Clearview Township arena staff have been taking some abuse from people who don’t have the proper requirements to enter the arenas, said manager Terry Vachon, and if it doesn’t stop, he will be forced to close the arenas as a temporary measure.
Arena users and spectators have to have a valid proof of vaccination with QR code to enter.
Vachon said staff, and volunteers, have been very willing to help people access their QR codes but with some people trying to get around the rules set out by the province, and even presenting fake QR codes, there have been interactions that can be described as disrespectful and abusive.
Vachon said new rules require that people have the QR code downloaded to their phone or printed out on paper so it can be scanned upon entrance to the arenas. He said staff have had encounters with people who are angry because they have been gaining admittance with a forged document but they now require the QR code, put in place to cut down on forgeries. Vachon said the abuse is coming mainly from out-of-town visitors, but not exclusively.
“There are a few locals mind you giving us some heartburn but mainly folks from out of town that drove to our community from out of town and being blindsided with this new requirement,” said Vachon. “In discussion with all of our neighbours, and user groups everybody is aware of this.”
“Our staff has been amazing, going so far as to help them get their QR codes right here on site,” said Vachon.
He said using the free wifi at the arena staff have been able to help people who are struggling with the technology, by walking them through the process.
“That is for the ones who are actually double vaccinated,” said Vachon. “We have been receiving some abuse. A lot of disrespectful people at the door who want to argue the fact that this is a requirement, thinking maybe it is the arenas that have chosen to do this when the truth is the province and the health unit have mandated by law that we do this.”
He said there isn’t one particular user group that is problematic. It’s coming from players, parents, and spectators.
“If the abuse doesn’t stop, the only option is to close down the arenas and take away the privilege that folks have of using our facilities,” said Vachon, adding that’s the worst case scenario but he hopes to raise awareness about requirements for admissions and avoid further confrontations.
“We can’t help folks who don’t want to be vaccinated but if you did get vaccinated and you want help with the QR code we will help you. We’re not in the business of wanting to turn people away,” said Vachon.
He asks for patience and respect toward those who are just doing their jobs, and following the rules, and he encourages people to ask for help.
The QR code can be downloaded at covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid- 19-vaccination, with a green Ontario health card, otherwise call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. People without a computer or mobile phone can get a certificate by mail.
Residents of Clearview can get a printed copy of their enhanced certificate with QR code free from any of the Clearview Public Library branches. People must show valid ID with their code.