The Restrictions Exemption Program also applies to all leaseholder spaces within City facilities. Lease holders will be responsible for sharing these new requirements with their customers. Third-party operators (e.g., River Bend, Bower Ponds, Heritage Ranch, Neighbourhood Activity Centres, etc.) will make their own decisions regarding their operations. Rental permit holders for City operated recreation and culture facilities will be responsible for sharing recreation facility requirements with their memberships and visiting teams. For organized sports, please check with your sport organization for more information about specific requirements.

Anyone aged 18 or older requires:

• *QR code proof of full vaccination (two doses with the second dose administered at least 14 days prior to facility visit) or
• medical exemption or
• negative rapid test result within 72 hours of visit to facility.

AND

• valid personal identification (only required for adults 18 and over)

This includes:

• coaches, instructors, trainers, referees and other sport volunteers.
• youth aged 12-17 who are participating in combined youth/adult activities such as most drop-in programming and many fitness programs.

Exemptions:

• Paid personnel attending for purposes other than as a patron or attendee (e.g., support staff, delivery/repair workers, contractors, etc. can enter to perform their responsibilities without proof of vaccination, exemption, or negative COVID-19 test.)
• Youth-only sport, fitness and performance participants ages 12-17 can participate in their activities without proof of vaccination, exemption or negative COVID-19 test.

Facilities include:

• Collicutt Centre
• G.H. Dawe Community Centre
• Servus Arena – Walking track is open for use through Activity Reservations
• Kinex Arena
• Kinsmen Community Arenas
• Michener Aquatic Centre and Gymnasium
• Recreation Centre
• Setters Place at Great Chief Park (applies to use of indoor spaces only)
• Intermediate School

Outdoor activities are not included in the Restrictions Exemption Program.

*Valid paper or digital QR code vaccine record. To find out how to download your QR code vaccine record please visit https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home

The safety and well-being of customers, visitors and staff continues to be the driving force in our decisions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are adopting the Restrictions Exemption Program in an effort to continue providing safe and accessible recreation opportunities for the community. If we did not adopt the program, our programs and services would be subject to further operating restrictions, which would significantly decrease access to our facilities. These restrictions would include, but are not limited to: physical distancing for 2 m for all indoor and outdoor activities (including spectators) and no group activities or use for adults over the age of 18 (this applies to facility rentals as well). In addition, we would be required to limit the capacity to 1/3, and visitors could only attend with their household cohort.

We are implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program as developed by the Government of Alberta. Details of the program are available on the Government of Alberta website. Any questions about the program should be directed to the Province.

If you have questions about how the Restriction Exemption Program affects City of Red Deer facilities that aren’t addressed in this FAQ, please email recreation@reddeer.ca.

The Alberta Government has updated the vaccine record requirements for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Beginning on Monday, November 15 visitors to all City recreation and culture centres will be required to show personal identification along with proof of vaccination through QR code, either printed or via mobile device. Alternatively, visitors may continue to show proof of medical exemption, or negative COVID-19 rapid test results taken within 72 hours of entry.

Effective Monday, November 15, no other document types will be accepted as proof of vaccination. To find out how to download your QR code vaccine record please visit https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home

One of the following is required*:

*This information is take from the Government of Alberta COVID-19 website. Please visit their website for the most up to date information.

**Examples of valid personal identification may include: Birth Certificate, Citizenship Card, Drivers License, provincially issued identification (ie. Health Care Card), Metis Card, Treaty Card, Inuit Status Card, passport or Permanent Resident Card. 

As mandated by the Government of Alberta, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces. Therefore, all visitors are required to wear a mask in City facilities, unless actively participating in activities.

Effective September 20, anyone unable to wear a mask will be required to provide medical exception letter from an authorized health professional. More information about mask exemptions is available at alberta.ca/masks.

While some surrounding communities may have opted to not implement the program, it’s important to remember that each community offers a different level of service and in different types of facilities. When we reviewed our operating environment (facilities, programs, services), it was determined that adopting the Restriction Exemption Program would allow us to continue providing safe and accessible recreation opportunities for the community.

The Government of Alberta provided two options to businesses: adopt the Restrictions Exemption Program, or operate under a number of restrictions. These restrictions would include, but are not limited to: physical distancing for 2 m for all indoor and outdoor activities (including spectators) and no group activities or use for adults over the age of 18 (this applies to facility rentals as well). In addition, we would be required to limit the capacity to 1/3, and visitors could only attend with their household cohort. If we were to implement these restrictions, programs and services, along with facility admission would be significantly impacted. 

In adherence to the provincial REP, The City screens all youth aged 12-17 when participating in combined adult/youth activities.

What does this mean?

• If a 12-17 year old is participating in an activity where individuals 18 years and over may also be participating, QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative COVID-19 test will be required from all participants, including the youth. 
• This change will impact our sport rental groups and most drop-in programs such as drop-in skating, swimming and fieldhouse use as well as many fitness programs.
• The REP allows for 12-17 year olds participating in youth-only programming to continue without QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative COVID-19 test.

View the Youth Only Opportunities (pdf)  schedule.  

Yes. In an effort to provide more opportunity for youth to participate without the need to show QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption, or negative COVID-19 test, we are now providing additional dedicated opportunities specific to youth (ages 8-17). 

These opportunities include waterpark access, badminton courts, basketball courts, soccer, public skating and use of fitness areas. More opportunities will continue to be added as time and space allow. 

View our Youth Only Opportunities (pdf) schedule.

Important to note:

When these dedicated times are scheduled, there will be no access in those specific areas for anyone ages 18 and over. This is necessary in order to comply with the provincial REP and includes the waterpark times. 

