Allanburg Community centre remains closed over vaccination concerns

The Allanburg Community Centre will not be opening its doors next month after learning that city- and provincial policies will require volunteers to inquire about visitors vaccination status.

The decision was made on Monday night after the management board met with a city official who informed them of the requirements, brought on by city- and provincial policies.

“This is insane. I’m speechless,” exclaimed long-time volunteer Debbie Eller.

“So we will have to meet anyone who wants to see the hall and make sure they are double vaccinated?” Eller asked.

“That is correct. As a board that is your mandate,” responded Curtis Dray, manager of community services with the city.

The community centre in Allanburg has functioned as a gathering spot for private events and some activities such as karate and line dancing, but has been closed since March of 2020.

Monday night’s meeting concluded that the original plans to open back up in December will not happen, and that the earliest date for the arena to open back up could be January.

All city facilities are, much like private establishments, required to check proof of vaccination, however most of those facilities have paid staff carrying out those duties.

Volunteers with the Allanburg Centre expressed concerns over being put in potentially hostile situations when inquiring about vaccination status.

“That is too much to swallow. Where else do you have volunteers asking about vaccination? It is a tough question to ask. There is no way I am putting myself in that situation and I cant imagine that any volunteer would. I think the city should step up,” Eller said.

“You are putting volunteers in potentially hostile situations with no support, no backup, no nothing. You want us to stand at the door and confirm everyone’s status as we are a restaurant. There is a lot of angry people out there. They don’t like being told they cannot come in. I can’t see anyone standing there without support. What am I going to do when someone learns they can’t let their kid in?” asked another volunteer, Kyle Berketo.

Another meeting will be held in December to decide the future of the opening.