under current provincial health regulations.

“Ultimately, implementing these new requirements means the Town can offer the use of our indoor recreation facilities for the greatest number of our citizens to enjoy,” said Mayor Ferguson.

Aquaplex and Arena Can Return to Full Capacity

Prior to implementing these new requirements, the Town’s indoor recreation facilities have been operating at one-third of fire code capacity for spectators and private bookings, in accordance with previous provincial health requirements. Once these new changes are in place, the Aquaplex, Arena and Hudson’s Green will return to full capacity.

Youth Programming (under the age of 18)

Under current provincial health regulations, all youth under 18 will continue not to be required to show proof of vaccination when participating in sport or recreation activities at the Aquaplex or Arena. However, youth aged 12 and over who attend indoor Town recreation facilities as a spectator will be required to show proof of vaccination (QR code), or proof of a privately-paid, negative COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before attending the facility, or a valid medical exemption document.

Schools

Schools groups that attend the Town’s indoor recreation facilities are exempt from the new requirements, in accordance with provincial health regulations.

Adult Programming (18 years of age and older)

Adult fitness classes will remain status quo under the new changes, and will continue to require the following from adults aged 18 and older who attend group sport or recreation activities at indoor Town facilities: proof of vaccination (QR code), or a negative, privately-paid COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before attending the activity, or a valid medical exemption document along with valid, government-issued personal identification.

Outdoor Facilities

The new changes do not apply to the Town’s outdoor recreation facilities. All parks, trails, playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and outdoor rinks in Ponoka remain open for the public to enjoy. Citizens are encouraged to continue following provincial health regulations and guidelines to protect themselves and others against the spread of COVID-19 while using outdoor Town facilities by doing the following:

• Get vaccinated as soon as possible;
• Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
• Stay at least two metres from others who aren’t part of your cohort or live in your home;
• Wear a mask in indoor spaces; and
• Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.

For more information on current provincial health regulations and how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, please visit www.alberta.ca/COVID19.