The Telus Convention Centre will serve as a mass vaccination site for Calgary beginning April 5.
In a release Monday, Alberta Health Services said it was chosen due to the central location, along with access to transit and parking. There will be free parking at the location, for those receiving a vaccination.
In April last year, the Telus Convention Centre was opened for use by the Calgary Drop-In Centre clients.
“Calgarians have been incredible in their actions to keep each other safe throughout this pandemic. With vaccines now available for many, having a central location that could facilitate a huge vaccination effort was critical,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
“That’s why The City is partnering to invest in the space required to solve the logistical element of this public health effort.”
The space is opened up through a partnership between AHS, The City of Calgary and the Telus Convention Centre.
“We are proud to be called on to support our province’s response to COVID-19 and provide a safe and clean space for our community to be vaccinated,” says Kurby Court, President and CEO of convention centre.
“This is one of the most meaningful events we will ever host and we will work closely with our local and provincial partners for a seamless transition into a vaccination site.”
According to information provided by AHS, it’s expected the site will be open between eight and 16 hours a day, seven days a week for those eligible for vaccines. It will be by appointment only, they said. There will be no drop-in service.
All entrants will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and proper public health measures will be implemented at the sites.
It’s expected that thousands of Calgarians per day could be vaccinated at the site. There will be 100 stations at the site, with the potential to expand to 120 stations.
Details on bookings for this site are expected later this month.
