SUNDRE — As work on installing the new ice plant at the local arena continues, the municipality anticipates opening the facility later in November.
“Everything is going good as planned so far,” said Sue Nelson, manager of community services, during an interview.
“November 16 is still the goal for having the arena opening for the season.”
Construction that started in September to extend the roof over the portion of the structure that houses the ice plant is now completed, along with the vestibule in the plant room, she said.
“The fireproof drywall has been installed on the plant room walls and ceiling,” she said, adding the ice plant’s installation was expected to get underway last week.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 to 10 p.m.the contractors plan to perform a three-hour pressure test required prior to final installation of the ice plant.
A portion of 2nd Ave. NW will be closed during the testing and barricades and signage will be placed in the area.
As the effort to get the arena ready for the season continues, she said the municipality has also been developing draft COVID-19 guidelines in collaboration with user groups.
“We are waiting for feedback from them as to what their plans will look like before we do the final draft," she said.
That being said, a few examples of suggested measures to mitigate the potential spread of an outbreak include maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet); limiting contact to 50 people; pre-screening measures so anyone who feels unwell should stay home; additional cleaning and sanitizing; as well as early arrival times ahead of bookings.
“We will be following the current Alberta Health Services guidelines for the reopening and relaunch phases of the arena,” she said, adding user groups will also have an active role to play.
“Sport and recreation organizations are responsible for keeping track of all participants for each activity for the purpose of contact tracing in the event of an outbreak.”
To keep the number of people inside the facility limited, spectators will not be allowed into the arena until the scheduled booking time of the event they’re attending, and are expected to exit as soon as it’s over.
Although masks are not compulsory, face coverings are recommended for spectators.
Additionally, an adult must accompany children at all times, she said.
Washrooms will be open for spectators, and participants for user groups that have booked ice time are encouraged to arrive already wearing their required equipment since dressing room space will be limited to accommodate physical distancing, she said.
“Dressing rooms will be opened to the user groups 15 minutes prior to their booking,” she said.
However, the showers will be closed, she noted.
And user groups with younger children who need assistance tying their skates should consider ways to manage an approach keeping in mind physical distancing guidelines, she said.
The protocols could potentially be subject to change.
“Just remember, this is our first draft,” she said.
