Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
March 02, 2021 - 2:56 PM
Kamloops has set aside some recreational facilities to give Interior Health space for vaccination clinics.
The curling rink at McArthur Island and a portion of the TCC Fieldhouse will be used to provide space for mass vaccinations, according to a City of Kamloops media release.
The City estimates the locations will be closed to the public for seven months, or until the space is no longer needed.
Along with providing space to health authorities, the City will provide municipal staff for cleaning, maintenance and parking control.
"This will come at a cost to the City and an inconvenience to our community, but it is absolutely worth it for the health and wellness of our community," Mayor Ken Christian said in the release.
The curling rink does have limited use over the summer, so the City does not see a large impact on residents, but it will provide "modified access" to the field house while in-use by Interior Health.
The TCC will use a half-track loop and reduced exercise stations, and there will be no drop-in basketball or table tennis. Entry to the fieldhouse floor will also be modified, the City said.
The City of Kamloops has also set aside on hockey sheet at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre if Interior Health needs the added space.
Because of the vaccination clinics, spring and summer activities have been cancelled. Winter programs, however, end in March and will not be cancelled.
Residents can check the City website here for updated activity schedules.
Memberships to the facilities will not be cancelled because while modified, they are still open. Memberships that are impacted by the modified access can be cancelled without penalty by emailing prcaccount@kamloops.ca.
The facilities will have designation parking for patients attending the clinics, so parking may be limited once the vaccination clinics begin.
Vaccination booking will be open to seniors age 90 and over, and Aboriginal seniors age 65 and older, as of March 8. Bookings can be arranged by calling 1-877-740-7747 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.
More information for the Interior Health Phase 2 vaccine strategy can be found here.
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