More City of Regina facilities will require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test result, beginning Nov. 1.
On Monday, city councillors voted unanimously to expand vaccination proof or negative test requirements for anyone 12 years of age and older who wants access to all city facilities. The only councillors not present for the vote were Ward 6 Coun. Dan LeBlanc and Ward 10 Coun. Landon Mohl.
Facilities under this expansion include:
- City hall
- Leisure centres
- Indoor arenas
- Neil Balkwill Civic Arts CEntre
- Neibourhood, community and senior centres
- Regina Floral Conservatory
Mayor Sandra Masters said Monday that city libraries and the transit information centre are not included in the motion.
“Given the current situation affecting our healthcare system and the high risk of COVID-19 transmission being uncontrolled across Saskatchewan, (city) administration is recommending the expansion of proof of vaccination or negative test requirements for all City of Regina facilities,” read the recommendation from administration at Monday’s meeting.
Three delegations presented at the meeting, all of which were in favour of the motion.
The impact from Monday’s decision will affect all city-owned arenas, including the Co-operators Centre at Evraz Place, which will now require people accessing these facilities to show one of the two verification options upon entering.
This comes after the Saskatchewan government issued a new public health order on Oct. 1 requiring vaccination proof or a negative test result from individuals over the age of 12.
The order includes certain venues, businesses and events, including major recreation centres for visitors over 12 years of age and arenas hosting ticketed sporting events.
“In order to support the expansion, wherever possible, security personnel would be in place at city facilities to confirm proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test upon entry,” read the agenda recommendation from administration.
“In the event security personnel are not available, city staff would be redeployed.”
The expansion will now involve all ticketed and non-ticketed events.
The city added that the expansion does not apply if an individual is entering a location solely to use a washroom or the purposes of health and safety which may include vaccination clinics, heating and cooling stations, food security programs or other services that address basic needs.