OLDS — A dog show is being organized for early May in Olds.
The Calgary Kennel & Obedience Club (CKOC) has been planning to stage the event May 7-10 at the Big Rack Cow Palace Event Center (BRCPEC).
In a Facebook post, CKOC president Della Kyncl lists a long series of precautions the organization is taking to keep everyone involved safe during the show, including daily COVID screenings, larger rings, and one-way traffic flow.
The wearing of face masks will be mandatory and participants will be required to be physically distant. Requirements also include continuous hand and surface sanitizing.
An AHS spokesperson confirms discussions have been held, but says such shows are not allowed at this point.
“AHS Environmental Public Health inspectors have been working with the organizer and have been clear that at this time, dog shows are not permitted,” Melissa Ballantyne, manager of AHS Central Zone Communications and Community Engagement wrote in an email.
“The organizer has been informed that should they wish to proceed with such an event, they would need to apply for an exemption through Bizconnect," she added.
“We are not aware of an exemption being approved at this time, but if one was received, we would continue to work with the organizer to ensure all aspects of the event would be in compliance with current public health requirements prior to the event proceeding.”
In the club’s Facebook post, Kyncl wrote that “we are following all covid protocols set forth by the following websites: COVID-19 Guidance for Trade Shows and Exhibiting Events (alberta.ca), Stronger public health measures | Alberta.ca.”
Elsewhere in the post she wrote, “we want to be responsible to our exhibitors but also want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in our show, but we must ensure that everyone will be safe and will go home healthy.”
The post also said although the BRCPEC has a fire code capacity of 1,400 people, under COVID restrictions which only allow 15 per cent of capacity, only 215 people would be allowed inside the facility.
“With the Show and Go protocols we have in place we will never come anywhere near that many people competing at any given time. If this becomes a concern, we could move the entire show outdoors,” the club’s Facebook post said.
The Albertan attempted to interview Kyncl regarding the show but arrangements for that interview weren’t possible by press time.
Town officials were asked if they deem the CKOC’s COVID-19 protocols to be sufficient to keep attendees safe.
In an email, Jennifer Lutz, the town’s acting director emergency management wrote, “throughout the pandemic the town of Olds has worked with many groups to host events like the Calgary Kennel and Obedience Dog Show, however, only if they met AHS guidelines.
“Public Health restrictions are the jurisdiction of the province and the town will continue to work with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to support public health measures,” she added.
“Regarding any public health protocols event organizers have in place, AHS and Alberta Health have the medical experts in place to determine those requirements. The town of Olds asks all event organizers to contact and work with AHS for approvals and or guidance.”
Olds Regional Exhibition (ORE) runs the BRCPEC.
“As with all ORE events, programs and clients, we are monitoring and enforcing restrictions and protocols on an ongoing basis to assure public safety at all times,” ORE general manager Tracy Gardner wrote in an email.
“Specific to the Calgary Kennel & Obedience Club, ORE is working with their show chairman to review all show protocols, timelines associated with The Path Forward (the provincial COVID-19 restrictions plan) and any possible risk factors to their fellow participants, ORE and our greater community and region.
“We are confident that the outcome of this show will be a reflection of the AHS sector guidance protocols."
