Friday, Sept 17, 2021
An update from Blair Felesky, CEO
The Alberta Government has declared a Public Health Emergency, and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC), acknowledges the enhanced public health measures to protect our health care system and keep our community safe in the fight against COVID-19.
SLSFSC continues to work quickly to clarify restrictions and to continue developing a plan forward. Our commitment will continue to place safety at the forefront in unison with the agenda to keep people “moving” for the sake of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
September 16 – 19: SLSFSC will continue near-typical operations with some modifications to capacities and physical distancing in specific areas.
- Masking and distancing in the facilities is required;
- Spectators: 30% capacity limit in effect. We strongly encourage only 1 parent per child.
Mandatory Vaccinations:
Effective September 20, SLSFSC will be implementing the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) Access to SLSFSC programs and spaces will require proof of vaccination, a negative test result or proof of a medical exemption for those 12 and older. The alternative to the REP (30% operating capacity) is operationally irresponsible and unsustainable.
- Sept. 20 to Oct. 25: proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than 2 weeks before the time of service.
- After Oct. 25: proof of double vaccination is required.
Common Areas: Any user of the facility is to be here with intention, either as a user of a program, a parent of a participant, a spectator, etc. Loitering in the facility is prohibited.
We anticipate more information to come in the near term. Admittedly, this situation remains fluid and these types of announcements have an operational sense of being handed the proverbial Rubik’s Cube for the first time; solvable, but takes time as each condition is unique from the previous, as complex as it might seem simple to some. As stated previously, a fluid condition connotes that our community should expect more modifications at another point in time; a theme that has remained consistent for 19 months. It does take all of us to do our part to ensure successful implementation, whether it is a user group, club or sport team ensuring they adhere to REP guidelines. Our agenda is to be here to help, not to stand in the way of any organization creating obstacles, and this requires leadership from every group, team and organization to take responsibility and ownership; to guide and adhere to not only REP, but to help communicate and encourage others.
It would be very remiss of me not to acknowledge our team at SLSFSC. Many individuals and organizations in our community have been significantly impacted (one way or another) by the effects of the past 19 months, and we are no different. Through three (3) complete closures, multiple restrictive environments, changes to protocols, elevated intensity, etc. etc., this team has performed extraordinarily well. I am grateful and proud of them, and we will continue to support our community by the mantra “what we can and will do for our community”.
Sincerely,
Blair
