By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

at all indoor town facilities

Ponoka changes COVID regulations for youth programming

Nov 24, 2021 | 12:12 PM

Pandemic-related changes are occurring at Town of Ponoka indoor rec facilities, effective Nov. 23.

The changes were made in consultation with provincial public health officials, the Town says.

At all indoor rec facilities owned by the Town, including Hudson’s Green Nature and Activity Centre, changes include:

-The Arena and Aquaplex will return to operating at one third of fire code capacity for youth programming. Spectators will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distancing unless you’re from the same household

-Adult programming doesn’t change. It will continue to follow the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program (REP). Adult sport participants and spectators (12 and up) will continue to be required to show: proof of vaccination (QR code), or a negative, privately-paid COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours before the activity, or a valid medical exemption document along with a government-issued personal identification.

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

2h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

3h ago

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

21h ago

-Some activities will be rescheduled at the Arena and Aquaplex so that youth and adult programming occur at different times with no overlap to comply with provincial health requirements. This is being done to ensure that when adult programming occurs, the REP is in effect throughout the facility, and when youth programming occurs, the one-third fire code capacity requirement is in effect facility-wide.

-Youth programming groups can request implementation of the REP at indoor Town recreation facilities for tournaments and other special events;

-The food concession at the Arena will be closed and eating will not be permitted by spectators at the Arena or Aquaplex

-Drop-in activities, such as public swimming and public skating, will operate at one third of fire code capacity. Public skating will resume in December. More details will be announced soon.

“Council and Town administration have been working diligently behind the scenes with both the provincial government and Alberta Health Services toward the ultimate goal of ensuring the greatest number of our citizens can enjoy the use of our facilities while still protecting the health and safety of our community,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson. “We believe these latest changes achieve that balance.”

Masks, as per provincial health regulations, remain mandatory inside all buildings, not just municipally-owned facilities.

The Town also adds this reminder regarding outdoor facilities, including trails, parks, playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and outdoor rinks:

“(These) remain open for the public to enjoy with no new changes in place,” the Town says. “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.”

Tips include:

-Get vaccinated as soon as possible

-Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing

-Cover coughs and sneezes

-Stay at least two metres from others who aren’t part of your cohort or live in your home

-Stay at home if you are feeling unwell

Questions about COVID regulations with the town of Ponoka can be directed to the Town office at 403-783-4431.