Children aged 8 and over are able to access City of Red Deer recreation facilities without a parent or guardian on-site. Children under the age of 8 must have a guardian aged 16 or over in order to access facilities. Parents/Guardians are subject to the provincial REP guidelines and anyone aged 18 or over will not be granted access during these youth-only times.

No guests aged 18 and over will be permitted access into the youth-only activity areas. This is necessary in order to comply with the terms of the provincial REP. This includes all specified areas during scheduled youth-only times, including the waterpark.

Children aged 8 and over are able to access City of Red Deer recreation facilities without a parent or guardian on-site. Children under the age of 8 must have a guardian aged 16 or over in order to access facilities. Parents/Guardians are subject to the provincial REP guidelines and anyone aged 18 or over will not be granted access during these youth-only times.

The Government of Alberta provided two options to businesses (including recreation and culture facilities): adopt the Restrictions Exemption Program, or operate under a number of restrictions. The City of Red Deer has chosen to participate in the Restrictions Exemption Program in order to continue providing recreation and culture services to Red Deerians in a safe and responsible way. We are participating in the program in compliance with Public Health Orders issues by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. The most recent orders can be viewed here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-orders-and-legislation.aspx.

We are confident that the Province of Alberta would not have established the Restrictions Exemptions Program if operators would be violating the Charter Rights of Albertans by participating. 

The Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program allows those entering the facility for purposes other than as a patron or attendee to enter without providing QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result. Examples include:

• Support staff or aids for visitors with special needs
• Workers, contractors, repair workers and delivery workers

No. Coaches, trainers, referees and sport volunteers, over the age of 18, are not exempt from the Restrictions Exemption program (REP). 

As per provincial direction, coaches, trainers, referees and sport volunteers under the age of 18 are exempt from screening when actively participating in programming.

On Friday, September 24, the Government of Alberta provided additional direction regarding the REP. Effective September 30, anyone performing these duties in City of Red Deer owned and operated facilities are required to provide QR code proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test result or proof of medical exemption.

Previous communications from the Government of Alberta indicated that these individuals would be exempt from the REP; however, we continue to receive new information from the province as they make changes and clarifications to the program. As The City of Red Deer has adopted the Restrictions Exemption Program, we are required to adhere to all components, as outlined by the Government of Alberta. This change applies to all facilities participating in the Restrictions Exemption program; it was not a Red Deer specific decision.  

Yes. As per provincial direction, coaches, trainers, referees and sport volunteers under the age of 18 are exempt from screening when actively participating in programming.

Yes, refunds are available. Please contact recreation@reddeer.ca or 403-309-8411 to request a refund for programs and passes. Email facilitybookings@reddeer.ca to request a refund for facility rentals.

Yes, individuals from different households are able to participate in activities and programs at City of Red Deer facilities. Under the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program, so long as the participants follow the requirements for QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative COVID-19 test (where required) there are no other gathering restrictions in place within participating facilities.

QR code proof of vaccination will be requested at the entrance to the facility. Please be prepared to show your QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result every time you visit a facility.

Beginning on Monday, November 15 visitors to all City recreation and culture centres will be required to show personal identification along with proof of vaccination through QR code, either printed or via mobile device. Alternatively, visitors may continue to show proof of medical exemption, or negative COVID-19 rapid test results taken within 72 hours of entry.

Effective Monday, November 15, no other document types will be accepted as proof of vaccination. To find out how to download your QR code vaccine record please visit https://covidrecords.alberta.ca/home

The AB Records Verifier App does not store any personal information and the QR code is not connected to any other health or personal information; it only displays confirmation of required vaccination.

No. The City has provided City issued mobile devices that have the QR Verifier App downloaded. No personal devices of staff or contracted security are used for QR code screening.

We do not have an end date for restrictions at this time. We will continue to follow public health guidelines as set by the Government of Alberta.

On Tuesday, October 5, The City of Red Deer announced the implementation of a COVID-19 immunization policy for City staff.

The City is implementing this policy to provide an added layer of protection for our staff to keep them and our community healthy while also protecting our healthcare system. More information on this can be found here: City implements COVID-19 immunization policy for staff.

Yes, if the child is 8 years or older and the parent does not enter the facility.

For children under 8, existing facility requirements remain in place; all visitors under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or someone 16 years or older. This person would need to show QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result. The requirements of the provincial Restriction Exemption Program require all individuals over the age of 12 to be vaccinated in order to access a facility.

For un-parented preschool and childminding participants, please contact the program lead for further information about drop-off and pick-up options.

Parented programs: all parents or guardians with children enrolled in parented preschool programs must show QR code proof of vaccination, medical exemption, or negative rapid COVID-19 test within 72 hours of participation.

There will not be any tax refunds as this is a temporary, operational implementation to help keep our community safe and healthy. Programs, facility rentals and services offered at the recreation facilities are accessible with a fee. If you are currently registered or have a booking, you can contact us for a refund. Please contact recreation@reddeer.ca or 403-309-8411 to request a refund for programs and passes. Email facilitybookings@reddeer.ca to request a refund for facility rentals.

Property taxes are collected for provision of services to the entire community, the main portion of your property taxes goes towards emergency services, outdoor amenities, police and road maintenance. With the funding that is put towards outdoor amenities every year, we are able to maintain our parks, trails, outdoor courts and rinks that are accessible to anyone for free.

If you'd like to see how your tax dollar is spent, please visit www.reddeer.ca/budget. Here you can find the full breakdown of approved operating and capital budgets including funding sources.

We are not storing or documenting any vaccination information from our customers.

At this time, the Provincial Government has not released a system for the management and storage of personal vaccination data. In the interest of FOIP, we will not be creating a City of Red Deer specific process for the storage of personal vaccination information at this time.