Saskatoon city council will expand proof of vaccination rules for city-owned leisure centres, rinks

Saskatoon city council has voted to move forward with vaccine restrictions at civic leisure centres and rinks.

On Friday morning, councillors voted unanimously in favour of requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result for everyone aged 12 and older entering city-operated rinks and leisure centres.

"I think the report does a great job of outlining the reasons to close the gaps that we've identified since initially implementing the provincial public health order," said Councillor Hilary Gough.

"I think the recommendation is solid."

The new rules expand on earlier rules set down by the provincial health order. Previously, anyone over the age of 12 entering a leisure centre to use the weight room or a running track had to provide proof of vaccination, whereas people using the swimming pool did not.

Now, the rules will apply to people using pools and city-owned arenas.

The report said the decision was made after consulting with the provincial government, as well as the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

City workers and people using leisure centres had complained that the previous rules were confusing and inconsistent.

The new measures do not include public libraries or city hall. The city's solicitor said that both facilities were not mentioned in the Oct. 1 provincial health order and were being treated as essential services by the provincial government. 

A motion was made for administration to write a report to examine further protective controls at city hall, but it was defeated by council.

Introducing the rules

The city said it would be working with any groups that use the facilities to help them in bringing in the new requirements.

Councillor Darren Hill wanted an ease-in period, especially for minor hockey players over 12 who may not have been fully vaccinated.

"We're looking at alienating or restricting access for a number of youth between the ages of 12 and 18," he said.

"They may have gotten their first vaccination at the start of the school year, but are waiting for the second."

Masks will still be required outside of pools in leisure centres and for spectators in city-owned arenas. 

Administration said it was aiming to have the rules be in place by Oct. 15.

Provincial measures

During the council meeting, city manager Jeff Jorgenson told council that the mayor's office had received official confirmation from the provincial government that Saskatchewan will not be bringing in any extra gathering measures. 

Last week, Saskatoon City Council voted to send a letter to the provincial government, asking them to bring in extra COVID restrictions for the city of Saskatoon. Those restrictions included a limit on private gatherings inside homes to 15 people.

The measure was meant to slow down the number of COVID-19 cases in the city, which continues to lead the province.

In a previous emailed statement, Mayor Charlie Clark said he was worried about the health system's situation and asked people gathering during Thanksgiving weekend to be careful.