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Vaccine passports 'have not been ruled out' for access to Capitol Centre

'Of course, it's a touchy subject but it may be something that has to be done'
20200724 Capitol Centre - interior view from stage
It might take proof of vaccination to sit in these seats when the Capitol Centre reopens this fall. Photo supplied.

In a report to North Bay City Council, Dan Misturada, the director of programming and events for North Bay's Capitol Centre advised proof of vaccine status by visitors to gain access to the facility is still under consideration by its board of directors and a decision is expected on the matter soon.

Councillor Mac Bain asked about the precautions the Capitol Centre will be taking upon reopening following Misturada's presentation during Tuesday's regular meeting.

In observance of the most recent public health measures, Misturada told Council masks would be required and the on-site ticket procurement system will be physically distanced. The flow of the patrons will begin by entering the front door and markers placed to direct traffic. Cleaning will be augmented, including using an electrostatic cleaner to sanitize the fabric theatre seats.

Then, when asked by Bain about the possibility of using vaccine passports for access to the Capitol Centre, Misturada replied he would have that answer for certain once the board convenes after its summer hiatus.

"We have not ruled out a passport," Misturada stated. "We are currently in talks with all the venues in Canada through our network to discuss how to best go about reopening and, specifically, the topic of vaccination passports has come up. 

"Of course, it's a touchy subject but it may be something that has to be done. We are not ruling it out but at this point, we have not made a decision."
The 15-member board typically includes two elected City of North Bay councillors, one liaison for the North Bay Symphony Orchestra, one liaison for the WKP Kennedy Art Gallery, and nine citizens elected by the Board of the Capitol Centre and its membership.

The discussion on whether or not to implement vaccine passports has been heating up recently, with various business sectors, provinces, and political parties weighing in on the matter.

It has extended to foreign travel: Feds say vaccine passports for foreign travel will roll out in early fall

And, has been debated south of the border: Will we need vaccine passports to do fun things?

"We are very carefully planning our new season and we are extremely thrilled to announce we are launching a full season," said Misturada, with programming running from mid-October through May. An announcement about future shows will come in September.

Bluesfest is returning as a four-day event September 2–5, Misturada noted. And, the WKP Kennedy Art Gallery is planning a full slate of exhibits and will focus on fundraising and community engagement. The annual Capitol Centre Gala is slated for November. 

The Capitol Centre pivoted to offering online entertainment programming during the pandemic as large gatherings were forbidden by public health measures.

See related: Capitol Centre wondering why it cannot open

The Capitol Centre is a City-owned asset run by a non-profit organization. Government grants have been accessed and fundraising efforts will continue but Misturada warned a greater capital investment will be necessary for upkeep in the 90-year old building, including repairs to one of the structure's parapets that has caused safety issues. 

"There are several large projects on the horizon over the next 12 months and beyond," advised Misturada. "Financially, we have done everything we can to put ourselves in a good spot to assist in weathering the storm until full-capacity audiences and increased rental revenue returns."

Misturada observed there will be additional costs associated with a full reopening, especially if the Capitol Centre's audience is restricted to below capacity.

"We will continue to do everything we can to be financially responsible," he said, "while continuing to provide quality arts and entertainment experiences to our community."


Stu Campaigne

About the Author: Stu Campaigne

Stu Campaigne is a full-time news reporter for BayToday.ca, focusing on local politics and sharing our community's compelling human interest stories.
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