The Town of Stettler continues to monitor the gradual reopening of local facilities.
With the next phase of re-openings announced recently for the province, the Town of Stettler has moved ahead with a number of re-starts to various facilities in the community.
“We are constantly evolving with it,” said Greg Switenky, CAO of the Town of Stettler, referring to the process of reopening overall.
“There are all kinds of different degrees about what opening means. We are still in discussion about what are the community’s expectations, what are the guidelines from the Province - I think a lot of it is up to us to determine how far we can go and what responsibilities we have with our public when they go to various places,” he said.
“We have to thank all of our public and all Albertans for being so responsible and taking this seriously,” he added. “No matter what the facility is, the user also has to protect themselves,” he said.
”We are pleased - we always like to be right on top of these things - and we also really appreciate the cooperation we have received from our local public health inspectors, too.
“They’ve been marvellous at helping us unravel and navigate the guidelines that need interpretation with every specific facility and situation that we have,” he said, adding that ultimately, self-assessment throughout the pandemic has been a critical aspect to keeping safe and healthy.
In the meantime, health and safety protocols have been set in coordination with Alberta Health Services and may be monitored on site.
As for what is now up and running again, the list includes the Stettler Public Library, the Fitness Centre, the SRC HUB, and the Stettler Spray Park.
Still slated to open are the Stettler Community Hall on June 22nd (bookings now available); the SRC Meeting Rooms on June 22nd (bookings are now available as well).
A shutdown procedure was also completed at the SRC Aquatic Centre during the temporary closure.
“We appreciate your patience as our crew prepares the pool for reopening. Further information on an opening date will be provided when available,” noted a web site.
“In order to maintain health and sanitation standards, limited access may be available at these facilities; change rooms will be closed until further notice at the SRC, and washrooms will be closed at the Stettler Spray Park.”
Manager of Recreation and Culture Brad Robbins mentioned that, from a recreation perspective, residents need to be prepared to see things as being a bit different from the regular kind of scenarios.
“When you come to the recreation centre, or enter the Fitness Centre, everybody has to still be diligent on what those top things are - the physical distancing, the general hands hygiene, keeping your hands from your face, coughing safely — all those types of things.
“That isn’t going away anytime soon. Expect when you go to the Recreation Centre - before you get to the front desk - that there are going to be two stops you have to make before you get there to get yourself protected. That’s not just for you; that’s for staff and other patrons that are in the building,” he explained.
“We are trying to stay on top of this the best that we can.”