Welcome to the Varsity Community Association

FALL 2020 Building and Program Update – Varsity Community Association

Varsity Community Association is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for the community.  2020 has provided us with a significant number of challenges including a global pandemic and fire damage to the community association building.  The team at VCA has been working through the logistics required for a phased approach to re-opening the building.    As we have a significant number of user groups that access VCA, we need to take thoughtful steps in our re-opening to reduce risks to participants and staff and ensure the long term success of future programming.   We appreciate that many users are anxious to get back to their old routines and access the facility.  We too look forward to launching community initiatives.   Most activities and services that VCA provides are not recommended until the province enters Stage 3 of relaunch.    With this in mind, we will continue to work with the City of Calgary and Alberta Health Services resources to determine not only what programs and services can launch, but how we can safely facilitate these activities.

Varsity Out of School Care – Space available in all programs.
The relaunch of our Out of School Care Program has been a huge success especially with the implementation of the Aimy Contactless Sign In / Out app.  We would like to thank all our parents for working with our staff and making this transition a success.  As of Nov 24th new Mandatory AHS restrictions will see Grades K-6 move to at-home learning for the week of January 4-8.  We look forward to seeing everyone back on January 11th.

Varsity Park Rink Update
Dec 2020
The Varsity Park outdoor rinks have not yet been flooded for the 2020/21 season.  With the recent warm weather, further provincial restrictions on social gatherings and in an effort to keep our volunteer crews safe, we will hold off on a decision to make ice until after the New Year.  We appreciate that outdoor rinks provide a recreation opportunity and hope to feel comfortable with preparing the ice in early 2021.  Please check back here for updates.

VCA Programs
With current case counts of COVID 19 increasing and additional restrictions being added to curb the spread, the VCA will not be running any group programs (indoor or outdoor) for the winter session (Jan. – Mar. 2021). We will re-assess for the spring session (Apr. – Jun. 2021) but expect all programs to be deferred until AHS approves a Stage 3 re-launch strategy.

On Dec. 1, 2020 a phone-in town hall was held specifically for the sport and recreation industry. Information was given and questions were answered by Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Minister Doug Schweitzer, and MLA Martin Long. The main message was that group fitness (or gatherings of any kind) from meditation to spin classes have been a significant source of community spread. Despite all the protocols in place, breaches though unintended, have increased the spread of the virus. Which is why group activities of any kind have had to be cancelled.

The VCA will be following all AHS and City of Calgary restrictions and guidelines to keep our community safe. Indeed, extra care will be taken, considering that many of our programs are for seniors which are at the greatest risk for serious disease outcomes.

For now we ask that everyone stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, socially distance and limit your contacts.

Please check the website for up to date program information