Increased access to rink facilities in West Kelowna with full vaccination requirement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Starting Friday, Oct. 1, in following with Public Health Orders established by the Province of BC and Interior Health, the City of West Kelowna will implement a solution, based on the needs of the arena sport groups, that provides increased access. This will result in a maximum of 50 per cent capacity into Jim Lind Arena and Royal LePage Place for fully vaccinated residents (two doses).

Proof of full vaccination to participate or attend non-essential indoor programs and events will increase the number of people inside the arenas, which allows for greater participants and spectators. This change will help normalize regular ice arena operations, create additional ice opportunities for youth, and support our local sport organizations.

As a reminder, adults 22 years of age and up are required to show their BC Vaccine Card and provincial government photo ID to access City recreation facilities, including all indoor areas such as lobbies, lounges, program rooms, gyms, fitness studios, pools, and rinks. Youth spectators 12 to 21 years will be required to show their BC Vaccine Card, however, no provincial photo ID is needed for those 18 and younger. Non-ticketed spectators must show proof of vaccination.

The safety and wellbeing of our community is a priority and these orders will help ensure ice opportunities within our arenas can continue successfully throughout the season.

Please refer to westkelownacity.ca/covid-19 for a complete list of facilities and recreation programs.

As we comply and adjust operations with updated Provincial Health Orders and WorkSafeBC regulations, we appreciate the understanding of attendees, participants and spectators with City staff, sport groups, volunteers and contractors.

Exceptions to the BC Vaccination Card rule include:

Children ages 11 and under
Recreation participants ages 12 to 21 years
Those participating in youth sport (21 years of age and younger) for practice or training, including essential personnel such as coaches, volunteers, teachers, instructors, and referees

Please also:

Stay home if you are sick
Wear masks indoors when not in the field of play
Sanitize hands when entering and leaving our facilities and programs
Maintain safe social distancing

We will continue to be flexible and work together with the community over the weeks and months ahead to implement all Provincial Health Orders. Please help us keep our programs running and facilities operating safely without interruption in response to COVID-19, and to keep our community safe.

For more information on the Province of BC’s vaccine proof requirements, visit gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard. Learn more about the updated Interior Health Order for Gatherings and Events.