(With files from the Province of British Columbia)

Vaccine Passports Required to Access All Adult Sports & Activities at City Recreation Facilities
Following the order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) around proof of vaccination cards for COVID-19, the City of Cranbrook requires proof of vaccination to access all City operated recreation facilities for all adult sports and activities effective immediately (Thursday September 16, 2021).

This requirement includes all adult sports including men’s and women’s recreational hockey at Western Financial Place, the Memorial and Kinsmen Arenas, along with racquetball, squash, and the walking concourse at Western Financial Place.

This requirement currently does not include participants under 22 years of age involved in youth sports, as per the PHO order, nor the Aquatic Centre once it reopens to the public later this fall. This requirement is also not required to access normal municipal government related services.
 

BC Vaccine Card
Effective Monday September 13, the Government of BC requires proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses across the province.  The easiest way to show proof is using the BC Vaccine Card, which can be received online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. You can also order a copy by phone by calling 1-833-838-2323 or by visiting the local Service BC office.
 

Some provincial restrictions remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions are made by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) under the Public Health Act. Learn more about the most current restrictions in place in British Columbia here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
To get first or second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, drop into any of Interior Health’s clinics across the East Kootenay. Get a full list of clinic locations, including pop-up clinics, dates and hours here - https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19/immunization-clinics. For general non-health related information about COVID-19, please call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).

Every effort is being undertaken to ensure the health and safety of our staff and the public. The City is aligning our services and how we conduct business with the requirements provided by WorkSafeBC. You can review our Communicable Disease Prevention Plan here.

Our residents can enjoy the following City recreation facilities. Please follow the guidelines and best practices for each activity listed below:


Western Financial Place (Aquatic Centre, Ice Surface & Walking Concourse)    
Please call 311 between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday for the latest on the services and programming being offered at Western Financial Place. Due to the large volume of calls, it may take our team time to get back to you.

New protocols have been developed which guide users on how they register for activities, enter and exit the building, how they must pre-register for all activities, how they are screened for any COVID symptoms, mask usage, and other requirements.

• Idlewild Lake, Baker Park & Pop Price Park (Outdoor Rinks)
  Outdoor rinks at both Pop Price and Baker Park, along with Idlewild Lake scheduled to officially open week of December 21, 2020. We will monitor all ice conditions regularly to ensure all the outdoor rinks are safe to use. All outdoor rinks will operate under provincial COVID guidelines. Signage will be in place at all locations. If the guidelines are not being followed, access could be restricted, or the rinks closed to public use altogether. Read more - https://cranbrook.ca/news/rinks-at-baker-pop-price-idlewild-officially-open-to-public-monday-following-covid-protocols.
   
• Cranbrook Public Library
  The Cranbrook Public Library is open 7 days per week to serve residents and visitors alike. People can browse and borrow material, use the free wi-fi and public computers, study or read for a while. The perennially popular Summer Reading Club is back with a full range of virtual and outdoor programs for all ages, plus fun contests, and activities. People can get one-to-one help with their mobile devices. Knowledgeable staff can help people find answers to a wide range of questions, everything from getting help accessing online government services to finding that next great read. Visit their website for more information at www.cranbrookpubliclibrary.ca/.
   
• Parks & Greenspace (including Moir Park)
  Parks and green space has remained open but is only for activities that can respect the general guidelines around safe physical distancing, and for family and small circle use. Family picnics are welcome. Organized field sport activities, even team practices are not permitted.
   
• Public Washrooms
  Outdoor public washrooms at Rotary, Kinsmen, Gyro, NorthStar Rails to Trails and Idlewild Park on the lake level, opened on May 29^th.  Idlewild playground level washroom reopened June 1^st.  Washrooms at Moir Park, Kinsmen Quad Ball Park and Lions Mountain View field will remain closed for the short term.  Park washrooms are open from 10 am to 8 pm.  Please note that washrooms are only cleaned 1-2x daily.  Users should follow all the safety guidelines, and carry their own hand sanitizer or wipes when using public facilities.
   
• Trails
  The City has a variety of trails including Rotary Way and the NorthStar Rails to Trails.  Cycling, jogging and walking are some of the activities you can enjoy. Please maintain the 2m distancing, and make extra space on the right of the trail when someone is passing you from the opposite direction.
   
• Tennis and Pickleball 
• Keep 2 metres apart at all times, including if you are waiting for a court
• Limit play to singles, or doubles play with partners from the same household or within your small circle 
• Do not share racquets or other equipment
• Clearly mark your ball and refrain from picking up others’ tennis or pickleballs
• Casual game play only: no lessons or league play allowed
• Remain courteous and limit play time to 30 mins when others are waiting
• Leave the court when you are done
   
• Disc Golf
  Keep well distanced and limit your groups to three participants (four if within family or close circle). Do not share discs.  Please use the “Ten foot Gimme”  - If you are within ten feet of the basket, don’t putt it out - to help limit hand contact at the basket.
   
• Basketball Courts – McKinnon Park
  Two nets are now open at the McKinnon Park location.   For individual and family use.  Users should not share equipment.
   
• Skateboard Park
  Keep your distance while skateboarding.  Do not share equipment.  If the park is busy, please try another time.  Please do not congregate in the area if you are not participating in the activity.  The onus is on the users to work within these guidelines to ensure the facility is able to remain opened.
   
• City Playgrounds and the Seniors Fitness Park (Western Financial Place)
  These facilities are open. These facilities are not cleaned, so users are strongly urged to bring their own hand sanitizer and follow the general safety guidelines.
   
• Fishing
  Idlewild Lake remains open for fishing.  Keep your distance and don’t forget to follow the Provincial Fishing Regulations currently in place.
   
• Riding Arena (Idlewild Park)
  For individual use only. Please limit to no more than two horses on site at a time, and limit riding if others are waiting.

While each activity has some specific guidelines, the public is responsible for deciding on whether they choose to participate or to use these spaces.  Remember that no matter which activity, you should abide by these general guidelines:

• stay home and away from others if you are sick
• following physical distancing by keeping at least 2m apart from others
• practicing good hygiene by washing hands before and after visiting amenities
• be self sufficient and carry your own hand sanitizer/wipes
• keeping your circle small.  Keep your group limited to members of your household and very select friends/family
• no congregating in groups and no large group activities
• wait your turn at a safe distance and give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the facilities

You can continue to find the latest news and information around the COVID-19 response at https://cranbrook.ca/residents/covid-19-updates-information/. You can also find important links to additional information from both provincial and federal health agencies and governments.