Proof of vaccination soon to be required at Saskatoon leisure centres, arenas

If you want to go for a swim or skate at a Saskatoon leisure centre or arena, get your proof of COVID-19 vaccination ready.

During a special council meeting Friday, city councillors voted unanimously to accept recommendations from city administration to mandate proof of vaccination for a variety of programs that don’t currently require them.

Pamela Goulden-McLeod, the city’s director of emergency management, told councillors the previous policy was confusing for many.

“The Oct. 1 public health order applies to some public health services within these facilities, but not others,” she explained. “So that had created challenges for staff and confusions for residents who were accessing these programs and services.”

The new rules will require proof of vaccination and accompanying ID for anyone over the age of 12. Negative tests within 72 hours will also be accepted, with the exception of home-administered COVID-19 tests.

Goulden-McLeod said commissionaires will be at the entrances to all facilities and arenas checking for proof of vaccination.

According to a report from administration, it’s costing the city $13,000 per week for commissionaires, and it will cost an additional $10,000 per week for more staff to be stationed at arenas. The cost will be reviewed monthly.

The following is a list of the facilities where the new rules will be implemented:

• Cosmo Civic Centre
• Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre
• Lakewood Civic Centre
• Lawson Civic Centre
• Saskatoon Fieldhouse
• Shaw Centre

It also will apply at the following indoor arenas:

• ACT Arena (hockey side)
• Archibald Arena
• Cosmo Arena
• Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena
• Archibald Arena

Saskatoon public libraries will remain exempt from the new rules, and where there are libraries inside leisure centres, entrances and exits will be segregated.

Because Saskatoon City Hall provides services that are also considered essential, Goulden-McLeod says it’s not included in the new proof-of-vaccination requirements.

The new rules are expected to be in place by Oct. 15. More information from the city is expected next week.