Restriction Exemption Program (REP)

Last updated: October 22nd, 2021

Effective Monday Sept. 27, 2021 

The Town of Peace River will implement the Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) for some Town operated recreation and culture facilities. This will provide us the opportunity to resume previous service levels, to continue to offer regular programming and operate at full capacity.

Facilities operating under the Restriction Exemption Program include:

  • Athabasca Hall
  • Baytex Energy Centre
  • Family Resource Network
  • Peace Regional Pool

 

What does this mean?

Under REP the following will apply:
(Masking requirements and social distancing remain in effect throughout all Town of Peace River facilities)

The following guests  are not required to show proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative rapid COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry: 

    • Children under 12 years
    • Youth aged 12-17 who are directly participating in activities or organized sport (ie. Swimming lessons, hockey practice, etc.)
    • Employees, contractors, repair workers, delivery workers, volunteers, inspectors or others who are entering the business/entity/event for Town of Peace River work purposes and not as patrons are not required to be screened.

The following guests/visitors/spectators are required to show proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative rapid COVID-19 test (within 72 hours of entry): 

    • Adults 18 years and over to access the facility for any purpose, including coaches, instructors, trainers, players, etc.
    • Youth 12-17 years who are visiting the facility as spectators or to use the common areas or concourse, or to participate in a mixed all-ages activity (where participants are not all under 18 years).

 

What will be accepted?

Proof of Vaccination:  (Updated Oct 22nd, 2021)

    • Sept. 27 to Oct. 25: proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than 2 weeks prior to facility access.
    • After Oct. 25: proof of double vaccination (14 days from second dose) is required to enter a facility.

*Please note as of November 15th, 2021 Alberta vaccine records with QR code will be the only valid proof of vaccination accepted by operators participating in REP.

Medical Exemption: 

    • Original signed letter from a physician or nurse practitioner

Proof of Negative rapid COVID-19 test (taken within 72 hours of entry): 

    • Tests must be Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test
    • Tests must be privately-paid, and cannot be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

 

Fore more information on the Government of Alberta Restriction Exemption Program visit: COVID-19 info for Albertans | Alberta.ca

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Which facilities does the Restriction Exemption Program apply to?

  • Athabasca Hall
  • Baytex Energy Centre
  • Family Resource Network program
  • Peace Regional Pool

 

Q:  Why are we implementing the program:

A: Without opting into the Restriction Exemption Program, the Town would have to reduce capacity at all recreation and culture facilities to one third and cancel all adult activities and drop-in programs.  This would have a significant impact on service levels to the community.

 

Q: Are masks still required?

A: 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 Town facilities, unless actively participating in physical activity.

 

Q: Can I get a refund for a facility booking or rental because of the REP program?

A: Yes, please contact the facility in which you have a current booking, membership or rental:
Baytex Energy Centre: [email protected] or 780-624-3204
Peace Regional Pool: [email protected] or 780-624-3720

 

Q: How long will the Restriction Exemption Program be in place?

A: The program will be in place as long as it’s required by the Government of Alberta public health guidelines.  We do not have any information on how long this may be.

 

Q: Who is in charge of implementing/ensuring attendees have the required documentation? 

A: Town of Peace River staff will be checking proof of vaccine, negative covid test, and medical exemption documentation upon entry to each recreation facility.
Please note this does not include Athabasca Hall, as a condition of rental users who rent the Hall will be required to check documentation for any participants, spectators or other individuals accessing the facility as required by the REP guidelines.

 

Q: If I am a repeat user, will you just store my vaccine information, so I don’t have to show it every time?

A: The Town of Peace River will not be storing any vaccination information for any patron.  Each time you attend a facility please be prepared to show proof if it is applicable.

 

Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool and the Baytex facility?  

A: Yes. All spectators must show proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result every time they come to a Town facility.   

 

Q: Who is exempt as a volunteer?

A: The Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program allows those entering the facility for purposes other than as a patron or attendee to enter without providing 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

 

Q: Do I have to show proof of vaccination at the time of registration for Town programs? 

A: Proof of vaccination will be requested at the entrance of the facility if it is applicable. Please be prepared to show your proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result every time you visit a facility. 

 

Q: Can individuals from different households still participate in activities together? 

A: Limitations are dependent on the type of activity. Indoor private social gatherings, which includes bookings for birthday parties, are limited to two households with a maximum of 10 vaccine-eligible, vaccinated people. There are no limitations on children under 12.

Physical activities, such as swimming, are not considered social gatherings and are not limited by capacity or household designation under the Restrictions Exemption Program.

 

Q: How does the restriction exemption program affect parented programs? (such as Family Resource Network programs or swim lessons).

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

 

Q: Can a parent who is unvaccinated drop their child off for a program or activity?

A: Yes, if the parent does not need to enter the facility they may drop off their child and remain outside.  If the parent needs to accompany their child for any reason they will need to provide their documentation to enter the facility.

At the Pool unattended drop off is not possible for children under 8, existing facility requirements remain in place; all swimmers under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or someone 16 years or older. If this accompanying person is over 18 they would need to show proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result.

 

Peace Regional Pool Specific FAQ’s:

 

Q: Are swimming lessons affected by the restriction exemption program?

A: Youth 17 and under will not have to show proof of vaccine, when actively participating in a swim lesson.
All children (18 and under) will be screened for symptoms upon arrival at the pool for each day of class.
Parents/guardians and individuals 18 years and older will be required to show proof of vaccine.

 

Q: How are public swims affected by the restriction exemption program?

A: Physical activities such as swimming are not limited by capacity or household designation under the Restrictions Exemption Program.  Therefore, all swimming options can be offered such as public swims, family swims and lessons.

  • All patrons 12 and older must show either proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result every time they enter. Persons 18 years old and older will also be required to show photo ID.