Proof of Vaccination Required at the

Community Complex

Beginning Wednesday, September 22, as per Provincial regulations, anyone entering an indoor recreation facility is required to provide their vaccination receipt or medical exemption along with proof of identification. Acceptable proof of identification is a piece of government-issued ID that has the name and date of birth of the identification holder, for example a birth certificate, citizenship card, driver’s licence, health card, status card, passport or permanent residence card.

Vaccination is a key element in protecting the community from the hazard of COVID-19.
Since COVID-19 vaccines became available in Ontario in the spring of 2021, public health officials have strongly recommended that all eligible individuals receive the vaccine to protect themselves and others and to protect hospital capacity rates.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) the town has a duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. This includes taking measures to protect employees from contracting COVID-19.

What you can expect:

You will be required to show proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including the 14-day waiting period). Vaccination receipts may be shown electronically or in hard copy and must be shown at every visit.

The Ministry of Health has indicated that vaccination information cannot be retained, and that proof is required upon each entry to the facility.
Proof is required by anyone 18+ upon entry or re-entry into the Complex
People aged 17 years and under who are entering the facility solely for the purpose of participating in an indoor organized sport (training, practices, games, lessons and competitions) are not required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19. Please note that while the Provincial regulations state that youth ages 17 and under do not require proof of vaccination while participating in recreational sport, individual sports associations have the ability to take additional measures for the protection of their players, coaches and volunteers. Please review requirements for participation with your local sports association.
Currently, the Province’s interpretation of organized sport does not include public skating, public swimming, or lane swimming. This means that youth aged 12 plus must show proof of vaccination to participate in these activities.

Individuals aged 12 to 17 who are attending facilities as spectators must show proof of vaccination and government-issued ID.
Individuals aged 12 to 17 who are attending the fitness gyms must show proof of vaccination and government-issued ID.
Other public health and workplace safety measures will still apply, including masking, screening and distancing.
Security Staff onsite will work with User Groups and their identified safety officers to ensure all regulations and Safety Plans are upheld by participants, volunteers, staff, parents and spectators.

How to show proof:

Stop at the entrance to Community Complex to check in with Security. We will accept digital or paper proof of vaccination along with government-issued ID. The Government of Ontario has announced a QR code scanning process will be available beginning October 22. Municipal staff are preparing to implement this technology and are awaiting additional details from the Province to finalize I.T. requirements and processes.

Without proof and ID

You will be unable to enter the facility as a facility user or spectator unless you are exempt from showing proof of vaccination.
If you do not have proof of vaccination, those with memberships should contact reception by phone to discuss their membership refund or hold options.

Medical Exemption

Patrons who provide a written document, completed and supplied by a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”) stating that the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the effective time-period for the medical reason.

Patrons with a medical exemption are required to present identification and a written document stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason to the business or organization.

To review proof of a medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, security will ensure:

The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.

The physician’s or nurse practitioner’s information is complete by including:

Name and contact information of the physician or nurse practitioner;
Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or nurse practitioner;
Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
Any effective time-period for the medical reason which includes the date the patron is seeking access to the business or organization.

Violations

Any member of the public who willfully does not provide proof of vaccination and identification and enters the facility shall have their privileges to access to the facility revoked for an extended period of time.

The Town of Kirkland Lake reserves the right to cancel without refund the future bookings of any renter or organization whose members willfully disregard any COVID-19 regulations

To Note:

User groups’ Safety Plans are required by legislation and must be updated at any time there is a change. Staff approve the Safety Plans with assistance from Public Health.
Where possible, residents are encouraged to build in extra time to allow for necessary screening and vaccine verification when visiting facilities, especially as staff and patrons become accustomed to this new process.
Safety Officers for KLMHA will not be required to ensure screening at this time since all patrons are entering through the front door. This may be revisited in the future.
At this time there will be no entry into the arena through the player’s entrance.
Changes to these requirements may be amended based on provincial announcements and local circumstances. We will keep you informed of any developments.
Harassment or threats of violence will not be tolerated and will result in immediate ejection from the facility and a call to local law enforcement.

Individuals can download or print their vaccine receipt from the provincial booking portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.