The Town of Ponoka is implementing new restrictions in response to the latest provincial health announcements, including shutting down the Ponoka Aquaplex.
As of Saturday, Dec. 12, the pool will be closed until further notice.
The town advises all Aquaplex memberships will be paused during the closure and will be reactivated once the facility is able to reopen again.
The Ponoka Arena Complex, curling rink, racquetball courts and Hudson’s Green Community Activity Centre also remain temporarily closed until further notice.
Outdoor recreation facilities remain open with restrictions.
“The Town knows how important it is to provide access to outdoor recreational facilities for our citizens, especially when our indoor rec facilities have to be closed to help prevent the spread of this virus,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett in a news release.
“That’s why town staff are working so hard to keep these outdoor facilities open while also putting measures in place to comply with current provincial health restrictions,” he said.
The Outdoor Rink (ODR) at the Arena Complex remains open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a maximum of 10 people allowed on the ice surface at once.
ODR users are asked to limit their time on the ice during each visit to allow other users who may be waiting for an opportunity to use the facility.
The ice at the new Downtown Skating Plaza and at the skating trail in Lions Centennial Park will also soon be ready for citizens to lace up their skates and enjoy some exercise and fresh air.
Town staff and the Ponoka East District Fire Department are working to prepare the ice at those two locations as quickly as possible.
The maximum number of people permitted on the Outdoor Skating Plaza at one time is 10 due to provincial health restrictions.
Users at all other outdoor recreation facilities are asked to stay two metres from people who are not part of their household and to follow all other provincial health requirements. Wearing a mask at outdoor recreation facilities is encouraged.
“We’re asking our citizens to help keep these facilities open during the pandemic by diligently following all measures being put in place,” said Bonnett.
He notes that if the town receives reports of individuals not following provincial health requirements at outdoor facilities such as the ODR, there is a risk that these facilities will be required to close to protect public health and safety.
If you have questions or concerns about lack of compliance with public health orders, you can call 1-833-415-9179.
- With a file from the Town of Ponoka