Since September 27, 2021, Drumheller’s facilities implemented the provincial Restrictions Exemption Program (REP), which required operators to ensure all patrons/attendees aged 12 and over to provide valid proof of vaccination, proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service or documentation of a medical exemption. Effective 11:59pm on February 8, 2022, REP has come to an end; patrons are no longer required to provide any documentation in order to access Drumheller’s recreation facilities. This update also impacts both Town Hall and Public Works’ meeting room spaces that had REP administered back in November of 2021. 

Premier Jason Kenney announced at a news conference on February 8 that Alberta will be ‘taking steps to return to normal’, which consists of a careful and prudent plan to phase out public health measures.  The three-step approach begins on February 9 and will progress to the next steps once conditions show Alberta’s health system’s capacity is recovering.

Step 1 includes:

• Restrictions Exemption Program removed, along with most associated restrictions.
• Capacity limits in large facilities and entertainment venues (500+) remain in place, but food and beverages now allowed in seats.
• Capacity limits for locations not covered under the REP program are removed.
• Mandatory masking requirements removed for:
• children 12 and under in all settings as of February 14
• children and youth in schools for any age as of February 14

“Our staff will continue routine cleaning, distancing, masking and isolating when feeling unwell,” begins Darren Goldthorpe, Manager of Recreation, Arts and Culture. “Indoor masking is still in effect and will be until March 1 at the earliest. Thank you to our patrons for being cooperative and patient during this time, but we ask that they continue to follow the provincial guidelines when in our facilities, including masking.” Goldthorpe also noted that users will not have to return to online for their recreation time at the Drumheller Memorial Arena, Badlands Community Facility or Drumheller Aquaplex.

The Arena will continue to have capacity restrictions in place until Step 2, but food and beverages are now allowed back in seats.

Supporting documentation: COVID-19 public health actions.