Title
DEPUTATION REQUESTS CONCERNING DIRECT MOTION - RELOCATION OF VACCINATION CLINICS - REOPENING OF ICE PADS AT COMMUNITY CENTRES
The following individuals provided Deputations concerning the Direct Motion regarding the Relocation of Vaccination Clinics - Reopening of Ice Pads at Community Centres:
1. Kapil Uppal, Director of Risk Management of the Barrie Minor Hockey Association (BMHA) provided an overview on his background with BMHA that included his elected position of Director of Risk Management, as a hockey coach and as a parent of his kids that play hockey. He discussed the membership of BMHA with close to 2000 kids ranging from under five to under 18 years of age and delivering hockey and special needs programs that rely on Barrie facilities.
Mr. Uppal advised that they are not asking Council to choose between continuing vaccinations or supporting programs who rely on usage of the ice pads. He commented that they are simply asking to relocate the locations for vaccinations from the ice pads. Mr. Uppal explained the impacts in continuing programming at the BMHA by losing one or two ice surfaces and not having a commitment of all the surfaces by October 1 that included not being able to operate at full capacity, unable to move forward with registration and kids being sidelined and not able to take part of a program that is good for their physical and mental health.
Mr. Uppal urged members of Council to work together to find a solution that is fair and equitable to let kids play.
2. Steve Fontaine, General Manager of Barrie Minor Hockey Association (BMHA) thanked members of Council for the opportunity to speak to the Direct Motion and to ask as an organization that Council come to a solution that would benefit everyone. He discussed the impact of COVID-19 and the challenges faced in returning life back to normal. Mr. Fontaine explained the organization's goal of returning to the activities and programming prior to the pandemic and ultimately help r...
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