City removes REP requirements

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on February 10, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

The lifting of provincial COVID-19 restrictions has prompted the City of Lethbridge to end its proof of vaccination requirement for entering city-owned and operated facilities.
The lifting of restrictions also means the Enmax Centre will once again be able to operate food and beverage services which will enable the facility to recall about 90 employees, general manager Kim Gallucci said Wednesday in a Teams meeting with mayor Blaine Hyggen and media.
Food and beverage services are a huge revenue generator for the Enmax Centre, said Gallucci, and help reduce the facility’s tax support.
Masks will still be required while in the Enmax Centre except when drinking and eating, he said.
Two concerts scheduled for the Enmax were cancelled because of provincial restrictions including one by country star Dierks Bentley and another by punk band The Offspring. Gallucci said the Enmax is hoping to get both shows rescheduled. Other events had to be moved to other dates.
He said lifting restrictions on food and beverage consumption is a positive development.
“It’s part of the enjoyment and part of what’s going on and part of being in the activities and the experience and the culture. So we’re very excited to see that back,” added Gallucci.
“If full capacity is allowed on March 1 with no masks, “then we’ll really be at a place that I think people can enjoy themselves and you’ll see a real resurgence in attendance and activities,” he said.
Hyggen told media “the government of Alberta is responsible for health in the province and the city’s decision to remove the Restrictions Exemption Program is in line with yesterday’s provincial decision and direction that public health measures will be gradually lifted.
“The City of Lethbridge continues to work with its partner operators and user groups on their COVID-19 protocols regarding provincial public health guidelines,” the mayor said.
“Any fee-for-service or entities with a board that governs their decision-making will be able to take their own direction. However, the city’s COVID-19 fund will cease for any additional costs such as for security, previously checking REP status,” he added.
He said the public should ask other facility operators about their protocols, a couple of them being the Cor Van Raay YMCA and the Max Bell Aquatic Centre at the University of Lethbridge.
“As part of the province’s Step 1, capacity limits are now removed at City-owned and operated facilities, except for facilities with capacity of 500 to 1,000 which will be limited to 500 and facilities with capacity of 1,000-plus which will be limited to 50 per cent,” the mayor said.
“The province’s Step 1 now allows for food and beverage consumption in seated audience settings for large events and entertainment venues including at the Enmax Centre,” he said.
Hyggen said he offers his deepest condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19 and to people who contracted the virus and were affected physically, emotionally and or mentally.
“We know this virus has had a real impact on many in our community and I really cannot overstate how much my heart goes out to those who are suffering,” Hyggen added.
He said all residents have a collective responsibility to do what they can to keep everyone safe and businesses open during the pandemic.
“Now and always the safety of our residents is the top priority,” he stated.