The Community
Press Lest We Forget
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Volume 114, Issue 18
$1 Including GST
s ’ s P ’ M P C M R RC n i k n i p k m p P Puum h c t h c a t P a P
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTOS
The Killam RCMP Detachment looked like a pumpkin patch on Friday, Oct. 29 as the 2021 Pumpkin Carving Contest entries were on display. Entries came in from all over Flagstaff County, and showed off the skills and creativity of Flagstaffʼs youngest pumpkin carvers. The winners were picked by blind judging done by Sgt. Colin Thorne on Friday at noon. See the winning entries inside on Page 12.
Sedgewick and Killam recreation facilities both to institute Province’s REP program starting this Friday Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Friends of the Sedgewick Recreation Board announced on Friday, Oct. 29 that as of Nov. 1, the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre would operate under the Province’s Restriction Exemption Program (REP). The board passed the motion during their Executive meeting on Oct. 25. Chair Andrew Hampshire says, “One of the biggest reasons was to allow sit down/dine in meals for our concession.” He adds, “Plus a vast majority of other local arenas are implementing a REP program. “With the BR Knights playing in both Killam and Sedgewick, we’ve been trying to keep both facilities on the same program for simplicity’s
sake.” Hampshire says under the REP regulations the entire Rec Centre will be under the program, including the bowling and curling sides.” Killam Director of Community Services Charlene Sutter confirmed that effective Friday, Nov. 5, the Killam Agriplex will also implement REP. “Town Council approved to implement REP at their Thursday, Oct. 28, meeting.” She confirms that implementation procedures will be nearly identical in both facilities. Under the REP rules, all patrons age 12 and older, unless they are actual participants under the age of 18, must provide personal identification along with either proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19
test result from a sample taken within the prior 72 hours, or an original vaccine medical exemption letter. Sutter notes, “Masks are still mandatory under this program.” In both facilities, youth participating in activities are not required to adhere to the REP conditions. The rules will apply to the entire facility, except the Sedgewick Library, who will institute their own rules as they have a separate entrance, and in Killam, the Gym and Indoor Playground are also able to operate under their own rules, as they both have separate entrances. Hampshire says in Sedgewick, “Enforcement will be looked after by our Rec Centre Manager, and extra staff will most likely be needed at times. “We are hoping that volunteers can be utilized as much as possible to
avoid extra costs.” He says enforcement will be easier on the bowling and curling sides because of smaller participation numbers, adding, “But when hockey is going it will take a lot of work to enforce the program. “I hope that the large minor hockey group will be able to help out the arenas as much as possible. “It seems like most people are used to showing their vaccination record.” Hampshire adds, “It seems like regulations are changing all the time and we will do whatever keeps our users the safest.” Hampshire notes that come Nov. 15, the only accepted proof of vaccination will be the QR code provided by Alberta Heath’s proof of vaccination, which must be accompanied by identification.