Kin Arenas re-opening under Covid-19 safety protocols…

PRINCE GEORGE, BC: Starting on Monday, August 17, the Kin Arenas will reopen to user groups following a five-month closure due to Covid-19.  Arena staff have prepared the arenas to operate during these unique circumstances. For example, the facilities must be operated according to the requirements of the Province of BC and the Provincial Health Officer, the BC Centre for Disease Control, WorkSafe BC, as well as the City’s own COVID-19 Safety Plan.

The City has created a safety plan specifically for arenas that outlines critical information on the use of the facilities in ways that help to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 amongst participants and staff.

Kin Arena rules and procedures will include:

• Access will be limited to those participating in the booked activity (i.e. participants, instructors, coaches).
• Separate entrances and exits have been identified for each arena.
• Participants must come dressed in full gear including skates (with skate guards) or shoes and a full water bottle. Use of water stations will not be permitted. No other food and drink may be brought into the facility.
• Family and friends of participants will not be permitted access into the facility.
• Player/participant dressing rooms are not available for use at this time due to the limited number of people who can use the change rooms while physically distancing. Areas have been designated at each arena where participants will assemble before proceeding to the ice.

The City of Prince George is providing group organizers with maps of the arenas and instructions to help them navigate the buildings as well as a list of the procedures and processes. On-site signage is also present throughout the Kin Arenas to help participants.

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“Following Council’s direction, City staff are pleased to be re-opening the Kin Arenas to user groups and are aiming to provide a high level of service while ensuring the safety of everyone involved,” says Adam Davey, Director of Community Services and Public Safety with the City of Prince George. “The City is doing its best to keep pace with recommendations and orders from various government bodies and authorities in a constantly changing situation. As such, when rules and recommendations change, the City and its procedures will adapt.”

During the July 27 meeting of Council, Council voted to re-open civic facilities concentrated in Exhibition Park, namely the Kin Arenas and the Prince George Aquatic Centre, in order to provide service to residents. In order to address millions of dollars in lost revenue due to Covid-19, Council opted to keep the CN Centre, Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, Four Seasons Leisure Pool, Elksentre Arena, and the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre closed for the remainder of the year.

The Prince George Aquatic Centre is scheduled to reopen with Covid-19 safety protocols in place on September 8, 2020. Visitors to the Aquatic Centre will need to register in advance for specific periods of time; registration will begin on August 31. Further information about registering to visit the Aquatic Centre will be provided later this month.

Written and released by City of Prince George