Tribute Communities Centre set to reopen

Tribute Communities Centre has announced its all-inclusive reopening plan.

The plan is a blueprint of best practices, policies, and procedures the venue has put in place prior to welcoming back the public, starting with their ice users in August.

The “Together AGAIN!” custom reopening strategy was created using industry standards and recommendations; directives from local, provincial and federal governments; guidance from Health Canada, Ontario Health, World Health Organization (WHO) and the Durham Region Health Department, as well as expertise from Spectra’s leaders and subject matter experts.

In accordance with the City of Oshawa’s Reopening Plan, the Tribute Communities Centre began welcoming back ice user groups on Aug. 4 from specific sport affiliations and organizations that have COVID-19 protocols in place and will begin accepting requests from other groups as well moving forward.

Approval has also been given to welcome back the Durham Central Adult Hockey League which starts play later in September. Team registration is now underway and more information can be found at tributecommunitiescentre.com/dcahl.

As Oshawa has now entered Stage 3 of the province’s reopening plan, the Tribute Communities Centre will be entering Phase Two (A) of their own plan and will continue to make regular updates based on new guidance and requirements from public health and government officials.

Below is a summary of the key elements of the plan for ice user groups:

Social Distancing

– Limited on-ice participants based on public health guidelines.

– Signage will be posted throughout the venue reminding guests to socially distance by two metres (six feet) and observe best hygiene practices.

– Players’ bench seating will be marked to allow physical distancing.

– One guardian per on-ice participant is permitted and designated viewing areas will be available.

Cleaning and Sanitization

– Hand sanitizer stations and hand pumps will be available throughout the venue, especially in high-touch areas.

– Frequent cleaning and sanitization with Health Canada approved products in all high-touch areas and restrooms between ice user groups’ rentals.

– The Tribute Communities Centre’s Operations and Housekeeping Departments will conduct regular disinfecting utilizing electro static sprayers to supplement routine cleaning throughout the day.

– Nanoseptic strips will be provided on regular touch point items such as elevator buttons, door push bars, and accessible buttons for automatic doors.

– Cleaning logs will be maintained to document cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

– Masks will be required to be worn by staff and guests while in the venue with the exception of when ice users are on the ice surface.

– Applicable ice users are strongly encouraged to wear a full face shield on their helmets.

General 

– All staff and guests will be screened upon entrance of the venue.

– Ingress and egress points along with traffic flow patterns have been selected with physical distancing in mind.

– Access within the venue will be limited to certain areas only.

– Skaters will be required to arrive dressed and ready to skate with the exception of their skates which they will be able to lace up in designated areas as dressing rooms will not be provided at this time.

“We approached the reopening strategy through the lens of our guests, thinking about their full experience from the time they rent the ice to when they pull out of their parking spaces to head home,” says Vince Vella, Spectra’s general manager at Tribute Communities Centre. “We want our guests and our employees alike to know that every precautionary measure we’ve implemented is to ensure their health and safety while they are at the Tribute Communities Centre. We want our guests to have an enjoyable, straightforward, familiar—and above all, safe experience.”

The Tribute Communities Centre will continue to provide updates via tributecommunitiescentre.com.