Proof of vaccination required at RDCK recreation facilities

Nelson, BC: By order of the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer (PHO), effective September 13, 2021, people 12 and older will be required to present proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses. This order will apply to some programs and services offered by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), including indoor adult fitness and sport, and indoor events with more than 50 participants. Children and youth recreational programs and general admission are exempt from the requirement, as are aquatics and public skates.

“The RDCK and our recreation partners will abide by all public health orders to ensure the health and safety of our staff and our communities,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services. “We are working with our teams and recreation user groups to implement processes to confirm proof of vaccination so people can enjoy safe and fun recreation experiences.”

According to the order, as of Monday, September 13, proof of at least partial vaccination (one dose) will be required to access a number of places. As of Sunday, October 24, you must be fully vaccinated (seven days after your second dose). People who are 19 and older will also need to present proof of identity.

Proof of vaccination is required if you are:

  • An adult (22 and older) participating in a sport or fitness activity
  • An adult (22 and older) participating in an indoor recreation activity with more than 50 people
  • Anyone 12 and older watching an indoor sporting event that is ticketed or more than 50 people
  • Anyone 12 and older attending an indoor gathering of more than 50 people

Proof of vaccination is not required if you are:

  • A child or youth (21 and under) participating in an indoor registered or general admission recreation activity or sport
  • An adult (22 and older) coach, volunteer or parent/caregiver who is required for an indoor child or youth activity or sport
  • Participating in an aquatics program or general swim
  • Participating in public skate
  • A person 11 and under

Private contracted security personnel will be in place at RDCK recreation facilities as of September 13 to check users’ proof of vaccination and proof of identity prior to entry. Users of recreation facilities will be asked to follow signage and direction from staff to allow for safe participation in programs and classes.

Current orders from the PHO and Interior Health Authority will continue to be in force until they are rescinded, including the requirement for masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces, and restrictions on the maximum size and type of recreation programs that are permitted.

Pre-registration for fitness centres and pools will continue until further notice. Time-based memberships and punch-passes are not being offered at this time. Some amenities may not be available at all facilities, or there may be limitations to their use.

“We are trying to make this new process as seamless and efficient as possible, although it will take a bit more time for people to access our facilities—so please be patient when you arrive, follow signage and follow direction from staff,” said Chirico. “On behalf of the Recreation team, thank you for your cooperation and understanding, and for helping us keep each other safe.”

For more information about proof of vaccination, including acceptable forms of proof and key timelines and exemptions, visit www.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.

To view recreation and leisure programs being offered for the fall season, and to find out about availability and fees, visit www.rdck.ca/recreation.

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The content on this page was last updated September 12 2021 at 3:52 AM