City won't allow unaccompanied children inside arenas

The City of Cambridge says unaccompanied children under the age of 10 will not be permitted in any of its facilities.

"Unaccompanied participants under the age of 10 years are not permitted within City facilities," deputy city manager Hardy Bromberg wrote in an email, adding the safety measures are consistent with neighbouring municipalities.

The answer comes after Cambridge lawyer Stephen Penney spoke to CambridgeToday about what he feels is a misinterpretation of the provincial mandate around proof of vaccination which came into effect Sept. 22.

Penney, whose 8 and 10-year-old boys play for Cambridge Minor Hockey Association, said he thinks the city is not exercising its discretion to allow unvaccinated parents to accompany their minor children into arenas for health and safety reasons.

He planned on sending his kids into to the arena alone to attend hockey tryouts this month until he clarified with the city that it wouldn't be possible.

Fortunately he has family members who are vaccinated and have agreed to assist, he said. 

"Since the beginning of the pandemic the City has followed all provincial government and Public Health requirements in an effort to keep our community safe and our programs open," Bromberg said.

The city is asking for patience as they navigate the screening process and has placed "additional staff" at all entrance points to assist, he added.

The city encourages residents to “Check before you Rec” before visiting any public spaces to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.