On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Premier Jason Kenney unveiled new measures that will be in effect until January 12 at the earliest. The new measures include many restrictions and closures for various service industries, including Drumheller's recreation facilities and events.

The Premier announced that closures would take effect Sunday, December 13 at 12:01am. This effectively closes Town Hall, the Drumheller Aquaplex, Badlands Community Facility and the Drumheller Memorial arena to the public. The Government of Alberta Website states that outdoor recreation is permitted, but facilities with indoor spaces except for washrooms will be closed.

"We recognize the importance of the provincial measures, and we've been following the guidelines very closely since we re-opened in September," states Darren Goldthorpe, Manager of Recreation Arts and Culture. "Our team is working quickly to contact our clients who have reserved spaces with us. Memberships and payments have been paused during this closure and will resume when the member is ready to return. We appreciate everyone's support as we work through this, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at our facilities when it is safe to do so."

All memberships and automatic membership payments will be suspended. When the Town facilities are permitted to reopen, memberships will be reactivated upon the request of each member; the same process is in place from the September re-opening.

Town Hall will be closed to the public effective Friday, December 11 at 4:30pm until January 12 at the earliest.

The announcements have also effectively cancelled all the festive events, with some exceptions. The Chief Medical Officer of Health announced yesterday that drive-by or drive-in events are still permitted, provided participants remain in their vehicles.

"We are permitted to have drive-in fireworks," states Karen Schneck, the Community Events Coordinator for the Town of Drumheller. "Our live music streams, markets, visits with Santa and other festive events are unable to proceed, but I believe we can make the best out of the fireworks and still enjoy some festive cheer!"

A reminder that there are a few local COVID-19 Community Response Programs available to those in need. 

Supporting documentation:

Enhanced Public Health Measures
COVID-19 Community Response Programs