Effective Monday, Nov. 15, the Town of Blackfalds will be implementing the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) in the Abbey Centre, and the Community Centre.
“It has been a difficult time, but Council has agreed on a balanced approach in maximizing the provision of services while meeting current health guidelines,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson.
The recommendation came from Administration to Council during the Nov. 9 regular Council meeting, after two months of continuing the one-third fire code occupancy with social distancing and mandatory face-covering requirements. Council decided to move to REP in select Town facilities, specifically the Abbey Centre and Community Centre.
The Eagle Builders Centre, Civic Centre, and all other Town facilities will continue to run at the one-third capacity.
The Town of Blackfalds says that opting into the REP allows them to operate without restrictions, although masks are still required, as long as visitors aged 12 and older provide a proof of vaccination (Government Issued ID and QR Code), medical exemption or a negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities.
According to the Government of Alberta, the Alberta QR code vaccine record will be the only valid Alberta proof of vaccination as of Nov. 15 and the Government of Alberta’s QR Code Reader will be implemented and used by Town employees.
“This was a painstaking process that involved significant input from our Administration, many residents, and organizations within Blackfalds, and a lot of back-and-forth with AHS,” shared Mayor Jamie Hoover. “We believe that we’ve landed on a compromise with these temporary restriction options that will benefit as many residents as possible, while still keeping facilities open during this continued state of emergency. We’re all hoping that our facilities can return to normal operations very soon and appreciate everyone’s patience in this difficult interim period.”
According to the Government of Alberta, the Alberta QR code vaccine record will be the only valid Alberta proof of vaccination as of Nov. 15.
Adult fitness classes will be rescheduled (depending on facilitator availability), registrants will be contacted, and new programs will be available for registration because of the introduction of the REP.
Details regarding the restrictions are available online. Anyone with questions are able to email guestservices@blackfalds.com.