Calgary,
11
December
2020
|
17:08
America/Denver

City of Calgary continues response to provincial health orders

Health and safety are top priorities for The City of Calgary during this State of Local Emergency as we make decisions on services and programs at our facilities.

We need all Calgarians to be a part of a partnership to keep our neighbours safe and alleviate the strain on our public health care system,” says Sue Henry, CEMA Chief. “Don’t look for loopholes in the provincial rules. Instead, look for ways you can stay home and ways you can limit your contacts. Our golden rule right now is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out.’”

The City of Calgary has not yet received the written orders from the Government of Alberta but our operations have been preparing accordingly for the enhanced Public Health Orders in effect on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Recreation facility & program closures

Based on Provincial intent announced on December 8th, The City of Calgary will close all City-operated recreation facilities on Sunday, December 13th for at least four weeks. This includes aquatic and fitness centres, arenas, the soccer centre and arts centres.

Credits and extensions will be automatically provided to passholders for days that we are closed. Refunds for cancelled programs will also be automatically provided to registrants. We appreciate your patience as we work through a high volume of refunds and credits.

Outdoor skating & Olympic Plaza
The City of Calgary has worked with the Province to clarify guidelines around outdoor skating and the use of outdoor rinks.

  • Outdoor skating rinks in Calgary are weather dependent and are typically open mid to late December through February, except for Olympic Plaza which is a refrigerated ice surface and is generally open from mid-November to mid-March.
  • Ice conditions change with the weather and rinks may close if conditions deteriorate or maintenance is required. Please see in-park signage for closures due to unsuitable conditions or maintenance.
  • Outdoor rinks may be open for public skating and individual training as long as current Public Health Orders are followed.
  • People from different households must maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Olympic Plaza
The current protocol for ice skating at Olympic Plaza remains unchanged.

  • Limit of 100 skaters at a time.
  • When at capacity, skaters must wait in line and skating times will be limited to one hour.
  • Maintain at least 2 metres from anyone who is not part of your cohort.
  • Participants are encouraged to always wear a face covering.
  • To avoid larger crowds and wait times, skate in off peak times: Mondays through Wednesdays and Thursday or Friday mornings.

City Winter Fire pits

  • Existing permits are still valid, however we’re not processing new bookings at this time.
  • Fire pits can only be used by those living in the same household.
  • Free fire wood is only available to permit holders until December 23.

+15 Network
The City's Plus 15 network will be closed to all public access beginning on Sunday, Dec. 13. This closure will remain in place until Jan. 12, 2021. Please refer to the +15 map.


Low Income Transit Passes
As per the enhanced Provincial Health Orders, The City of Calgary’s Fair Entry counter at Village Square Leisure Centre is closing on Sunday, Dec. 13. Low income transit passes are still available for purchase online and at the following locations:

City Hall Cashiers - 800 Macleod Trail S.E.

Transit Customer Service kiosks (limited in-person capacity)
Centre Street Platform - 125 - 7 Avenue S.E.
Bow Parkade -234 - 7 Avenue S.W.

 

Youth Employment Centre
Effective Monday, December 14, the Youth Employment Centre is closed to in-person appointments only. Online and phone appointments are still available. Call 403-268-2490 to book an appointment.

Calgary AfterSchool
All Calgary AfterSchool programs are being suspended on Monday, December 14 due to provincial COVID-19 measures. Program kits are available for curbside pickup on Wednesday, December 15 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Bob Bahan Aquatic Centre, Optimist Arena, and Thornhill Aquatic Centre. All pickups will be outdoors.

Resilient Responder Family Support training

Those on the front lines at this time are exposed to traumatic events, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. Family members and close friends can help them maintain good mental health by being aware of the warning signs of mental stress or distress.

The Calgary Fire Department has made their internal course “Resilient Responder Family Support” available free online to everyone. It was designed for the families of first responders, but works equally for families of health care professionals, senior care workers, and anyone working to curb the spread of COVID-19.

If you have someone on the front lines in your life, please consider taking the online course at https://www.calgary.ca/csps/fire/programs/community-programs/resilient-responder.html

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