Sask. business owner in favour of new COVID measures

A Saskatchewan business operator says he’s glad to see restrictions put in place to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

Kyle Gibson, co-founder of Wheelhouse Cycle Club, said the business had announced it’d be enforcing a mandatory vaccine policy beginning Oct. 4 about four hours before the government announced the new restrictions.

“For us, it’s really no changes because we were planning to do those same restrictions anyways,” he said.

Gibson said the club has received about “99 per cent” good feedback about requiring proof of vaccination.

“The overwhelming majority of people coming to our classes are excited about it,” he said.

Wheelhouse Cycle Club, which has two locations in Regina, has seen a “positive effect” on attendance in its studies as a result of the mandate.

Gibson said he felt good hearing about the restrictions announced Thursday, and wasn’t surprised, adding it would have been nice to have measures put in place sooner to prevent the necessity of a mask mandate.

The restrictions, Gibson said, should help keep the cycling club’s doors open and prevent another lockdown.

“Most importantly, (we’re) just trying to keep our riders and our staff safe,” Gibson explained.

As of Oct. 1, riders must be vaccinated to attend classes at any Wheelhouse Cycle Club location. In the coming days, all attendees must wear masks in common areas. Riders who show proof of vaccination will be allowed to remove their masks while cycling.