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Red Deer’s Westerner Park looks to a future without restrictions

Planning for Westerner Days in July has begun
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FILE - Red Deer Rebels goalie Connor Ungar hunts for a loose puck against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Feb. 11, 2022 in WHL action at the Peavey Mart Centrium. (File photo by Advocate Staff)

The prospect of eliminating capacity limits on large venues in the near future could come just in time for Western Hockey League’s playoff action at Westerner Park.

Last week Premier Jason Kenney announced that COVID capacity limits would remain in place for now for those that host 500 people or more. But the plan is to remove capacity limits on large venues by March 1, all indoor masking rules, and social gathering limits.

Alberta’s vaccine passport has already been eliminated.

Westerner Park’s CEO Mike Olesen said the hockey playoffs will help gauge the public’s appetite to participate in indoor events.

“We’ve had the winningest Rebels team that we’ve had for a long time, and I think as excitement builds towards the playoffs that will start to tell the tale as to how ready people are to come back and gather in large ways,” Olesen said.

Playoffs are anticipated to start in mid-April.

He said there will be many fans who are excited to return, and others will still be a bit trepidatious about crowds.

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He said Rebels games have gone from no restrictions, to no fans, to limited capacity, to no food or beverage allowed, to modified food and beverage.

“We’ve had to do nothing but pivot on a pretty constant basis so I’ll look forward to some stability and giving us the chance to work towards an expected program.”

He said getting rid of restrictions gives the Westerner a lot of opportunity, but there is a lagging effect.

“It will still be a progressive build-up process to getting back to ‘normal.’ It will be a process, but not unexpected. We’re just focusing on servicing our clients now and ramping up for Westerner Days.”

Planning the parade and all that goes with Westerner Days in July has begun.

“We’re excited about that for sure.”

But next fall is when activity will really heat up with the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Agri-Trade and hockey. In the meantime, the focus is on making sure the facilities are great condition and having the Westerner team ready to adapt to what event planners need, Olesen said.

Related:

Alberta to start lifting COVID restrictions, including vaccine passport

“We have a pretty diverse set of events that could come to Westerner Park, whether it be a dairy show or a wedding, hockey games and rodeos. We’re here for the community and we recognize that we need good exciting things happening so that we can come together and gather again, so that’s what we’re looking to do.

“I believe we’ve weathered this storm well. We’re just proud of our team for hanging in there through these difficult times.”



szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com

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