INNISFAIL – The town may unlock the front door of the Innisfail Arena.
But maybe not.
The issue was brought up by Coun. Glen Carritt at town council’s regular meeting on Oct. 26.
“I just think we can move forward with at least having the front door open,” he added.
Todd Becker, the town’s chief administrative officer, said he would talk to staff first before a final decision on the issue is made.
Carritt told council that on Oct. 25 he travelled to other Central Alberta communities, including Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Red Deer and Olds, to find out how those municipalities have managed with their arena precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Innisfail Arena has been going through a carefully staged reopening plan since September, with a priority of ensuring health and safety for all user groups and staff.
“One thing I did notice was that everybody’s front door was open. I think it causes a bit of a problem for our arena to continue to be locked,” noting he earlier brought up smokers but conceded that was not a major concern.
He said his concern is that some parents with multiple kids will drop off a child at the arena, and they need to come back or drop off another child, and then come back to find themselves locked out.
“I know we need to keep the numbers restricted as to 100, or whatever we have decided at this point. I think people can be responsible,” Carritt told council. “We have been living with this for seven going on eight months. I think people are aware, and I think we can get that front door open.”
Carrot asked administration if there was a plan in the “next few days” to reopen the arena front door, and how long was the door going to remain locked.
Becker told Carritt there is good relationship between the town, administration and user groups, and there is “some flexibility” with special arrangements that can be made through staff. The CAO said he would talk to staff about the arrangement.
“I am putting it back to what is agreed upon between users and the town on how to best control that facility,” said Becker. “I am not stating the doors will be open. I am taking your advisement as potentially is there a way to better monitor patrons in the facility by having the door open.”
Becker later told The Albertan he will confirm with staff on what the current procedures are and whether there has been any public feedback.
“And how that ties into the communication cooperation with the users. There has been full cooperation. It has worked well,” said Becker. “I just want to hear if there has been any feedback, good and bad regarding the current procedure.”
