HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt Community Gathering Place has dropped their vaccination requirement for attendees and will be leaving masking requirements up to event organizers for their bookings beginning in March.
The Community Gathering Place is a non-profit facility providing rental space for a variety of events for community members. It's operated by a board, part-time manager, casual caretaker and has membership for anyone 18 or older.
Kari Cenciosi, the Gathering Place's manager, said over the past two and a half years business has been lighter than normal with membership dropping by half.
In October, a COVID-19 wave resulted in events being cancelled for the venue including a planned weekly open-mic night for local musicians as well as a fundraiser sock hop scheduled with the Soup Kitchen. Per provincial regulations, places of worship, weddings, funerals and wakes did not require proof of vaccination, but she said with the COVID-19 wave some have still needed to cancel.
“It’s been difficult to rent any of the halls for the facility because of the mandates and the restrictions we have had to abide by,” Cenciosi said.
“We have two halls, one that’s a more intimate hall with activities in it like pool tables and scuffle board, etc. A lot of people would be wanting to come to a facility such as that one if they felt like they aren’t restricted, so I do think it would help.”
Cenciosi said the Gathering Place board will be meeting in early March, who will determine the protocols and policy they have in place moving forward.
“If somebody rents the hall and they feel apprehensive about the situation they can certainly require their attendees to wear masks.”
If anyone has questions pertaining to their policy, Cenciosi asks that they reach out to the Gathering Place at 306-682-3864.
