Effective today, September 20, 2021, you'll need to provide proof of COVID-19 immunization to access programs and spaces at the SLS Family Sports Centre.
The local sports hub has jumped on board to implement the Restriction Exemption Program (REP), meaning that they can continue to operate as usual with facility users showing proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test.
A letter from Spray Lakes CEO, Blair Felesky states that the alternative would set them back to operating at a 30 per cent capacity which he says is "operationally irresponsible and unsustainable."
Over the past 19 months, three complete closures have been imposed on the facility, plus numerous operating restrictions.
Now in efforts to move forward, the operational team is tightening the criteria for facility users in accordance with provincial guidelines.
The REP requirements outlined by the province haven't been easy to navigate and the SLS team has summarized the terms:
- Youth between the ages of 12 to 18 who are participating in an orgnized sports team are exempt from the REP vaccination requirement.
- All spectators over 12 must show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or medical exemption to gain entry into the facility.
- All coaches and volunteers over 18 must show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test, or medical exemption.
- All adult sport participants over 18 must show proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test, or medical exemption to gain entry into the facility, including the Cochrane Arena.
In his letter, Felesky acknowledges that the situation remains fluid and he anticipates that more changes will come.
"...These types of announcements have an operational sense of being handed the proverbial Rubik’s Cube for the first time," says Felesky."[It's] solvable but takes time as each condition is unique from the previous..."
He goes on to say that in order for the REP to work successfully, cooperation is required by all facility users.
"Our agenda is to be here to help, not to stand in the way of any organization creating obstacles," explains Felesky. "This requires leadership from every group, team and organization to take responsibility and ownership."
From now until October 25, proof of a single dose will be accepted at the facility and after October 25 users will need to provide proof of double vaccination.