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Outdoor gatherings, outdoor sport and more included in new provincial restrictions

May 5, 2021 3:55 PM
(Red Deer, Alberta)

Further restrictions are being implemented after the most recent Provincial announcement on May 4, 2021.

A significant rise in COVID-19 cases in our province led the Government of Alberta to impose greater restrictions on outdoor gatherings, outdoor sport, schools and outdoor dining, to name a few. Along with these new restrictions, the Province also announced higher fines for non-compliance.

“This is a critical time for our community and our province. At a local level, we need to do everything we can to help prevent spread in our city and in our region. On behalf of City Council, I implore citizens to stay home when you can, and to adhere to public health orders. We know Covid-19 continues to put a strain on our health systems, and on our economic and social wellbeing. We know industry, businesses and citizens are struggling, but we need to come together unlike never before to navigate this third wave and to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Tara Veer.

Red Deer continues to experience a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, and with provincial hospitalizations trending upward, implementation of new restrictions will be staggered over the coming days. To view the full list of Government of Alberta restrictions please visit www.alberta.ca/StopTheSpike.

“When it comes to enforcement, local law enforcement and Alberta Health Services (AHS) inspectors will be working to enforce non-compliance and to address problematic cases and repeat offenders,” said City Manager Allan Seabrooke. “This work is being done collaboratively between AHS, municipal law enforcement and RCMP.”

In terms of City recreation services, City of Red Deer outdoor fitness classes are cancelled per the restrictions announced last night.

“Although yesterday’s additional restrictions change things, there are still so many ways to safely be active and continue to enjoy all Red Deer has to offer in our outdoor spaces,” says Barb McKee, Recreation Superintendent. “I encourage people to check out amenities like the Pitch ‘n Putt and Disc Golf courses, neighbourhood tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, outdoor fitness parks, our awesome trails and the new Household Activity Reservations on the artificial turf at Setters and baseball diamonds at Great Chief Park. All these activities are safely possible under current restrictions.”

Visit The City’s site for more information outdoor recreation opportunities,

Existing registrations for outdoor fitness will continue until Sunday, May 9. All outdoor fitness activity reservations for May 10 and beyond are cancelled and customers will see refunds or credits applied to their online Look ‘n Book accounts in the coming days. User groups currently holding facility bookings for youth or adult outdoor sport will also be notified of cancellations. All those affected, will receive direct email and/or a personal call about their cancelled programming, monthly pass or facility booking.

XPlore Sport Day, initially planned for May 8 in conjunction with the PCN Aloha Women’s Fun Run, is suspended for this year in light of the rise in cases and current public health environment. Along with this, the Rising Sport Star athletic award is also suspended for this year. This event and award will return in 2022.

The City will continue to offer a variety of recreation services under the new targeted restrictions:

  • Picnic shelters remain available for bookings to accommodate outdoor gatherings, to a maximum of 5 people
  • Household Activity Reservations for the artificial turf at Setters Place and the ball diamonds at Great Chief Park will begin Monday, May 10th
  • Licensed preschool registration
  • The Virtual Fitness program continues to offer customers a variety of classes in real-time with highly qualified, energetic instructors
  • The Pitch ‘n Putt course at Great Chief Park is now open with admission by donation
  • Virtual arts and culture programs are also available online through Look n Book

The City continues to review and assess programs that we can safely offer in the current and projected future environment. With that in mind, planning continues for summer programming. Stay tuned for more information to be released next week in regards to:

  • Access to the outdoor pool at the Recreation Centre.
  • Summer child/youth programming.

“Like everyone, we are disappointed to be once again cancelling recreation and sport activities in our community. However, we ask Red Deerians to uphold the new public health restrictions, and to do so in the interest of community safety for all,” said Seabrooke. “We recognize there are some who may continue oppose Provincially mandated orders, but these public health orders are important as we collectively work to minimize the pressure on our already strained health system. We need to minimize spread in our community.”

Additional information about recreation programs and opportunities are available online at www.reddeer.ca/RecUpdate.

More information about The City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at www.reddeer.ca/covid

The City has launched a new website, Red Deer Cares to inspire and share kindness in our community. Visit the new kindness hub at www.reddeercares.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Communications & Strategic Planning
The City of Red Deer

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