Evraz Place prepares for mass vaccinations

Many of those who are itching to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Regina will likely be doing so at Evraz Place, whenever the time comes.

A mass immunization clinic at the International Trade Centre is set to open in the near future, as is a drive-through clinic nearby.

No dates have been confirmed yet.

However, the facility’s management is eager to get started.

Tim Reid, CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), told The Greg Morgan Morning Show that running a vaccine clinic is well within the organization’s field of expertise.

“The nice thing with it is, we’re in the business of moving people every day. It’s not really that bizarre in our normal times to move thousands of people in or out of a building … We’re very fortunate in the fact that we have lots of indoor space, so we should be able to administer service probably better than many other places,” he said.

That being said, he does anticipate some challenges popping up.

“What’s unique about it is that we have to do it differently. We have to keep people physically distanced. We have to make sure that the credentials are in place and the checkpoints are in place,” he explained.

Still, it’s an adjustment he believes they’ll be able to make.

“Our reminder is: Be patient with us,” Reid said. “We’re going to learn like every other jurisdiction in Canada … But I have no doubt it will come with some hiccups.”

Vaccine timelines bring hope for events

After a nearly complete shutdown one year ago at the beginning of the pandemic, activity is starting to return to Evraz Place.

The WHL’s East Division hub is set to get underway, with the first games scheduled Friday.

On top of that, the provincial government recently revealed target dates for when different age groups among the general population will be able to schedule vaccinations. All adults in the province are expected to be eligible by June 14.

All of that movement in a positive direction has Reid feeling optimistic that large events will be able to make a return to the city.

“It certainly highlights things like a (Saskatchewan Roughriders) season, or some summer concerts, or an opportunity to host some elements of Queen City Ex. I think it’s much more opportune today than it was a few weeks ago, and I think it’s more positive,” he said.

Still, events people likely would see in early summer are likely off the table.

“When you talk about big events, we need a minimum of 90 days to pull them off. So without the certainty around vaccines in June … what happens with (Canada’s Farm Show) is still a struggle,” Reid explained.