Maple Ridge council wants to open recreation to unvaccinated

Maple Ridge City council will be asking the province to allow unvaccinated people to access recreation facilities in the city.

Coun. Chelsa Meadus proposed the motion based on maintaining the physical and mental health of residents.

“Meaningful leisure activity contributes to the wellbeing of our citizens,” Meadus said in Tuesday’s council meeting, adding that programs and facilities reduce isolation, promote community pride, increase self esteem, build community connections and more.

“Our citizens want access to civic facilities for themselves, their children and their parents. Senior isolation, mental health, community disconnection are all serious challenges we are experiencing,” she said.

Under current public health orders, visitors must show full vaccination and a piece of valid government photo ID to access the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre, which includes the fitness centre, aquatics facility, group fitness, squash and racquetball courts and gymnasium. The Greg Moore Youth Centre is exempt from proof of vaccination.

Meadus noted that a provincial survey about the impacts of COVID-19 showed almost half of respondents said their mental health had worsened due to the pandemic. Almost 400,000 took the survey.

Council passed her motion, which stated:

“Whereas the city of Maple Ridge recognizes the negative impact on mental health caused by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mental and physical benefits of recreation for our citizens, therefore be it resolved that the mayor request the provincial minister of health allow all individuals access to civic recreation facilities paid for and maintained by their tax dollars without restrictions in order to minimize social isolation and promote positive mental health…”

She asked that the motion that it be copied to UBCM and other BC municipalities.

Mayor Mike Morden said he has emails from residents who want access to facilities, or failing that, requesting tax refunds.

Councillors Gordy Robson spoke against the motion, saying “We should be leaving the matters of public health to the province and to (provincial health officer) Bonnie Henry, and I don’t think it should be decided by politicians.”

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Coun. Ahmed Yousef agreed there is a need for public recreation, but voted against the motion.

“I would have loved to see this motion come forward a year or so ago,” he said, adding that mandates are being drawn down, and restrictions being lifted.

Meadus said there is currently no “end date” to the vaccine mandates for many people.

“This includes many people who have had their first shot but experienced complications and under doctor recommendation have been advised not to receive the second shot,” she said in an email to The News. “This also includes people who have all of their ‘COVID vaccinations’ including the booster, but do not want to participate in a passport system. This also includes people who have strong religious convictions and have not been given a religious exemption.”

Meadus said she hears residents’ concerns about the vaccine mandates.

“Especially given how much we have now learned about the evolution of Covid, it is very difficult for someone like me to explain to the public that you can attend a packed night club, become intoxicated and dance with strangers all night, but a parent cannot watch their child swimming through glass, with a mask six feet away from any other human beings,” she said.

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